ANNAPOLIS VALLEY
Start by paying tribute to the Acadian settlers at the historical Grand Pré national historical monument. Toast their successes and struggles with a tasting at the winery of the same name Domaine de Grand Pré, historical in the wine world for being the first commercial winery in Nova Scotia. Enjoy lunch at their internationally recognized Le Caveau restaurant. Then proceed on to Mercator to explore what single-vineyard wines can taste like in Nova Scotia. Finish off with a wood-fired pizza at the impressive Lightfoot and Wolfville winery. Known for excellent bubbles and an award-winning Pinot Noir. These three wineries are in such close proximity to the town of Wolfville you can enjoy this entire day on a bike if you like.
Next up, plan a hike up Cape Split and be rewarded with a picturesque view of the Bay of Fundy. Reward yourself afterwards with a glass at Blomidon Estates Winery. See if you can taste the seaside influence in the wines. With fun events like yoga in the vineyard and movie nights, Planters Ridge delivers more than just great wines. Stop in to learn about some of the rare varieties they are growing. Spend the rest of the day exploring Acadia University’s campus or the fruits and herbs at the Tangled Garden.
AVON RIVER VALLEY
The drive through lush green rolling hills feels more like a European escapade, especially once you take
in the panoramic view at the tasting room of Lost Bell Wines. Basque in the sun in one of Nova Scotia’s
warmest vineyard sites, and let one of their lively whites keep you cool. Finish off the day learning how a
retired church was floated down the river to become the tasting room for Avondale Sky. With wines like
Bliss and Nirvana in their arsenal, Avondale Sky will send you off feeling divine.
BEAR RIVER VALLEY
Drink in the views provided by the South Mountain and the Bay of Fundy while you head to Bear River
Valley. Here you will learn how granite soil and gravity-fed winemaking can influence the flavour
in wines and hear how vineyards in Bear River date back to 1611. Head to Myrtle & Rosie’s Café for a
riverside lunch. Then learn how Bear River Vineyards utilizes their four and a half storey bank barn for
gravity-fed winemaking and taste their nationally awarded Pinot Gris. Originally built in 1883, it has been
masterfully renovated and even has guest rooms available if you wish to stay here for the night.
GASPEREAU VALLEY
Gaspereau Valley rewards you with a breathtaking view of the Bay of Fundy just before you hit the small
town of Wolfville. Park your car at Gaspereau Vineyards and pick up a bike. Enjoy a short 6-minute ride to
one of the most acclaimed sparkling wine houses in Canada, Benjamin Bridge. A newly renovated tasting
room provides excellent views of the Gaspereau Valley. Then head up the hill working up your appetite,
and spend lunch at Luckett Vineyards, learning about their buried wine line. After your mid-day meal, you
can use the authentic London phone booth in the vineyard to call home and tell everyone about the
stunning view and amazing wines Nova Scotia has. Next, if you want to better understand organic
viticulture, there is no one better to explain it than the people at L’Acadie Vineyards. Finally, finish off the
day with a glass and a snack at the vine side patio at Gaspereau Vineyards, their dry version of Muscat
will have you swirling and sniffing for hours.
MALAGASH PENINSULA
While working your way up to the Malagash Peninsula, stop in at Shubenacadie for an
adrenaline-inducing experience we call Tidal Bore rafting. It will really help drill home why the tides have
such a huge impact on the wines and why we named the province’s signature white wine Tidal Bay.
Experience this exceptional style of wine for yourself at Jost Vineyards. The province’s largest winery and
a pioneer of the industry. Their Seagrape Café is the perfect place to assess the theory of what grows
together, goes together. The menu has several seafood options available to match with their
coastal-inspired wines.
MARBLE MOUNTAIN
Follow the Bras D’Or Lakes scenic drive to explore Cape Breton’s inland sea and when you approach
Marble Mountain, keep an eye out for Marble Mountain Estate Winery. The name means beautiful islands,
and the vantage point from their tasting room does not disappoint. Sit back with a glass and let the liquid
libations improve your Gaelic. Cape Breton may be home to only one winery, but you can supplement this
tour with trips to breweries like Breton Brew Co. and Big Spruce Brewing Company. With Cape Breton
having such a strong Scottish influence, it is no surprise you can find a whisky distillery too, called
Glenora.
LAHAVE RIVER VALLEY
Soak in the rocky coastline views while driving along the south shore and explore how vineyards in this
area rely on the unique terroir of one of the oldest grape growing regions in North America to make
distinctive wines. Taste how the rocky Drumlin Hills can influence the wines, all while surrounded by the
blues and purples of the lavender gardens. Enjoy the idyllic, and serene area located within 5-miles of
three of the province’s most beautiful beaches.