Benjamin Bridge to sparkle for more wine lovers
News release
Automation will help Gaspereau Valley winery expand production capacity and efficiency, improve quality
September 14, 2018 – Gaspereau, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Nova Scotia’s fresh, crisp and bright wines are garnering rave reviews from discerning palates in domestic and international markets. The Government of Canada is investing $500,000 in McConnell Gordon Estates Limited to help the Annapolis Valley company automate to meet increased global demand for its wines. This investment will enable the firm, operating as Benjamin Bridge Vineyards, to strengthen its market share in Canada and around the world, building sustained economic prosperity in rural Nova Scotia.
The Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board, Minister of Digital Government and Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants, announced the funding today on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). The repayable contribution is being made through ACOA’s Business Development Program, which helps small and medium-sized enterprises expand and modernize to improve competitiveness.
Benjamin Bridge will use the assistance to purchase automated wine production and bar coding equipment for its production facility. With a national and international reputation for producing high quality, limited edition wines, the boutique winery will expand production, increase efficiency and enhance food safety, while growing export sales.
This project will help maintain 18 full-time and 26 part-time positions, and will also help grow the company’s full-time workforce to at least 20 positions over the next 18 months.
This investment builds on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which supports strategic investments in initiatives that build on the region’s competitive advantages, such as its strong export potential, growing innovation network, and skilled workforce.
Quotes
“Curiosity, courage, creativity and a collaborative spirit are what lead to the kinds of innovations and technologies that improve our daily lives and drive our economy, and our country. Investing in wineries like Benjamin Bridge, which are forging global ties and gaining worldwide renown for the excellence of their products, helps build regional economic wealth, and lays a more solid foundation for the next generation of Canadians.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Benjamin Bridge’s acclaimed vintages are among the many Atlantic Canadian food and beverage products that are world-renowned for their excellence, variety and high quality. A strong and competitive food and beverage industry is vital to Atlantic Canada’s prosperity, creating good jobs, growing the middle class, and bringing high-quality products to tables of consumers here in Canada and around the world.”
- The Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board, Minister of Digital Government and Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants
“Nearly 20 years ago, we dreamt of a sustainable and acclaimed wine industry in the rural Annapolis Valley. We envisioned a reputation for Benjamin Bridge that would have Canadians embrace Nova Scotia wine and international markets seek them. This has taken a continuous investment in quality -- through premium organic viticulture, top winemaking equipment, and an expanding, talented team. This new project provides us with innovative, high-quality, automated winemaking equipment that can keep pace with a growing supply of grapes in the Province and, ultimately, ensure stronger and diverse markets for Nova Scotia wine.”
- Gerry McConnell, President, McConnell Gordon Estates Limited
Quick facts
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McConnell Gordon Estates Limited was incorporated in January 1997 and now comprises an expanding 55-plus acre vineyard on its 140-acre property near Wolfville.
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The winery is located in Gaspereau Valley on the Bay of Fundy, where the cool climate bears an uncanny affinity with the Champagne region of France.
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The Benjamin Bridge vineyards are certified organic, and in 2015 the winery became the first in Nova Scotia to adopt high density planting techniques to enhance quality.
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Nova 7 is Benjamin Bridge’s perennial sell-out wine. Its name pays homage to the winemakers’ commitment to a wine that could only be made in Nova Scotia as well as the Latin word “new.” Seven is in tribute to 2007, the year of the winery’s first commercial vintage, released in spring 2008.
Contacts
Alex Smith
Director of Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Phone: 902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
E-mail: alex.smith@canada.ca
Gillian Mainguy
Head of Sales
Benjamin Bridge
Phone: 902-698-4202 (cell)
E-Mail: gillian@benjaminbridge.com