Nova Scotia Wines Receive Award for Excellence

Four wines received the 2025 Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for Excellence in Nova Scotia Wines during a ceremony at Government House in Halifax today, July 22.

“Nova Scotia’s wine industry is a dynamic fusion of innovation and tradition, where winemakers create distinctive, expressive wines that truly embody the spirit of the Atlantic coast,” said Lt.-Gov. Mike Savage. “I am proud to congratulate this year’s award recipients, who exemplify the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.”

The recipients are:

• 2022 Reserve Chardonnay, Blomidon Estate Winery, Canning
• 2022 Chardonnay, Blomidon Estate Winery, Canning
• 2019 Blanc de Blanc, Domaine de Grand Pré, Grand Pré
• 2017 Small Lot Trio Brut, Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyards, Wolfville.

The award is administered annually by Wine Growers Nova Scotia and Taste of Nova Scotia in partnership with the Office of the Lieutenant-Governor.

Wineries across the province submitted up to three commercially available wines made with 100 per cent Nova Scotian grapes. An independent panel of experts participated in a blind tasting of all wines to select the top submissions for the award.

Quotes:

“The Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for Excellence in Nova Scotia Wines is a prestigious recognition and a testament to the hard work and dedication of our province’s exceptional farm wineries. The award not only celebrates the excellence of individual producers, but also symbolizes the remarkable growth of the farm wine industry in Nova Scotia. As our region continues to craft world-class wines, it’s clear that we are making our mark on the global wine scene. We are incredibly proud of the 2025 award winners, whose passion and commitment continue to elevate Nova Scotia as a premier wine destination.”
— Karl Coutinho, President, Wine Growers Nova Scotia

“Nova Scotia’s farm wine industry is driven by excellence, creativity and a deep connection to place. Rooted in our distinct cool climate and coastal terroir, each bottle tells a story of innovation, resilience and craft. Our grape growers and winemakers are not only producing wines that compete on the world stage – they’re defining what’s possible in cool-climate winemaking. The Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for Excellence in Nova Scotia Wines continues to shine a light on the people, passion and place behind this remarkable industry.”
— Emily Haynes, Executive Director, Taste of Nova Scotia

Quick Facts:

• the award program was established by former lieutenant-governor J.J. Grant in 2014 to recognize locally sourced and produced wines
• 33 wines from 12 wineries were submitted this year for adjudication by a panel of independent judges
• each winning winery is presented with a gold medal and a certificate; they may advertise that the wine is an award recipient