Discover the Wineries of Nova Scotia’s Wine Country
The Ultimate Guide to the Vineyards and Wineries of the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is a province rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. But did you know that it is also home to some of the finest wineries in Canada? The Annapolis Valley, located in the western part of the province, is a fertile region that produces a variety of grapes and wines, from crisp whites to robust reds. Whether you are a wine connoisseur or a casual drinker, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste in this gorgeous wine region.
We will introduce you to 12 of the best wineries in the Annapolis Valley, each with its own unique story, setting, and specialty. We will also recommend a must-try wine at each spot, so you can sample the best of what they have to offer. And if you’re looking for a fun, unforgettable way to visit them in person, join us for our vintage car wine tour experience, and enjoy the views and the vines in style!
So, without further ado, let’s get started!
Wineries
Avondale Sky, Beausoleil Farmstead, Benjamin Bridge, Bent Ridge, Blomidon Estate, Domaine de Grand Pre, Gaspereau, L’Acadie, Lightfoot & Wolfville, Lucketts, Mercator, Planters Ridge, 1365 Church Street
Avondale Sky Winery
Avondale Sky Winery is a family-owned and operated winery that was established in 2008. The winery is located on a former dairy farm in Newport Landing, overlooking the Avon River. The winery is known for its award-winning wines, made from grapes grown on its 35-acre vineyard. The winery also features a stunning tasting room, housed in a restored 180-year-old church that was moved across the river by boat.
Must-try wine: Bliss, a sparkling rosé made from L’Acadie Blanc and Leon Millot grapes. It has a delicate pink colour, a fruity aroma, and a refreshing taste.
*Restaurant on site!
Beausoleil Farmstead Winery and Cidery
Beausoleil Farmstead Winery and Cidery is a family-run business that produces organic wines and ciders from locally grown fruits and berries. The winery and cidery is located on a 50-acre farm in Berwick, surrounded by apple orchards and rolling hills. The winery and cidery offers a range of products, from dry to sweet, still to sparkling, and traditional to experimental.
Must-try wine: Frontenac & Blue, a lightly-sparkled blend that features crisp Annapolis Valley cider and Frontenac Gris wine infused with wild blueberries and a touch of earl grey tea.
Benjamin Bridge Winery
Benjamin Bridge Winery is a boutique winery that specializes in sparkling wines and cool-climate whites. The winery was founded in 1999 by Gerry McConnell and Dara Gordon, who wanted to create world-class wines in Nova Scotia. The winery is situated on a 60-acre estate in Gaspereau Valley, where it benefits from the cool breezes and the tidal influence of the Bay of Fundy. The winery uses traditional methods and modern technology to craft its wines, which have been praised by critics and consumers alike.
Must-try wine: Nova 7, a signature sparkling wine made from a blend of seven grape varieties. It has a pale pink colour, a floral bouquet, and a lively palate.
*Food options available!
Bent Ridge Winery
Bent Ridge Winery is a family-owned and operated winery that opened in 2018. The winery is located on a former apple orchard in Windsor, next to the historic Martock ski hill. The winery is inspired by the Italian countryside, with a rustic tasting room, a wood-fired pizza oven, and a cozy patio. The winery produces a range of wines, from light and fruity to bold and complex, using grapes grown on its 12-acre vineyard.
Must-try wine: Bent Ridge Rosso, a full-bodied red wine made from Marquette and Frontenac Noir grapes. It has a deep ruby colour, a spicy aroma, and a smooth taste.
*Restaurant on site!
Blomidon Estate Winery
Blomidon Estate Winery is a premium winery that has been operating since 1990. The winery is located on the shores of the Minas Basin, where it enjoys a unique microclimate and a stunning view. The winery is committed to producing high-quality wines, made from 100% Nova Scotia grapes grown on its 25-acre vineyard. The winery offers a variety of wines, from sparkling to dessert, and from aromatic whites to elegant reds.
Must-try wine: Cuvée L’Acadie, a traditional method sparkling wine made from L’Acadie Blanc grapes. It has a pale straw colour, a fine mousse, and a crisp taste.
Domaine de Grand Pré Winery
Domaine de Grand Pré Winery is a historic winery that dates back to 1978. The winery is located in Grand Pré, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that commemorates the Acadian culture and history. The winery is a destination for wine lovers and foodies alike, with a charming tasting room, a renowned restaurant, and a beautiful garden. The winery produces a range of wines, from dry to sweet, and from classic to innovative, using grapes grown on its 40-acre vineyard.
Must-try wine: Tidal Bay, a signature white wine that reflects the terroir and the climate of Nova Scotia. It has a pale green colour, a floral nose, and a refreshing taste.
*Restaurant on site!
Gaspereau Vineyards
Gaspereau Vineyards is a boutique winery that was established in 2004. The winery is located in the heart of the Gaspereau Valley, a picturesque area known for its apple orchards and rolling hills. The winery is dedicated to producing premium wines. The winery offers a selection of wines, from aromatic whites to robust reds.
Must-try wine: Riesling, honoured with a Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Nova Scotia Wine three times, highlighting the fact that quality Riesling grapes are grown in Nova Scotia and that these grapes are used to make some of the top wines in the province year over year, particularly thanks to the talents of winemaker Gina Haverstock.
L’Acadie Vineyards
L’Acadie Vineyards is a certified organic winery that was founded in 2004 by Bruce Ewert, a pioneer of sparkling wine production in Nova Scotia. The winery is located in Gaspereau Valley, where it enjoys a cool climate and a diverse soil. The winery is focused on producing high-quality sparkling wines, made from grapes grown on its 30-acre vineyard. The winery also produces some still wines, such as whites, rosés, and reds.
Must-try wine: Prestige Brut Estate, a traditional method sparkling wine made from L’Acadie Blanc grapes. It has a pale yellow colour, a fine bubble, and a complex taste.
Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyards
Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyards, nestled in the scenic Annapolis Valley, offers a unique blend of organic and biodynamic wine practices. Just outside of Wolfville, this family-run vineyard focuses on small-batch wines, emphasizing quality and environmental care. Our visitors love the rustic charm and the stunning views of Cape Blomidon. With its cozy tasting rooms and a delightful array of wines that capture the essence of the region, it's a perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon. A must-visit for wine enthusiasts looking for a taste of Nova Scotia's terroir.
Must-try wine: Terrior Series Chardonnay. Whole cluster pressed and wild fermented in stainless steel, without malolactic fermentation, for a steely style of Chardonnay with a lively intensity and purity of fruit character.
*Restaurant on site!
Luckett Vineyards
Luckett Vineyards is a popular winery that was opened in 2010 by Pete Luckett, a well-known entrepreneur and former owner of Pete’s Frootique. The winery is located on a hilltop in Gaspereau Valley, where it offers a spectacular view of the Minas Basin and the Blomidon cliffs. The winery is famous for its phone box in the vineyard, where visitors can make free calls to anywhere in North America.
Must-try wine: Phone Box Red, a medium-bodied red wine made from a blend of Marquette, Lucie Kuhlmann, and Leon Millot grapes. It has a ruby colour, a fruity nose, and a smooth taste.
*Restaurant on site!
Mercator Vineyards
Mercator Vineyards is a premium winery that was launched in 2014 by Devonian Coast Wineries, the same company that owns Jost Vineyards and Gaspereau Vineyards. The winery is located in Grand Pré, on the site of the oldest vineyard in Nova Scotia. The winery is named after Gerardus Mercator, a famous cartographer who mapped the world in the 16th century. The winery produces a limited selection of wines, made from grapes grown on its 20-acre vineyard. The winery also features a historic farmhouse, a tasting room, and a wine shop.
Must-try wine: Compass Rosé, a dry rosé wine made from a blend of Marquette, Frontenac Gris, and L’Acadie Blanc grapes. A popular summer wine, the Compass Rosé is one of Mercator’s best sellers.
Planters Ridge Winery
Planters Ridge Winery is a modern winery that was opened in 2014 by John and Lisa McLellan, who left their corporate careers to pursue their dream of making wine. The winery is located in Port Williams, on a historic farm that was settled by the New England Planters in the 1760s. The winery is known for its innovative wines, made from grapes grown on its 8-acre vineyard. The winery also boasts a contemporary tasting room, a barrel cellar, and a patio.
Must-try wine: Quintessence Red, a full-bodied red wine made from a blend of Marquette, Lucie Kuhlmann, Castel, and Frontenac Noir grapes. It has a dark purple colour, a smoky aroma, and a rich taste.
*Food options available!