Nova Scotia, located in Canada's Atlantic region, is home to one of Canada's best kept secrets. Award winning wines are being produced by the caseload, just under the radar of many wine consumers. But as this region gains in popularity, it is only a matter of time before Nova Scotia becomes the Napa Valley of Canada's Maritimes.
Wines in Nova Scotia?
Nova Scotians brag that making wine is nothing new, and claim to have started as early as the 1600s. But these humble beginnings were largely for simple in-home brewing purposes. The new wineries recognized by today's fans have a much more recent history. For only the past 25 years, the bravest and the most innovative have cultivated a whole new Nova Scotia phenomenon. Sadly these wines are not widely available outside of the province but for the intrepid wine traveler, it is well worth the trip to Nova Scotia. In between the lobster dinners and historical sites, a trip to a winery is a must.
Can they really grow grapes here?
Nova Scotia shares the same weather as the New England region and has the same long wet winters and cool summers. Yet this area is home to 10 fascinating wineries that capture the charm and ingenuity of the Maritimes. Most wineries are now open to the public for tours and tastings. Wine makers cultivate a variety of cool climate grapes hardy enough to withstand the challenging growing conditions. The Annapolis Valley, Malagash Peninsula, and LaHave River Valley are particularly noted as Nova Scotia's premier wine regions.
L'Acadie Vineyards - Gaspereau, Nova Scotia
Sparkling wine is not their only offering but it is their specialty. The 2007 L'Acadie Star took home double gold medals and best of category awards in 2008 All Canadian Wine Championships. This popular wine sells out quickly! Try the 2006 Alchemy rich red fruit flavors reminiscent of Old World wines.
Bear River Vineyards - Bear River, Nova Scotia
Black Fly Pinot Noir is oak aged and full bodied. The Greater Yellow Legs Chardonnay is a steady favorite with crisp apple notes.
Blomindon Estate Winery - Canning, Nova Scotia
The wines are as beautiful as the scenery and perhaps that is why they are found in Nova Scotia liquor stores and Canadian Embassies around the world! The Luci Kuhlmann red is a rich wine full of incredible fruit flavors and a smooth finish. Rose is making a comeback, and the Blomindon Rose blends Muscat and Baco Noir into a perfect summer sipper with just a hint of sweetness.
Domaine de Grand Pre - Grand Pre, Nova Scotia
This boutique winery produces small batches of incredible wines that capture the essence of Nova Scotia. The Seyval Blanc soft apple and melon flavors end with a crisp finish; what better way to enjoy than with the fresh Atlantic catch of the day? Or try the Vintner's Reserve Moulin Rouge that blends the best of Nova Scotia's varietals into a great red wine with rich cherry and plum notes.
Gaspereau Vineyards - Gaspereau, Nova Scotia
A great boutique winery producing limited editions of fabulous wines. Their 2008 Chardonnay is great for those who prefer unoaked wines. The 2007 Pinot Noir has delicate red cherry flavors and a hint of vanilla.
Jost Vineyards - Malagash, Nova Scotia
They got the whole new wine industry started and are celebrating over 25 years of success. Today their 45 acres produce a Habitant Blanc that won silver at the 2008 International Tasters Guild. The 2005 Baco Noir was the double gold medal winner at the 2009 All Canadian Wine Championships.
Sainte-Famille Wines - Falmouth, Nova Scotia
In the heart of Acadian country, this winery produces many of the usual wine offerings including Riesling, Chardonnay, and Baco Noir. But their signature is the 2007 Maple Wine. Sweet and perfect with dessert, this unique wine is made from local Acadian maple syrup and is a must try.
Petite Riviere Vineyards - Crousetown, Nova Scotia
This winery started in 1994 and is pleased to be part of the long line of Nova Scotia's wine making tradition. Their wines are produced in small batches and sell out very quickly. These barrel aged wines are noted for rich fruit flavors and the toasty oakiness typical of American oak. Their Seyval, the 2006 Cotes de LaHave Estate Sur Lie, has a tropical fruit, lime and hazelnut blend that is perfect with Nova Scotia's seafood.
Increasing wine consumption shows no sign of slowing down, and discriminating wine drinkers are always on the look out for the new and unique. Nova Scotia does not normally come to mind when thinking about wine. But it won't be long before this best kept secret is out and the wineries of Nova Scotia will become stapes on dinner tables everywhere.
Get the inside stories on the wineries of Nova Scotia at: www.winesofnovascotia.ca