Food & Flavour
Nova Scotia Wines Win International Awards
Vineyards from the Annapolis Valley have received praise at global competitions, spotlighting the province’s growing reputation for crisp whites and traditional method sparkling wines.
Connor Walsh | October 10, 2025 at 05:10 AM
Nova Scotia’s burgeoning wine industry is making waves on the international stage, with several vineyards from the province capturing top honours at recent global competitions. Judges at the Global Wine Awards in London and the International Cool Climate Wine Symposium in Germany praised Nova Scotia wines for their crisp acidity, unique terroir, and finesse.
Among the winners was Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyards, which took home a gold medal for their 2022 traditional method sparkling wine. Their success was echoed by Benjamin Bridge, whose Tidal Bay vintage earned silver in the white wine category. Both wineries are located in the Annapolis Valley, a region known for its cool climate and mineral-rich soil.
“It’s incredibly validating,” said Jessica Hart, head winemaker at Lightfoot & Wolfville. “We’ve spent years refining our methods to highlight what makes this region special — and the world is finally taking notice.”
Nova Scotia's wine industry has grown rapidly in the past two decades, expanding from a handful of boutique producers to a network of more than 20 established vineyards. The province’s unique maritime climate — with its long autumns and ocean breezes — lends itself particularly well to sparkling wines and aromatic whites.
The Tidal Bay designation, introduced in 2012, has become a signature label for Nova Scotia whites, allowing wineries to experiment within strict regional guidelines. This blend-focused approach has fostered creativity and consistency while giving consumers a taste that is distinctly East Coast.
At the awards, judges were particularly impressed with the aging potential and clarity of structure in this year’s entries. “The wines from Nova Scotia continue to surprise us,” said chief judge Arno Lehmann. “There’s precision, elegance, and a clear expression of place.”
Back at home, news of the international recognition has been met with excitement. Vineyards have seen a modest uptick in tasting room bookings and direct orders since the awards were announced. “People want to taste what the buzz is about,” said marketing director Elise MacNeil from Benjamin Bridge.
Tourism Nova Scotia has jumped on the momentum, launching a mini-campaign to highlight vineyard experiences in the province. Ads spotlight scenic tasting patios overlooking rolling vineyards and events like harvest dinners and sparkling wine brunches.
For local sommeliers and restaurateurs, the wins further validate their commitment to local sourcing. “We’ve always had faith in these wines,” said Thomas Ng, wine director at a Halifax fine dining restaurant. “Now we have international proof to back it up.”
Vintners say the next step is scaling sustainably while preserving the intimate, handcrafted nature of their offerings. Many are investing in eco-friendly practices, including organic farming and low-intervention methods in the cellar.
“We’re proud, but we’re not chasing mass production,” said winemaker Jillian Cross of Blomidon Estate Winery. “Our wines tell a story of where they come from, and that’s something you can’t rush or replicate.”
Several vineyards are planning celebration events this fall, including curated tastings of the award-winning bottles, vineyard tours, and winemaker Q&As. Some events have already sold out within days of announcement.
As Nova Scotia continues to carve out a name in the world of wine, producers hope the recent accolades will encourage both locals and visitors to explore what’s growing just beyond the next hill — in a bottle full of character and Atlantic charm.