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November 29, 2009

By Sid Kaplan            
Travel Writer
Troy Media

Sid Kaplan

LUNENBURG, NS, Nov. 29, 2009/ Troy Media/ — While it was the Bay of Fundy tides that called us to Nova Scotia, we also wanted to try Nova Scotia wines. Would it come as a surprise to you that there are six distinct wine growing regions in Nova Scotia?

We’re not talking Italy or California, though its longitude of 44 degrees north is about the same as Bordeaux, France. Not a bad wine growing area to be compared to, eh?

The Canadian province produces grapes that grow well in its maritime climate: Marechal Foch, DeChaunac, Baco Noir, Leon Millot, Seyval Blanc and L’Acadie Blanc. Never heard of most of those varietals? Neither had we until we visited and tasted. They also grow nice Muscats, Chardonnays, and Pinot Noirs.

Our first introduction to Nova Scotia  wines came in Lunenburg, the first town where we stopped for the night. The innkeeper at our B&B recommended a Domaine de Grand Pre L’Acadie Blanc. We had it with a wonderful seafood dinner overlooking the town wharf. Great dinner, great wine!

Most of the white wines we tried go well with the wonderful sea food you’ll find: It is, after all, a maritime province, right? Because it is a maritime province it has a moderate climate and great seafood.

While Nova Scotia is in one of the cooler climate ranges for growing wine grapes, it has a long tradition for growing grapes – going back to the 1600s. The wine growing areas are in protected valleys and on sheltered hillsides, suitable for growing cool climate grapes thanks to the long fall season and to the moderate temperatures.

You’ll find Jost Vineyards  in the district of the Malagash Penninsula, which is in northeast Nova Scotia.

Because we spent a few days exploring the tides of the Bay of Fundy in the Annapolis Valley, we tasted at Domaine de Grand Pre, the oldest operating vineyard in Nova Scotia. They have a great tasting room and a nice restaurant.

We also tasted at Sainte-Famille Wines; a small family-run winery with good wines and a nice little gift shop. There are a couple of other wineries in the area.  

The LaHave River Valley district is on the Southern Shores with a couple of wineries near Lunenburg. There is also a small district in the Bear River Valley on the South West Coast. You can visit the Wines of Nova Scotia website for more information.

Several of these wineries make great Ice Wines. As you can imagine, the climate is good for this style of wine too.

One word of warning for wine lovers: Some of the wineries only make fruit wines like berry wine, so check first if you’re wanting wine from grapes, especially if there is a tasting fee. We have nothing against fruit wines, but you have to know what you’re getting into.

We found tasting Nova Scotia wines was a great addition to the whole trip. We discovered some new favorites to share with our wine loving buddies at home. Go taste some for yourself and see what you think.