Did you know that Nova Scotia has an exciting and continuously growing wine region that is making a name for itself across Canada and the world? Or that Nova Scotia has its very own signature wine?

Many people are still discovering what a hidden gem this province is when it comes to wine. Picture rolling farm hills that reach down to the sea, small terraces right beside grape vines, family businesses where you can feel the love for the land, and casual conversations with locals that will tell you just how much they love calling this area home. If you’re picturing a dreamy scene out of an Italian wine magazine or movie you’re not far off. Even better is that around here there are little to no crowds!

Yes, the wine scene in Nova Scotia is worth getting excited about! Even more exciting is it’s development of a signature wine that showcases the coastal province beautifully. If you enjoy wine and are looking for a unique experience while on your Nova Scotia travels, we encourage you to try Tidal Bay — a cool, crisp, and aromatic white wine made with 100% Nova Scotia-grown grapes that pairs perfectly with our famous local seafood. It’s the delicious essence of Nova Scotia in a glass and you don’t want to miss out.

There are currently 14 wineries that create a Tidal Bay vintage, and in the fall of 2023 we set out on the marvellous task to not only try all of them, but visit all 14 of the wineries that make one as well! In the process of this Tidal Bay mission, we didn’t just fall in love with this uniquely Nova Scotia wine, we fell in love with the stories behind the product and how passionate the people are that make it. That’s often the case when travelling isn’t it? People shine through. Well it’s true when it comes to Nova Scotia Farm Wineries and once you discover the passion that goes into every bottle of carefully crafted wine, there’s no going back. Thus, this blog went from a “how to experience Tidal Bay” to more of a “Love letter to Tidal Bay and the wineries that make it”.

We hope you enjoy and it inspires you to raise a glass of Nova Scotia’s signature wine!

Nova Scotia, our home..

It is both overwhelmingly effortless and difficult to truly explain the charm one will find in Nova Scotia. A Canadian province with a coastal youthful spirit, dotted with picturesque fishing villages and kindred people, it’s like a watercolour painting come to life. You have to be here to feel it. Fog and tides. Mountains and waterfalls. Valleys and beaches. Around here, you’re never more than 60km from the ocean, our coastlines wrapped in an embrace from the wild Atlantic ocean, warm Northumberland Strait, and famous Bay of Fundy. Our variety of landscapes know how to weather a storm, always wearing each of the four distinct seasons beautifully. And if the natural beauty doesn’t charm you into wanting to move here, you’ll fall in love with the food and people.

We Nova Scotians are a hearty bunch that know the importance of nourishing and showing our love through food and beverage. Our connection to the sea produces renowned fresh local seafood like lobster, scallops, oysters, and more. So it was only logical for a province with a love language of seafood to grow a signature beverage that pairs perfectly with a fresh lobster dinner and encompasses the natural charm, beauty, and senses of its land, sea, and people..

... and “A Glass of Nova Scotia” was born.

It’s a common tale for regions around the world to have their own signature wine. Winemaking can be used to express traditions, storytelling, and the essence of a land. As travellers, we seek to experience the history, culture, and flavour that comes with sipping on a local wine. France has Champagne, Italy has Chianti, California has Chardonnay, and here in Nova Scotia we have a signature Tidal Bay.

What we love about Tidal Bay is that it is so much more than a wine. It’s alluring and beautiful, pairing perfectly with your surroundings in a comforting and approachable way. With winemakers the artists, each glass tells a story and paints a picture. Close your eyes and the aromas and flavours will transport you. Officially launched in 2012, it’s a celebration of Nova Scotia's land and sea - grown here, crafted here. It’s a way for winemakers from across the province to come together as a community, tackle climate challenges, and create something special — all similar, yet all unique. The taste is refreshing and crisp like a cool sea breeze on a hot summer night. Most importantly, it pairs with and compliments fresh seafood like no other.

Enjoying Tidal Bay wine is a one-of-a-kind signature Nova Scotia experience. Wondering where you can try it? Well, there are currently 14 wineries that create their own unique version of the product. That’s right, no vintage of Tidal Bay is the same and while winemakers must follow a strict set of standards, they can still make the refreshing beverage using different Nova Scotia grapes or methods of their choosing. So even if you have had a glass of Tidal Bay before, know that you haven’t tried them all!

Why Tidal Bay is the perfect pairing:

Tidal Bay is an appellation white wine, which means you can only find it grown and made here in Nova Scotia. How wonderful is that for a small coastal province to have it’s very own one-of-a-kind wine! The name is inspired by the sea and being home to the biggest tidal changes in the world. Influenced by the cool climate and coastal breezes, Tidal Bay is cool, crisp, lively, fresh, and aromatic, with just the right spark of dynamic acidity. Made with 100% Nova Scotia-grown grapes, it reflects the terroir and cool breezes of the province, in particular, a slight salinity and minerality shines through from vineyards grown on ancient seabeds.

To obtain the Tidal Bay designation, winemakers must follow a strict set of rules.

The wine must be made from 100% Nova Scotia-grown grapes

51% of the final blend must be comprised of one or all of these grape varieties - L’Acadie Blanc, Seyval Blanc, Vidal, Geisenheim 318
The wine must demonstrate the classic Nova Scotia wine profile: lively fresh green fruit, dynamic acidity, and characteristic minerality.
It cannot exceed 11% alcohol
Every Tidal Bay must pass a blind wine tasting and be approved by an independent panel to ensure the highest quality.

While Tidal Bay must follow the above requirements, no two bottles are alike and wineries have the freedom to create their own unique product and showcase their individuality!

Why should you add Tidal Bay wine to your Nova Scotia Itinerary:

It is a uniquely Nova Scotia experience

The love of local! Grown here, crafted here.
It’s more than a wine, it’s an opportunity to visit scenic vineyards and meet the people behind the wine. It’s not uncommon to run into the winemakers when at these vineyards.
When sipping Nova Scotia wine you are helping the Nova Scotia wine industry grow!
It’s the perfect pairing to your Nova Scotia adventures (and seafood!)

There are currently 14 wineries that create a Tidal Bay:

1. Avondale Sky, Avondale - Open Seasonally

Tucked along the rolling hills of the Avon peninsula, this scenic vineyard offers wine tastings, retail, and a restaurant. Step inside the 180-year-old former church and under the glow of stained glass windows discover the history of how the building was transported 42km across the Bay of Fundy at high tide to where it rests now. The scenic vineyard here is one of the oldest in the province, with the ever-changing tidal landscape creating the perfect climate for growing grapes. Family-owned and operated by the Coutinho family, we love how welcoming this winery is, making us feel right at home each time we visit. Their patio is dog friendly and we highly recommend ordering some of their flavourful seasonal food items while enjoying a flight of their award-winning wines.

Tidal Bay tasting notes: this well-balanced, off-dry L’Acadie Blanc-based white wine has notes of apple, peach, and citrus with stony minerality. There is a subtle sweetness balanced by fresh acidity. Pairs great with NS seafood and fried chicken

2. Benjamin Bridge, Gaspereau Valley - Open Year-Round

Calling the Gaspereau Valley home, you may have heard of this winery before for its internationally acclaimed Nova 7 or how it's making waves in distinguishing itself as Canada’s premier sparkling wine house. Even with these big accomplishments though you will find a visit to Benjamin Bridge will always be approachable and inviting, even if you aren’t knowledgeable in the world of wine. I should know, this was the first winery I ever visited back in 2013 – a 20-year-old who knew nothing about wine but found herself chatting to head winemaker Jean-Benoit Deslauries. A memory and introduction to the world of wine I will never forget. And that’s what this awesome winery does, inspires even those who don’t understand wine, about how awesome Nova Scotia wine is! This family-friendly farm winery offers a range of products as well as guided tastings and seasonal experiences. Passionate about the environment, each bottle is created with sustainability, community, and quality top of mind. We love how picturesque their location is with an open-air terrace to relax and sip on. Savour a classic flight (that features a glass of Tidal Bay) before letting a warm sunny day guide you around the beautiful vineyard with views overlooking the valley.

Tidal Bay tasting notes: a bright and golden straw colour wine with layers of citrus, melon, and honey. Hints of meadow fragrances and sea spray on the nose. Crisp and light. Organic and vegan.

3. Blomidon Estate Winery, Canning - Open Seasonally

This boutique winery is located on the Minas Basin and boasts picturesque seaside views and award-winning wines. With a 10-hectare coastal property, visitors can enjoy sitting in the large tasting room and patio at the top of the vineyard, or walk the winding grapevine paths to the shore. No matter where you wander here, you can’t help but fall in love with the Bay of Fundy views and gentle sea breeze that awakens you. We visited Blomidon Estate Winery while on the Tidal Bay Express Magic Winery Bus tour and enjoyed our glass of Tidal Bay paired with local cheese and crackers.

Tidal Bay tasting notes: Expressive nose of yellow apple, passionfruit, and key lime, this Tidal Bay is dryishly crisp and lively on the palate.

4. Domaine de Grand Pré, Grand Pré - Open Seasonally

Prepare to be charmed as you walk through the cobblestone courtyard to this beautiful winery located in the heart of Nova Scotia’s wine country. A blend of history and innovation, Grand Pre is family-owned and operated by the Stutz family, built out of love and passion for Nova Scotia’s wonderful wine and food scene. Visitors can indulge in wine tastings, guided tours, and culinary experiences. As Atlantic Canada’s oldest farm winery, this location has a lot to offer including an Inn and gourmet Le Caveau Restaurant. We have stayed at the inn before as well as savoured the incredible food from Le Caveau and both experiences were exceptional. Besides trying some of the many delicious wines in the tasting room or terrace, another must is walking the lush vineyard paths that connect you to the Grand Pre View Park. Don’t forget your camera!

Tidal Bay tasting notes: Off-dry with tropical aromas and refreshing flavours of green apple, lemon, and stone fruit. Crisp and light with a satisfying roundness.

5. Eileanan Breagha Vineyards, Marble Mountain Road, River Denys - Open Seasonally

Come for the wine, be amazed by the views, and stay for the hospitality. Eileanan Breagha (pronounced AY-len-an BREE-ah) is Scottish Gaelic for “beautiful islands”, paying homage to the owner's Gaelic heritage, and is Cape Breton Island’s first and only estate winery. With 200 acres of south-facing farmland stretching along the coast of the stunning Bras d’Or Lake, the moderate climate from the saltwater lake, and marble/limestone soil provide a unique terroir for growing grapes and creating wine. Visit their tasting room to sample and purchase wine, or meet the lovely young family and winemaker behind the scenes. This winery is still growing and we look forward to seeing what wine creations they make in future!

Tidal Bay tasting notes: Bright and pale, it is made with 70% L’Acadie Blanc and fermented in 3 different ways to create a crisp white wine with flavours of apple, pear, and watermelon.

6. Gaspereau Vineyards, Gaspereau Valley - Open Seasonally

A rustic red barn amongst rolling farmlands in the middle of wine country is a storybook setting for a boutique vineyard, and it really is just as charming as it sounds. Here, you can enjoy the complimentary wine-tasting bar, browse the retail space, or stroll the vineyard grounds. Located minutes from Wolfville it’s the perfect place to add to your Annapolis Valley travels! Winemaker Gina Haverstock is known for creating award-winning wines that really express the essence of Nova Scotia’s unique terroir. We enjoyed a visit to this winery while on the Tidal Bay Express Magic Wine Bus tour where we had a guided tasting followed by relaxing outside on their patio. If you’re up for the adventure, we highly recommend taking a walk to the top of the vineyard to see the gorgeous views overlooking the vineyard and sun-kissed Gaspereau Valley.

Tidal Bay Tasting Notes: Balanced between the brightness of acidity and sweetness, this Tidal bay is refreshing with notes of apple, peach, and minerality.

7. Jost Vineyards, Malagash - Open Spring, Summer and Fall

This winery is located a little off the beaten track but so well worth the visit for amazing wine and hospitality! Perched on the shores of Malagash Bay, Jost Vineyards is the longest-operating winery in Nova Scotia and thrives in the coastal climate of the warm Northumberland Strait. When you visit be sure to try the complimentary sampling at their wine bar, where you can choose three of their featured wines to try. Staff here are passionate about their wine and can help you through the tasting notes or recommend a wine for you. If you’re feeling hungry they have an onsite Seagrape Cafe and Deli that features locally inspired menu items. Keep an eye on their events schedule because they sometimes have live music too! When we visited it was a gorgeous fall day so we enjoyed a stroll through the beautiful vineyard and relaxed in the iconic red Adirondack chairs. The beauty of this place makes it hard to leave and the wine compliments it perfectly.

Tidal Bay Tasting Notes: A medium-dry refreshing white wine with a nice soft balance between acidity and sweetness. Aromatics of apple, pear, lemon, peach and floral Palate notes of pear, gooseberry and minerality. Pears perfectly with seafood dishes, various chicken dishes, and cheese.

8. L'Acadie Vineyards, Gaspereau Valley - Open Seasonally

This is another incredible family-owned and operated Nova Scotia winery that certainly stands out for its award-winning organic, vegan, and sparkling wines! A geothermal winery, it is Nova Scotia’s first certified organic vineyard and winery, with a sparkling passion for the environment and land. Another reason it stuck out to us was it’s use of 100% L’Acadie Blanc in its Tidal Bay, whereas other wineries usually use a blend of Nova Scotia grape varieties. For their Tidal Bay, they first pick the L’Acadie Blanc in September from a deeper layer of humus-rich topsoil which brings out a fresh acidity and citrus flavour in the wine. Next, they pick more L’Acadie Blanc in October from a different vineyard block that gives richer tropical notes to the wine. We loved our visit here and enjoyed a glass of their Tidal Bay from the tasting bar where we spontaneously ended up meeting the owner/winemaker and he told us all about the ancient seabed soil of the Gaspereau area and how it shines through the wine in notes of mineral and saline. Hearing his adoration for the rocks, soil and terroir of the region was a very personal and passionate wine experience that has stuck with us. This casual interaction that truly only lasted a few minutes, ended up giving us even more appreciation for Tidal Bay and the land, which we will always reflect back on when thinking or sipping on Nova Scotia wine.

Tidal Bay Tasting Notes: Tropical, mango, citrus, mineral and slight saline. Finished dry.

9. Lightfoot & Wolfville, Wolfville - Open Year-Round

This winery is gorgeous and a must-visit when in Wolfville. Family owned and operated, the Lightfoot family has been farming in the Annapolis Valley for eight generations. From when they first planted their grapevines in 2009 to now, there has always been a deep connection and love of people, place, and nature - which shines through in the wines they make. They specialize in handcrafted small-lot wines from grapes grown in its certified organic vineyards. Visit and marvel at the views of Cape Blomidon and the Bay of Fundy. Feeling hungry? They have an onsite farm-to-table restaurant including a large wood-fired pizza oven. It’s delish! We visited this location while on a Vintage Vino Tour and wildly enough got to speak to winemaker Rachel Lightfoot, who guided us through our tasting of Tidal Bay. We love how passionate this farm winery is about the land.

Tidal Bay Tasting Notes: Pear, white flowers, fresh and fragrant. Notable salinity on the palate with lively tree fruit flavours and mouthwatering acidity providing a balanced, perceptually dry finish.

10. Lost Bell Estate Winery, Falmouth - Opened Seasonally

Overlooking the Avon River Valley, Lost Bell (formerly Sainte Famille Winery) offers wine tastings, vineyard tours, and an opportunity to discover the history and mystery of the area over a perfectly paired glass of wine. As the legend goes, former Acadian inhabitants melted their gold and cast it into a church bell before submerging the bell in one of the ponds on the estate vineyard. Under the threat of expulsion, they did this to hide their gold from English soldiers, and to this day the bell remains unfound. We visited on a day it wasn’t open but still ended up meeting the vineyard manager and he was so welcoming and said we could wander the property with some Tidal Bay wine. Looking forward to returning someday to experience their tasting room!

Tidal Bay Tasting Notes: Green apple, citrus, and melon, with a crisp and clean finish. Fresh, zesty, and low on the sweetness level making for a well-balanced and easy-drinking wine.

11. Luckett Vineyards, Grand Pre rd, Wolfville - Open Seasonally

Ahh Luckett Vineyards. This isn’t just a winery to visit, it’s become one of those classic Nova Scotia experiences you hear about and we can’t believe it took us this long to get here! Founded by Nova Scotia legend Pete Luckett, a grocer from England who moved to Atlantic Canada in his 30s and continued inspiring and educating people on fruit and vegetables from around the world, he purchased this property overlooking the Gaspereau Valley in 2000 and opened Luckett Vineyards in 2010 after spending a decade learning about the unique climate surrounding the Bay of Fundy. Fast forward to today, after many years of perfecting the craft, his daughter Geena runs the show with a daily tasting bar, wine shop, and onsite bistro. The view is iconic, as is the red phone booth in the middle of the vineyard. More than a photo opportunity, you can call anyone in North America for free. I phoned my grandparents in Sydney to wish my Grand a Happy Birthday! We also enjoyed a heavenly lunch of fresh local oysters and seafood chowder, paired perfectly with a glass of Tidal Bay of course. It really was an experience “worth phoning home about”.

Tidal Bay Tasting notes: Aromatics - Fresh citrus notes, with subtle hints of pears and wildflower / Taste - Dryish with hints of key lime, red apple, and fresh pear

12. Mercator, Wolfville - Open Seasonally

A tranquil location overlooking the historic Acadian dykelands, it is the perfect setting to sip and savour. Focusing on old-world style wines, they are devoted to growing exceptional grapes and making extraordinary limited-edition wines that express the coastal terroir. Step inside the Mercator house that dates back over 200 years to sample their wine and find your next favourite. They also have bikes you can rent to peddle along the Harvest Moon Trailway. We enjoyed this location while on the Tidal Bay Express Magic Winery Bus tour and loved the views, wine, and peaceful atmosphere.

Tidal Bay Tasting notes: Fresh, apple and white florals on the nose, with apple and custard notes on the palate, there is a unique roundness while remaining refreshing and bright. There is an aging process with their Tidal Bay that gives it a refined underlying richness and complexity.

13. Planters Ridge, Port Williams - Open Year-Round

This gorgeous winery location boasts views overlooking Port Williams and we felt like we stumbled on a hidden gem when we arrived here. Based out of a renovated 156+ year-old timber barn, visitors can stay cozy inside by the fire or enjoy a seat on their patio that overlooks the vineyard below while tasting their aromatic wines. Did we mention they also have incredible food? Locally sourced and delicious, we paired our Tidal Bay with seafood chowder and an artisanal charcuterie board, all while watching an eagle soar over the painting-like landscape in front of us. The staff were awesome, provided tasting notes/information, and were even eager to show us the beautiful wine cellar below.

Tidal Bay Tasting Notes: Aromas of white flowers and fresh apple. On the palate tropical melon leads to a mouthwatering finish.

14. 1365 Church Street Vineyard and Winery, Port Williams - Open Year-Round

With breathtaking views of the Wellington Dyke, North Mountain, and Cape Blomidon, this boutique winery offers wine tastings, a retail space, a climate-controlled barrel cellar, and friendly staff that will make you feel right at home. Owners John and Amber Eikelenboom are passionate about quality grapes and being in tune with the vines and land to create quality products. This working farm was a treat to visit and we even saw what we discovered was the owner out in a tractor busy working the land. A sample of Tidal Bay in hand we sat on the sunny patio and one of their vineyard dogs happily kept us company.

Tidal Bay Tasting Notes: Dry Crisp, Aromatic, Fruity, and Floral notes. A great “in-between” tidal bay to please everyone who enjoys dry to off-dry/medium wines.

Unique Tidal Bay Tours & Experiences

Looking to visit multiple Tidal Bay wineries and have someone else do the driving.. or sailing? Here are some unique Tidal Bay tour experiences to add to your Nova Scotia bucket list!

— Vintage Vino Wine Tours

Class and style, sit back and relax as you are chauffeured around Nova Scotia’s wine country in a vintage car. Wine tastings included, this is the perfect tour if you are looking for a personalized and intimate wine outing. They also offer Halifax / Cruise Ship pickups!

— Magic Winery Bus - Tidal Bay Express

A one of a kind North American wine tour company, Magic Winery Bus offers a guided tour of Nova Scotia’s incredible wine country! They have their classic British Double-Decker bus which takes visitors to an array of wineries, or, if you’d like to dive into the world of Tidal Bay, there is a special luxury coach bus called the “Tidal Bay Express” which focuses on the world of Nova Scotia’s signature wine and brings you to 3 Tidal Bay wineries, a farm craft brewery, and includes tastings and small plates.

— Grape Escapes

Providing a variety of day tours to Nova Scotia’s wine country all-year long, this tour option is a perfect way to sip and savour with a group of friends, family, or on a romantic getaway. Tours depart from Halifax and the Annapolis Valley, catered to always be fun, relaxing, and educational. They also offer a Tidal Bay Escape tour!

— Ambassatours Wines on the Water

All aboard the Tall Ship Silva for a Tidal Bay cruise! This series of Wines on the Water is a 2-hour cruise in the Halifax Harbour and surrounding waterways with a local sommelier who guides you through a four-course Tidal Bay wine tasting menu. Live music and Atlantic Ocean views, this is a beautiful way to learn and enjoy Nova Scotia’s signature Tidal Bay wines.

— J Farwell Sailing Tidal Bay Tour

From the Halifax Waterfront you can board this luxury yacht and take a 2-hour sale of the harbour, while savouring crisp and refreshing Tidal Bay Wine. Crew will give you a guided tasting of three award-winning Tidal Bay wines, paired with a locally-sourced gourmet charcuterie board. This intimate tour is perfect for a group or romantic date night. The sights are spectacular and a Tidal Bay experience pairs perfectly with the coastal views.

Have we inspired you to try a glass of Nova Scotia yet?

Tidal Bay wine is awesome and we hope this blog has given you an idea of why Nova Scotia’s wine industry is something to get excited about. We encourage you to support local wineries, visit vineyards to experience the love of land for yourself, and always keep an eye out for Tidal Bay on your restaurant menus or liquor store shelves.