Exploring Nova Scotia’s wineries will inevitably involve tasting an array of wines. From crisp, dry whites to rich, full bodied reds and effervescent sparklings, you’re bound to discover new favourites to add to your at-home collection.
Before you hit the road for your winery tour, set yourself up for the ultimate wine tasting experience with these top five tips on how to make the most of your wine adventures
1. Stay Safe with a Sober Driver
It should go without saying, but it’s also worth repeating: a designated sober driver is a must if you are exploring Nova Scotia’s wine region in a private vehicle. If everyone in your group is a wine lover, consider spreading your tour over two days. Visit a couple of wineries each morning, take a break over lunch and early afternoon, then switch drivers for a later afternoon tasting session.
Alternatively, you can skip the short-straw draw for a sober driver by booking a wine tour. Hop on the Magic Winery Bus for a fun-filled hop-on hop-off experience in the Annapolis Valley, or book a day tour with Grape Escapes, Go North Tours, or Valley Wine Tours.
2. Pace Yourself
It may be tempting to try to cram as many wine tastings into your tour as possible, but try to resist the temptation. Instead, take some time to map out your tour beforehand. Research the wineries and decide which ones appeal most to your wine preferences.
Plan to take breaks between each tasting, drink lots of water, and snack on nuts or cheese to cleanse the palate.
And, of course, be sure to enjoy lunch at one of the wineries that offer dining, such as Luckett Vineyards, Domaine de Grand Pre, Gaspereau Vineyards, Jost Vineyards or Lightfoot & Wolfville.
3. Ask Questions
Don’t be shy, a wine tasting is the perfect opportunity to ask all your burning questions about wine!
You’ll quickly discover that the staff at Nova Scotia wineries are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about wines, wine-making, and our province’s burgeoning wine industry.
Besides being extremely well-versed on how the wines from their winery has been crafted and what it best pairs with, you’ll find staff members are eager to share their favourite varietals from other wineries in the region. That’s just one of many examples of the collaborative mindset embraced by our
4. Be Adventurous
Think you only like full-bodied reds? Certain you’re not a fan of bubbly wines? Steer away from sweet whites? Wine tastings are the perfect opportunity to forget everything you think you know about your wine preferences and be adventurous. After all, you only have to commit to a three-ounce tasting, not a whole bottle!
Who knows, you may just discover you enjoy a lighter red like Domaine de Grand Pre’s Marquette or L’Acadie’s wild fermented Pet Nat! There’s so much to discover in the world of wines once you get outside your comfort zone.
5. Use the 5 S’s
If you want to get the most out of your experience, follow the 5 S’ of wine tasting and you’ll be a pro in no time. Here’s how it works:
See. First things first, you’ll want to inspect and admire your glass of wine. Take note of the colour, depth and intensity of the wine, it will give you clues into its age, concentration and body. Your winery staff guide will help you identify key characteristics to look for (again, don’t be shy to ask!).
Swirl. Swirling the wine around in your glass isn’t just for show, it actually helps aerate the wine. This allows oxygen to open up the wine and reveal its complexities.
Sniff. Now it’s time to give your nose a chance to discover the wine’s aromas. Don’t be afraid to get up close and personal with your wine. Breathe in deeply and you’ll get a sense of the wine’s dominating scents.
Sip. Finally, the main event! Sip your wine slowly and feel free to swoosh and swirl it around in your mouth like the pros do. You want the wine to hit all areas of your tongue, so you can determine the levels of sweetness, bitterness, acidity, and tannins. You’ll also get a sense of the mouthfeel,
Savor. This is the all important climax to the wine tasting. How does the essence of the wine leave you feeling as you finish your sip? If it leaves you wanting more, you may just want to pick up a bottle or two to take home.
