Wine Enthusiast Tour Lead by a Sommelier

Discover the Wine Enthusiast Tour Led by a Certified Sommelier in Halifax

The Wine Enthusiast Tour Lead by a Sommelier offers a compelling way to explore Nova Scotia’s renowned wine scene. Priced at $176.11 per person, this 7-hour experience combines expert-led tastings, a delicious wine-pairing lunch, and visits to three top wineries near Halifax. With a personalized guide, you’ll enjoy a relaxed pace that balances education, scenery, and great food.

This tour is perfect for those who want to deepen their understanding of local wines and savor Nova Scotia’s rural charm. It departs from central Halifax at 10:15am and includes admission tickets to each site, making the planning straightforward. While the tour involves some walking and vehicle travel, it remains accessible to most travelers seeking a comprehensive, guided wine experience.

Key Points

• Expert-led experience with a personable certified sommelier guide
• Includes a wine pairing lunch at Fuego restaurant at Bent Ridge Winery
• Visits three top wineries: Bent Ridge, Planters Ridge, and Benjamin Bridge
• Total duration of approximately 7 hours with convenient pickup and drop-off in Halifax
• All tasting tickets included, with a focus on Nova Scotia wines
• Maximum group size of 24 ensures a comfortable, engaging atmosphere

Unique Features of the Wine Enthusiast Tour in Nova Scotia

This tour stands out through its personalized guide who is a Certified Sommelier, offering insights into each wine and winery. The focus on learning and tasting allows for a richer appreciation of Nova Scotia’s wine offerings, from rural vineyards to a sparkling wine house.

The lunch at Fuego restaurant, located at Bent Ridge Winery, is a key highlight. It pairs locally inspired dishes with the wines tasted earlier, with options ranging from salads and pastas to gourmet pizzas, including gluten-free choices. The lunch menu caters to a variety of tastes, featuring options like spinach salad, pesto chicken pasta, and rosé ravioli.

Expert-Led Guidance with a Dynamic Sommelier

The tour’s guide, Robin, is praised for being knowledgeable, engaging, and personable. His ability to share interesting facts about Halifax and the Annapolis Valley enhances the experience. Guests appreciate how Robin makes learning about wine accessible and fun, creating a lively, relaxed atmosphere.

His enthusiasm on his birthday highlights the personable nature of the tour, adding an extra layer of warmth to the day. The driver also contributes to the positive vibe, making sure the group stays on schedule and comfortable.

Morning at Bent Ridge Winery with Tasting and Lunch

The tour begins at Bent Ridge Winery with a wine tasting session at 11:30am. This rural Nova Scotia winery features a stone barrel cellar that adds charm to the visit. Following the tasting, guests enjoy a lunch at Fuego restaurant, where wine pairings complement the dishes.

The lunch menu offers a range of options, including salads, pastas, and pizzas, such as the Pepperoni & Cheese pizza or the Vegan pizza. This meal provides a chance to relax, chat, and savor local flavors while enjoying Fuego’s Latin-inspired dishes.

Touring Gaspereau Vineyards for a Closer Look at Local Wines

At 1:30pm, the group heads to Planters Ridge Winery. Here, a tour and wine tasting last about an hour. Guests explore the vineyard’s beautiful setting, learning about its winemaking process and tasting a selection of local wines.

The location offers a different perspective from Bent Ridge, emphasizing the diversity of Nova Scotia’s wine regions. The experience provides insight into the varietals and regional styles that define Nova Scotia wines.

Benjamin Bridge: Sparkling Wines and Stone Cellars

By 3:00pm, the tour visits Benjamin Bridge, Nova Scotia’s leading sparkling wine house. The tour and tasting focus on their famous sparkling wines, produced using traditional methods. The stone barrel cellar adds an atmospheric touch, making this stop particularly memorable.

Guests get a firsthand look at Benjamin Bridge’s winemaking techniques and have the opportunity to taste a variety of award-winning sparkling wines. This stop showcases the best of Nova Scotia’s bubbly offerings, setting it apart from standard wine tastings.

Convenient Meeting and End Points in Halifax

The tour begins at 1675 Lower Water Street in Halifax, making it easy to access via public transportation or car. The activity concludes back at the starting point, allowing for flexible planning after the experience. The group size is limited to 24 participants, ensuring a relaxed and personalized environment.

Practical Details and Booking Tips

Confirmation is received immediately upon booking, and the tour is suitable for most travelers. Participants are asked to include their lunch option—with choices ranging from salads to pizzas—at the time of booking. The tour involves some walking and vehicle travel, with most of the experience outdoors or in winery facilities.

Booking typically occurs 67 days in advance, reflecting its popularity. The price, at $176.11 per person, covers all tasting fees, lunch, and transportation between wineries. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, giving flexibility if plans change.

Why This Tour Delivers Value and Fun

The combination of expert guidance, diverse winery visits, and a hearty lunch makes this tour stand out. Attendees gain wine knowledge from a certified sommelier, enjoy beautiful countryside scenery, and sample some of Nova Scotia’s best wines.

The intimate size and personalized approach foster a friendly, informative atmosphere. Plus, the inclusion of local cuisine elevates the tasting experience, making it suitable for wine enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.

Who Will Appreciate This Experience Most

This tour appeals to adults interested in wine and local food, particularly those seeking a guided, educational outing. It suits wine novices wanting to learn more as well as more experienced connoisseurs eager to discover Nova Scotia’s sparkling wines and regional varietals.

Travelers who enjoy small group experiences and well-organized tours will find this especially satisfying. It’s also an excellent choice for special occasions or birthdays, given the personable guide and celebratory atmosphere.

Final Words on the Nova Scotia Wine Tour

The Wine Enthusiast Tour with a Sommelier offers a balanced, enjoyable journey through Nova Scotia’s wine country. The expert guidance, combined with beautiful vineyard visits and a delicious, wine-paired lunch, creates an experience that feels both educational and relaxed.

While it’s a full-day activity, the carefully paced itinerary ensures that guests have time to savor each stop without feeling rushed. The all-inclusive pricing and free cancellation policy add peace of mind when planning this memorable day.

This tour is perfect for wine lovers wanting to explore Nova Scotia’s rural wineries with expert insights and good company. It provides a genuine taste of the region’s diverse wines and warm hospitality—making it a standout activity in Halifax’s vibrant wine scene.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation provided during the tour?
Yes, the tour manages transportation between the wineries, starting and ending at the meeting point in Halifax.

Can I choose my lunch option?
Yes, you should include your preferred lunch choice when booking, with options like salads, pastas, and pizzas, including gluten-free options.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but the experience is designed for adults interested in wine. The tour involves some walking and vehicle travel.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are non-refundable.

How many wineries will I visit?
You will visit three wineries: Bent Ridge Winery, Planters Ridge Winery, and Benjamin Bridge.

What makes this tour special?
The expert sommelier guide, delicious lunch, and visits to Nova Scotia’s top wineries and sparkling wine house make it a well-rounded, memorable experience.