Our Story

Canada’s original wine region has been shaped by centuries of history, a remarkable coastal landscape, and a shared passion for crafting exceptional wine.

From the first vines planted in the early 1600s to today’s internationally acclaimed wineries, Nova Scotia’s wine story is one of innovation, resilience, and an unwavering connection to place. Every vintage reflects the people, the land, and the communities that continue to shape one of Canada’s most exciting wine regions.

Where Place Shapes Wine

Nova Scotia’s vineyards are never far from the Atlantic Ocean. Surrounded by water and influenced by the world’s highest tides, our vines benefit from a long, moderate growing season that produces wines with remarkable freshness, vibrant acidity, and exceptional balance.

Combined with ancient soils and generations of winemaking expertise, these conditions create wines that express a true sense of place—one that couldn’t exist anywhere else.

Gaspereau Vineyards tasting room

More Than 400 Years Of Wine History

Nova Scotia’s connection to wine dates back more than four centuries, making it Canada’s original wine region.

Early European settlers recognized the province’s unique growing conditions, planting vineyards that laid the foundation for today’s thriving industry. Through decades of research, innovation, and collaboration, Nova Scotia has evolved into an internationally respected cool-climate wine region known for quality, craftsmanship, and a spirit of discovery.

1611

Louis Hébert, a French settler plants a small vineyard in Bear River, Nova Scotia.

1980

Nova Scotia's first commercial vintage by pioneer Roger Dial at Grande Pré.

1982

Grape Growers Association of Nova Scotia (GGANS) forms.

1985

Nova Scotia's Second winery opens, Jost Vineyards.

1986

Farm policy passed allowing Nova Scotia wineries to sell directly to consumers.

1987

Roger Dial's Grand Pré winery closes.

1990

Sainte-Famille make the move from grape growers to winery owners.

1993

First commercial fruit winery opens - Lunenburg County Winery.

1994

Hanspeter Stutz invests in Nova Scotia by purchasing Grand Pré winery.

1999

Three wineries operating in Nova Scotia: Jost, Blomidon, Sainte-Famille.

2000

Domaine de Grande Pré opens, changing the landscape of Nova Scotia wine by welcoming guests to a destination winery.

2002

Winery Association of Nova Scotia (WANS) is established.

2004

Nova Scotia Wine Standards for Nova Scotia grown and produced wine is created.

2005

125 acres of grapes growing in Nova Scotia and 9 wineries in operation.

2006

First strategic plan developed for industry looking forward to 2020.

2007

First vintage of Nova 7 released from Benjamin Bridge.

2008

L'Acadie Vineyards becomes Nova Scotia's first certified organic winery and releases Nova Scotia's first traditional method sparkling wine, 2005 Brut.

2010

The concept of Tidal Bay is born and a few wineries release a vintage.

2010

Benjamin Bridge releases their first méthode champenoise wines 2004 Blanc de Noir and 2004 Brut Reserve.

2011

"Surprise! One of the Canada's best wines is from Nova Scotia" exclaims Beppi Crosariol of the Globe & Mail.

2012

Tidal Bay officially launches as Nova Scotia's signature white wine.

2015

17 wineries operating in Nova Scotia, 94 grape growers, and 658 grape bearing acres of grapes.

2017

Lightfoot & Wolfville opens and is Nova Scotia's first practicing biodynamic winery.

2018

Close to 1000 acres of grapes planted in the province, 22 wineries in operation.

2020

19 grape wineries. The Winery Association of Nova Scotia rebrands to Wine Growers Nova Scotia.

2021

The 410th anniversary of the first grapes being planted in Bear River in 1611. 14 wineries making Tidal Bay.

2022

Tidal Bay's 10th Anniversary celebration. 250 ml can format for Tidal Bay released.

Defining A New
Wine Region

Rather than trying to replicate other wine regions, Nova Scotia has embraced its own identity.

From world-class sparkling wines to Tidal Bay—Canada’s only regional signature wine—our winemakers continue to push boundaries while remaining deeply connected to the land that inspires every bottle.

Today, Nova Scotia wines are recognized for their freshness, elegance, and ability to reflect the unique character of our coastal climate.

Looking Ahead

The story of Nova Scotia wine is still being written.

Every growing season brings new discoveries, every vintage tells a different story, and every winery contributes to the continued evolution of one of Canada’s most dynamic wine regions.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to discover something new, we invite you to experience the people, places, and wines that make Nova Scotia unlike anywhere else.

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