Summer has arrived in Nova Scotia and with public health restrictions lifting, it’s the perfect time to explore Nova Scotia wine country. Whether it’s your first time checking out the province’s regions or you’re a seasoned pro, it’s worth taking note of the new and exciting offerings in 2021. Keep reading for the inside scoop on everything debuting this summer.
Church Street Vineyard Winery
Located in Port William (near Wolfville), Church Street Vineyard Winery will celebrate its first summer season with tastings and tours on offer 7 days a week.
Head into the converted apple barn for tastings of their Tidal Bay, Chardonnay, Oh Sooo Rose, Petit Pearl and other vintages. While you’re there, be sure to soak up the stunning views of their 13-acre vineyard overlooking the Wellington Dyke and Cape Blomidon.
The Inn at the Winery (Domaine de Grand Pre)
Since they first opened in 2000, Domaine de Grand Pre has built a reputation for producing award-winning wines and welcoming winery visitors with warm hospitality. Their on-site restaurant, Le Caveau, is renowned for its enchanting ambience and commitment to showcasing local ingredients and its a popular fine-dining destination for locals and visitors alike.
This summer, the Stutz family that owns and operates Domaine de Grand Pre opened the doors to a brand new, on-site inn. The Inn at the Winery offers luxurious accommodations just steps away from the beautiful vineyards, tasting room and Le Caveau restaurant – no need to worry about a designated driver at the end of your evening!
Taste Advisor App
The brand new Taste Advisor app is like having a sommelier at your fingertips. Download this free, easy-to-use app (Apple or Android) before you set out to explore Nova Scotia wine country and it’ll guide you to your new favourite wines and wineries.
How does it work? All you have to do is answer a few short questions about your wine preferences and it’ll recommend wines just for you with a 91% matching accuracy. It will also help you plan a tasting route, find local wineries and experiences, and discover local activities. Once you’ve found your favourite wines, the app will also let you know the closest retail locations to buy them.
New Winery Tours
As Nova Scotia’s wine region continues to grow year over year, so too do the number of incredible winery tours offered by local operators that are passionate about sharing their love for NS wines.
This summer, a number of new winery tours are available through Magic WInery Bus, Uncorked Nova Scotia (Go North Tours), and Valley Wine Tours. While these new tours differ in design, they all seek to provide up-close, personal, and memorable wine tasting experiences.
From Magic Winery Bus’ Tidal Bay Express 2.0 to Valley Wine Tours’ Benjamin Bridge takeover on the Tall Ship Silva (July 9th), to Uncorked’s Wine, Beer & Cider tour, there’s a tour to suit every taste.
Here’s a peek at all the new winery tours in Nova Scotia this year:
4-hour Tours by Magic Winery Bus – Visit 4 wineries during this 4-hour tour through the heart of the Annapolis Valley (no hop-on, hop-off option, this is a sequential tour). Available Thursdays and Fridays
Tidal Bay Express 2.0 by Magic Winery Bus – This 4-hour tour will visit 4 wineries and includes small appetizing plates prepared by each winery and, of course, is a celebration of Nova Scotia’s appellation.
Barrels of Fun Tour by Uncork Nova Scotia – Visit Benjamin Bridge and Planter’s Ridge for tours and tastings as well as a cheese plate with wine at the latter stop. The tour will also hit up Barrelling Tide Distillery for a tour and tasting of their artisan spirits and liqueurs.
Wine, Beer and Cider Tour by Uncork Nova Scotia – Enjoy tours and tastings at two wineries, lunch at Avondale Sky Winery and a tour with beer and cider tastings at Meander River Farm and Brewery. Wines on the Water by Valley Wine Tours – Wines on the Water will return this year and will represent the Wines of Nova Scotia on the Tall Ship Silva. New this year is the Benjamin Bridge Takeover on July 9, where Benjamin Bridge’s assistant winemaker will lead guests through an engaging and delicious tasting of their finest wines.