If you crave the excitement and culture of the historical seaside city that is Halifax, here are two winery regions that you can visit during the day and still be back to the city in time for dinner and drinks at one of the world-class restaurants Halifax has to offer.
Avon River Valley: The hour-long drive through lush green rolling hills will feel more like a European escapade, especially once you take in the panoramic view at the tasting room of Sainte Famille Wines. Basque in the sun in one of Nova Scotia’s warmest vineyard sites, and let one of their lively whites keep you cool. Keep the European vibe going at Bent Ridge Winery, only a 5-minute drive from Sainte Famille. Here the Italian-inspired menu at Cucina is perfect for a lunch stop and pairing with a glass of red wine, you can even dine alfresco. 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 back into Halifax feeling divine.
LaHave River Valley: If Peggy’s Cove and visiting Lunenburg are on your “must-see list” for Nova Scotia, these wineries are perfect to pair with these iconic destinations. Soak in the rocky coastline’s views while driving the hour and a half along the south shore to the french inspired tasting room of Petite Rivière. Taste how the rocky Drumlin Hills can influence the wines, all while surrounded by the blues and purples of the lavender gardens. Stop for lunch with a view in Lunenburg and enjoy a boardwalk stroll before heading inland to visit the Lunenburg County Winery. Enclosed by plants and forests, this winery is a great place to get in touch with nature whether you choose to pick blueberries or savour them in a glass. You can choose to visit Peggy’s Cove at the beginning or the end of this excursion. Just be sure to save enough battery in your camera to capture that quintessential lighthouse.
Gaspereau Valley: The hour-long drive out to 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.
