7 Cozy Nova Scotia Wineries to Visit This Winter (2025)

The Ultimate Winter Escape

Winter in Nova Scotia wine country is a hidden secret. The crowds have vanished, the pace slows down, and the wineries turn into warm, inviting sanctuaries. Imagine sipping a bold red by a roaring fire while watching the snow blanket the vines outside. It is the definition of hygge.

If you are looking for a winter escape, here are 7 Nova Scotia wineries that master the art of cozy.

1. Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyards

• The Vibe: Rustic elegance. The massive fireplace in the tasting room is the heart of the winery during winter.
• Why it’s Cozy: Grab a seat in a leather armchair by the fire, order a wood-fired pizza, and watch the winter storms roll over Cape Blomidon. It feels like a luxury lodge.
• Must Try: Their Ancienne Pinot Noir is the perfect winter warmer.
• Winter Status: Open year-round (check hours for January/February).

2. Bent Ridge Winery

• The Vibe: A literal warm embrace. This winery is attached to a Latin-inspired restaurant, Bent Elote.
• Why it’s Cozy: It’s small, intimate, and smells like delicious food. It feels less like a tasting room and more like a friend's kitchen.
• Must Try: Their Appassimento-style reds are rich and high-alcohol, perfect for cold days.
• Winter Status: Open year-round.

3. Luckett Vineyards

• The Vibe: British pub meets vineyard chic.
• Why it’s Cozy: While the famous red phone box might be covered in snow, the tasting room offers sweeping views of the white Gaspereau Valley. It’s a bright, cheerful spot to beat the winter blues.
• Must Try: The "Phone Box Red" is a robust blend made for hearty winter meals.
• Winter Status: Often open for tastings and retail (check specific winter hours).

4. Domaine de Grand Pré

• The Vibe: Historic and romantic.
• Why it’s Cozy: The Le Caveau restaurant is consistently voted one of the best winery restaurants in the world. With its stone walls and intimate lighting, it is the ultimate date-night spot.
• Must Try: A glass of Vidal Icewine for dessert.
• Winter Status: Restaurant has seasonal hours; wine shop is generally open.

5. Planters Ridge Winery

• The Vibe: A renovated timber-frame barn that feels grand yet homey.
• Why it’s Cozy: The wood interior gives it a warm glow, and the large windows let you soak in the winter sun without feeling the chill.
• Must Try: Their Tawny Port-style wine is a fireside essential.
• Winter Status: Open year-round.

6. L’Acadie Vineyards

• The Vibe: A boutique organic experience.
• Why it’s Cozy: It’s small and personal. You are often chatting directly with the staff or owners, making it feel like a private tasting.
• Must Try: The Vintage Cuvée sparkling—bubbles aren't just for summer!
• Winter Status: Shop is open; tastings by appointment in deep winter.

7. Avondale Sky Winery

• The Vibe: Spiritual warmth. The winery is a repurposed church that was floated down the river.
• Why it’s Cozy: The stained glass and high ceilings create a serene, peaceful atmosphere. It’s a quiet place to reflect and enjoy a glass.
• Must Try: Nirvana, a sparkling Muscat that brings a touch of summer to winter.
• Winter Status: Retail shop open; check for tasting hours.

🛍️ Winter Wine Touring Tips

1. Check Hours: Winter hours can change due to weather or staff holidays. Always check the winery's Instagram or call ahead before driving.
2. Dress in Layers: Wineries are warm, but you might want to snap a photo in the snowy vineyard.
3. Book Ahead: With smaller indoor capacities, tasting rooms can fill up fast on weekends.

Don't let winter keep you at home. The valley is calling, and the fire is lit.