Nova Scotia’s wineries uncork new tourism opportunities

From: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

News release

Left to right: Lightfoot and Wolfville Vineyards and Luckett Vineyards

Government of Canada support will help extend wine tourism season, foster industry collaboration

March 12, 2025 · Wolfville, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Atlantic Canada’s wine industry is a key driver of the region’s tourism sector, attracting global visitors and contributing to a growing, diverse, and sustainable local economy. The Government of Canada is investing to help position Nova Scotia’s wineries as a premier, year-round tourism experience.

Support for integrated promotional efforts, new programs

Today, Kody Blois, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and to the Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA and Member of Parliament for Kings—Hants, announced a non-repayable contribution of $150,000 to Wolfville-based Wine Growers Nova Scotia (WGNS). The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.

This contribution will support a marketing plan and integrated social media strategy to promote the wine sector, and help WGNS develop and launch the Nova Scotia Vine and Wine Ambassador program. This program will provide specialized education for winery staff, restaurant workers and individuals interested in learning about the province’s winemaking industry.

This investment will also support the delivery of the WGNS’s new training program to help wineries integrate Indigenous teachings and values into the wine industry. The program will provide education, skills and sustainable practices while respecting cultural heritage.

Today's announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada's commitment to help organizations and businesses seize new opportunities to innovate and expand – creating and maintaining jobs, and driving long-term economic growth.

Quotes

“With projects like these, even more visitors will get to discover Nova Scotia’s beautiful vineyards, top-notch wines, and welcoming communities, all year round. Your federal government, through ACOA, is backing Wine Growers Nova Scotia to help grow the province’s wine industry, boost tourism, and create jobs.”
- The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“By investing in the promotion of Nova Scotia wineries, we are not only supporting local businesses but also enhancing the overall visitor experience. Unique new programs will provide specialized education for those working in the wine industry and help the sector incorporate Indigenous learnings and values in its operations.”
- Kody Blois, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and to the Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants

“This investment supports our vision of showcasing Nova Scotia’s wines and vineyards to the world, while also strengthening the foundation of our industry here at home. Through innovative training programs, enhanced marketing efforts, and meaningful partnerships, we are positioning our wineries to thrive as year-round tourism destinations and valuable contributors to our rural economy.”
– Haley Brown, Executive Director, Wine Growers Nova Scotia

Quick facts

  • The Winery Association of Nova Scotia (WANS) was formed in 2002. In 2020, it rebranded to Wine Growers Nova Scotia (WGNS) to align with Wine Growers Canada and other wine regions across the country.

  • WGNS works to build awareness of the Wines of Nova Scotia brand, serve as a voice for wineries, and work closely with all levels of government to grow the industry and expand market opportunities for Nova Scotia wine.

  • Nova Scotia wines have won more than 200 international and national awards.

  • The Nova Scotia wine industry attracts more than 150,000 visitors annually and in 2022 generated nearly $86 million in tourism dollars for the province.

  • The funding announced today is provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s (ACOA) Innovative Communities Fund (ICF), which supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation.

Contacts

Connor Burton
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and of the
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Connor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Jay Witherbee
Acting Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-266-4037
Jay.Witherbee@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Haley Brown
Executive Director
Wine Growers Nova Scotia 
info@winesofnovascotia.ca

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