Grape Growers

It is believed that grapevines were first planted in Nova Scotia in 1611 by Sieur de Monts (of Annapolis Royal fame) in Bear River. It is unlikely that these grapevines flourished. Labrusca vines have been grown on many farms for many years producing wonderful jellies and jams, but not suited for wine making.

Since 1913, grape cultivar evaluation trials have taken place at the Agriculture Canada Research Station in Kentville. It wasn’t until the 1960's that grapes suitable for wine making were identified. The first varieties to show promise in Nova Scotia were French varieties: Marechal Foch, DeChaunac, Castel 19637, Baco Noir, Leon Millot, and Seyval Blanc. Two Russian varieties, Mischurnitz and Severnyi, which are amurensis crosses, were also of interest for early ripening, high sugar content, good production and winter hardiness.

Jost Vineyards has over 130 acres of vineyards under contract with grape growers around the province of Nova Scotia. These are some of the growers that commit time and energy to growing high quality grapes for the Nova Scotia wine consumer.

Kingsley Brown:
Marechal Foch, L'Acadie

Jim Gray:
Luci Kuhlmann, Marechal Foch, Mischurnitz, L'Acadie

John Pratt:
Luci Kuhlmann, Marechal Foch , Marechal Joffre, Severnyi, L'Acadie, Cayuga

Ralf Wuhrer:
Canadice, Leon Millot, Marechal Foch, L'Acadie, NY Muscat, Reliance, Seyval Blanc, Triomphe D'Alsace, Cayuga and GM 318

Andrew and Mary Bennett:
Leon Millot, Luci Kuhlmann, Severnyi, GM 318,Marechal Foch, L'Acadie, Triomphe D'Alsace

Dr. Alan McIntyre:
Cabernet Franc, Leon Millot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, L'Acadie, NY Muscat

Warner Vineyards:
Baco Noir, Castel, Leon Millot, Marechal Foch, L'Acadie, NY Muscat, Ortega, Seyval Blanc, Vidal

Jost Vineyards acknowledges the determination, skill and hard work of its’ contract grape growers.