The Birthplace of Wine in Nova Scotia
Historic Vineyards: The Birthplace of Wine in Nova Scotia
In 1611—just five years after the founding of The Order of Good Cheer—Louis Hebert, an apothecary at The Habitation in Port Royal, planted a hillside vineyard along Bear River.
This pioneering act helped lay the groundwork for one of the oldest new-world wine-growing regions, anchoring Nova Scotia’s reputation for quality wine making that continues to this day.
What Is The Order of Good Cheer?
Established in 1606 by French explorer Samuel de Champlain, The Order of Good Cheer was created to help boost morale among the early settlers in Port Royal during harsh winters.
Visiting Bear River is like stepping back in time.
There are no traffic lights, big box stores, or formal government here.
Known as the Tidal Village On Stilts because at low tide the water drops 26 feet, revealing the giant stilts that hold the town up.
Bear River is also known as the Switzerland of Nova Scotia because of its steep tree covered hills and winding waterway.
Bear River is home to a coffee roaster, two wineries, several art galleries, The Cherry Carnival and some fantastic spots to grab a bite to eat on the water.
It`s also one of the best and more accessible spots to see the dramatic effects of the Bay of Fundy tides.
Did you know that Bear River is considered the birthplace of wine in Nova Scotia?
In 1611, just five years after the founding of The Order of Good Cheer, Louis Hebert, an apothecary at The Habitation in Port Royal, planted a hillside vineyard along Bear River.
This pioneering act helped lay the groundwork for one of the oldest new-world wine-growing regions, anchoring Nova Scotia’s reputation for quality wine making that continues to this day.
Today, the Bear River area is home to two award-winning wineries that carry on this tradition of celebrating local bounty. Visitors can learn about Nova Scotia’s 400-year-long food and drink heritage, stroll through rolling vineyards, and enjoy innovative wine making practices—including the province’s only gravity-fed winery.
Raise a glass to the long lineage of feast and friendship that began with The Order of Good Cheer, and discover how this spirit of celebration continues to shape Nova Scotia’s vibrant wine scene.
#VisitNS #BearRiver #NovaScotia #DigbyArea #Wine
Bear River - The Tidal Village on Stilts. The Switzerland of Nova Scotia. An unincorporated place that is in two counties but without a formal government.
Also known as L’sitkuk (flowing along by high rocks or water that cuts through) as it is known in the Bear River Mi’kmaq community.
Known for many different things, including it`s The Artist Village, nearby wineries, impressive tides, The Cherry Carnival, lack of traffic lights or big box stores and of course the fall colours, which you can see here.
What`s your favourite thing about Bear River?
#VisitNS #BearRiver #DibgyArea
Welcome to Bear River Vineyards.. 🍷
Bear River Vineyards is located in a masterfully renovated bank barn built in 1883. Its unique four-and-a-half-story design allows for a primarily gravity-fed winemaking process.
The main level houses the tasting bar and wine shop, where you can sample the fruits of the vineyard’s labor. If you’re planning a visit, Bear River Vineyards is open daily from 11 am to 6 pm during the regular season, which runs from the May long weekend until Thanksgiving.
The winery is just 7 km off Highway 101, between Digby and Annapolis Royal. Take Exit 24, and follow the signs adorned with grape bunches to guide you to this delightful spot.
Learn more here: https://digbyarea.ca/member-directory/bear-river-vineyards/
#DigbyArea #VisitNS #BearRiver
Members took turns organizing feasts featuring local game, seafood, and produce, offering not just nourishment but also entertainment and camaraderie.
This made The Order of Good Cheer one of the earliest social clubs in North America to celebrate the pleasures of good food and drink, and it laid the foundation for the region’s enduring legacy of culinary and communal gatherings.
A Contemporary Taste of History
Today, the Bear River area is home to two award-winning wineries that carry on this tradition of celebrating local bounty. Visitors can learn about Nova Scotia’s 400-year-long food and drink heritage, stroll through rolling vineyards, and enjoy innovative wine making practices—including the province’s only gravity-fed winery. Raise a glass to the long lineage of feast and friendship that began with The Order of Good Cheer, and discover how this spirit of celebration continues to shape Nova Scotia’s vibrant wine scene.
