Congratulations to Bear River Vineyards for their designation of Best in Class at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition! They have won many metals over the years, but being Best In Class is a first for them!
The award was in the Best Hybrid Red category for their 2022 Emboldened.
More about Bear River Vineyards:
Bear River Vineyards is a charming and historically significant winery nestled in the picturesque tidal village of Bear River, Nova Scotia.
Here’s a detailed look at what makes Bear River Vineyards special:
Historical Roots:
- Birthplace of Nova Scotia Wine: Bear River holds a unique place in Canadian wine history. It’s believed that the first grapevines in Nova Scotia (and possibly North America) were planted here by French settlers, specifically Louis Hébert, an apothecary, as early as 1611 near the Port Royal Habitation. The warm, sheltered microclimate of the Bear River valley was recognized early on as ideal for grape growing.
- Historic Winery Building: The winery itself is housed in a masterfully renovated bank barn that was built in 1883. This historic structure adds immense character and charm to the vineyard experience.
Unique Winemaking & Terroir:
- Gravity-Fed Winemaking: The unique four-and-a-half-story design of the renovated bank barn allows for a primarily gravity-fed winemaking process. This is a vintner’s dream, as it minimizes the need for pumps, treating the grapes and wines as delicately as possible to preserve their integrity and quality throughout fermentation, bottling, and aging.
- Microclimate Advantage: The Bear River valley boasts a distinctive microclimate characterized by calm air, exceptional summer sun, and a relative lack of fog compared to other coastal areas. This, combined with well-drained glacial soil and steeply sloping rows warmed by the inland flow of the tidal river, creates an ideal environment (terroir) for growing a variety of grapes.
Visitor Experience:
- Tasting Room & Wine Shop: The main level of the winery features a tasting bar and wine shop, offering a rustic yet elegant setting to sample their wines.
- Tours: Guided vineyard and winery tours are offered daily during the season, providing insights into their gravity-fed winemaking process and the unique growing conditions.
- Tours and tastings are often available from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily from May long weekend until Thanksgiving, with specific hours potentially varying in spring and fall. It’s always a good idea to check their website or call ahead.
- They offer different tasting options, including guided tastings of three wines or self-directed flights of four wines enjoyed outdoors overlooking the vineyard
Bear River Vineyards is located at 133 Chute Road, Bear River, Nova Scotia, B0S 1B0. It’s conveniently situated just a short drive off Highway 101, between Digby and Annapolis Royal, making it an accessible stop for those exploring the Annapolis Valley’s wine region.
Learn more here: Bear River Vineyards
