Wine in Nova Scotia with Luckett Vineyards
Wine in Nova Scotia?
by Geena Luckett of Luckett Vineyards
You better believe it! Although Nova Scotia is relatively new to the wine industry, that doesn’t mean it’s lacking pizzaz!
Pete, my father, purchased a farm in the Annapolis Valley in 1999, originally to have as a fruit and vegetable hobby farm to supply his grocery stores. As he made friends with locals and participated in community events he met others from the NS grape and wine world and was convinced to try planting some grapes on the farm.
Fast forward to July 1, 2011 when we opened our doors for the first time to the public. We were so excited to start telling the story of Nova Scotia wine through what we knew and had experienced. Having grown our winery over the years we now produce 13,000 cases annually and approximately 12 different styles of red, white, rosé and traditional method sparkling available throughout the Maritimes.
There are many reasons why Nova Scotia was identified as a unique and great region to start growing grapes, but one of the most compelling call outs was our Maritime location. With the highest tides in the world in our backyard, these tidal influences come through in the wines that we produce. One of the most prominent, and well known, being Nova Scotia’s first appellation wine, Tidal Bay.
An example of another appellation would be Champagne or Chianti, however, rather than being defined by a particular region, wineries across the entire province can submit a wine to be considered for this prestigious title.
No matter who’s Tidal Bay you pick up off the shelf, they all have these things common: it is always a white wine, it will be aromatic and crisp, the grapes will be 100% Nova Scotia grown - including only designated varietals allowed by the standards (in certain percentages).
Having a premium style of wine that our industry can band together to promote and tell the world about has been absolutely amazing. Tidal Bay continues to be a favourite among our friends and family, and we’re sure that it will be for you too!
How could I forget … not only was Tidal Bay created as a way to show the characteristics of our incredible cool climate region, it was also wine that would compliment one of the foods which Nova Scotia produces best, seafood! The perfect pairing for this wine ranges from oysters on the half shell, to your favourite bowl of creamy chowder and finishing up with a juicy lobster roll - this wine is sure to answer the call!
We look forward to telling you more about the exciting growth in our industry, the stories of hardships and wins for NS wine, why our family got into this world and most importantly, tasting through the wines that we are so proud of offer to Nova Scotia and beyond.
