July 4, 2022

Wineries in the Maritimes

Sip, sip, hooray! Rolling hills of vineyards, farm-to-table restaurants with wine lists bigger than the menu, and a variety of tasting options — let’s toast to the wineries of the Maritimes.

The Maritimes are known for all sorts of wonderful things. Amazing views, unforgettable road trips, second-to-none hospitality, and everything else you need to make a vacation special. But, did you also know we’re home to some fantastic wineries? It’s true! If you’re interested in sipping and sampling your way across the Maritimes, you’ve come to the right place! Here are a few can’t-miss wineries to check out when exploring the Maritimes.

First up, Nova Scotia.

Luckett Vineyards

If you’re visiting Nova Scotia, you don’t have to travel far to find a delicious glass of wine and a beautiful view. At Luckett Vineyards, the crisp ocean-scented breeze and warm sunshine combine to showcase one of the most distinctive wineries in Nova Scotia. Here, you can enjoy a delicious lunch featuring only the best local and sustainable ingredients overlooking the Gaspereau Valley, browse through rows on rows of local and imported ingredients that are essential to creating the perfect charcuterie board, and of course, sip the wine that makes this vineyard a staple of Nova Scotia. Don’t forget to stop and snap a pic in the vineyard’s iconic phonebooth while you’re here!

Benjamin Bridge

Benjamin Bridge is often referred to as Nova Scotia’s Sparkling Wine House, and it’s easy to see why. Located in the heart of the Gaspereau Valley on the Bay of Fundy, this region’s cool climate bears an uncanny affinity with the Champagne region of France — making this a perfect spot for producing sparkling wine. Whether you’d like to tour the vineyards, discover their collection of barrels, grab a drink on the open-air terrace or shop their unique wine collection, Benjamin Bridge is the perfect place to ignite your passion for locally made sparkling wines.

Grand Pre Wines

Discover the charming family-run vineyard of Grand Pre Wines, created with a love and passion for the tastes and flavours of Nova Scotia’s exceptional wine and food. Known as the oldest farm winery in Atlantic Canada, explore the lush gardens and immaculately tended vines, walk down the cobblestone courtyard and savour the old-world, European charm that is etched into every stone. If all the strolling works up your appetite, you’re in luck. Here at Grand Pre, you’ll find Le Caveau, a top Nova Scotia culinary destination, and an exceptional culinary journey. It’s the perfect place to experience seasonally inspired and locally sourced cuisine while savouring fine vintages.

Next up, New Brunswick Wineries.

Magnetic Hill Winery

Taste the best of New Brunswick wine at Magnetic Hill Winery. Dubbed Moncton’s premier winery, you’ll find some of the best views Moncton has to offer when you sit on their stunning patio. Their tasting room is a lovely mix of modernity and history, with massive barn beams and state-of-the-art wine-making equipment. This old-meets-new mix carries over to their wines, which are world-class while also retaining strong ties to New Brunswick. You’re bound to get lost in the beauty of the vineyards or their wide selection of award-winning wines — each with a unique and surprising story! But we won’t ruin it for you; you’ll have to go and hear the tales of this family-run winery yourself.

Richibucto River Wine Estate

This winery is all about personal touches, unique experiences, and tiny details. At Richibucto River Wine Estate, expect to fall in love with the small yet charismatic estate. From the stunning view of the Richibucto River, the rows upon rows of manicured vineyards, and quality vines, this family-run winery is all about capturing and sharing the charm of New Brunswick wine. Known best as the vineyard furthest north in the Maritimes, this vineyard produces 20+ varieties of hybrid grapes. Looking for a recommendation? Be sure to try the crisp, nicely-balanced Acadie Blanc!

Domaine Latitude 46 Estate Winery

Sometimes all you need is to enjoy a glass of wine in the comfort of a place that feels like it could be your backyard. That’s exactly how you’ll feel while visiting Domaine Latitude 46 Estate. This beautiful Petitcodiac River Valley cottage winery is the perfect place to enjoy a quiet walk through a vineyard or have lunch by the riverside. Described as a picturesque dream come true, this 6-acre winery has embraced the unique landscape and cooler climate of New Brunswick to create wines that pair with everything from Atlantic lobster to classic, cheese-filled poutine!

Finally, let’s look at a few Prince Edward Island Wineries.

Matos Winery & Distillery

Taste the best of France’s Gamay noir and chardonnay here at Matos Winery & Distillery — complete with a maritime twist! These incredible grapevines were imported from France and planted on ten hillside acres on Prince Edward Island. This family-run vineyard in the heart of St. Catherines has applied the French concept of terroir — finding a place where the combination of soil, slope, sun exposure, and the peculiar weather vagaries allow certain grape varieties to unfold their unique characteristics. If you want to tour this winery, it’s by appointment only, so be sure to plan ahead!

Rossignol Estate Winery

Sip and savour premium quality table wines, fruit wines, and liqueurs here at the farm winery and art gallery of Rossignol Estate. Offering unparalleled views of the Northumberland Strait, this is the perfect place to sample the fine wines of Prince Edward Island. And when you finally tear yourself away from staring at the picturesque landscape, head inside to admire the incredible selection of artwork created by Dagny Rossignol — a local watercolour and acrylic painter.

Island Honey Wine Company

Sip wines as sweet as honey at the Island Honey Wine Company — a must-visit winery on the rolling hills of Prince Edward Island in the quaint village of Wheatley River. This little piece of paradise produces the world’s oldest fermented beverage — mead — by combining farm-grown fruits, flowers, and, you guessed it, honey! But that’s not the only thing that makes this winery special. Island Honey Wine has found a way to use nature in more ways than one. While the herd of sheep mow the grass and fertilize the orchards, the flock of hens challenges the insects to enjoy the fruits of farm labor. Ducks defend the apple trees from pests, and a friendly dog named Abby welcomes visitors! And we can’t forget the thousands of honeybees that make this place what it is.

Wine Not Take A Journey to Remember?

Take MV Confederation or MV Holiday Island to PEI as the kickoff to your maritime wine country adventure, or conveniently cross between Digby and Saint John aboard MV Fundy Rose. Going international in 2022?  There’s no better way to travel than aboard The CAT, which will once again be sailing across the Gulf of Maine between its new port in Bar Harbor, Maine, and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. To learn more about delicious wines and local vineyards awaiting you on Canada’s east coast, be sure to visit Explore the Maritimes today!