Planters Ridge is an artisanal winery located in Port Williams, Nova Scotia. The vineyard is planted on the sandy- clay slopes of a ridge overlooking the Wellington Dyke. The rich pastoral setting that embodies our unique microclimate, is bordered in the north by the basalt and granite of the North Mountain that rises from the shore of the Bay of Fundy. To the south, we are sheltered from the cooler air of the Atlantic Ocean by the South Mountain and Wolfville Ridge. Our terroir serves as the inspiration for the wines we produce. We believe in the concept of vineyard enology, which at its core, is the belief that wine is made in the vineyard. With this in mind, we strive to create the most unique and inspiring wines that this land will give us. We invite you to join us on our journey, and taste the tradition and passion in every bottle.
Our Story
It began with an internet search “wineries for sale”. To our surprise and intrigue, Nova Scotia came up. Recently retired and looking for a new challenge, we immediately started to research the Nova Scotia wine industry. After several trips, spanning from Cape Breton to Bear River, we found the perfect spot, a 7.5 acre farm with a 150 year old house and barn, spectacular views and an abundance of history. No time was wasted; the property was tile drained in the fall of 2010, and the vineyard was planted in the spring of 2011. Grow tubes were used that first year and the vineyard became known as the “blue tube vineyard”. A chance meeting at a winery show in Virginia in 2011 brought us in contact with consultants Natalie Spytkowsky and Darryl Fields, who own Vines to Vintages in Jordan, Ontario. Their winemaking philosophy and practices, along with their many years of experience in the wine industry, are an integral part of what Planters Ridge Winery is today.
Our History
Purchased Farm
2010
John and Lisa purchased the 7.5 acre farm from Alan and June Woodworth, who were seventh generation Woodworths to own the property.
Planted Vineyard
2011
In the spring of 2011 the vineyard was planted. Grow tubes were used that first year and the vineyard became known as the ``blue tube vineyard``. The first grapes planted were German Riesling.
The Renovation
2012
A small experimental harvest in this year confirmed the potential of John & Lisa's dream to craft quality wines from their terroir in Port Williams, NS. Plans to renovate the 155 year old timber-frame-barn were set into action, creating the winery that would be known as Planters Ridge, after the New England Planters who farmed the land for 250 years.
First Harvest
2013
The very first harvest produced a crop of 15 tonnes off of the vines of the Estate Vineyard. This crop would go on to produce a National award winning Tidal Bay blend, the first wine bottled at Planters Ridge. This proved to be an impressive feat in the Winery's first year of producing wines.
Grand Opening
2014
Planters Ridge Winery opened it's doors on June 27, 2014, welcoming 200 people to the winery to celebrate it's grand opening.
A New Vineyard
2015
John & Lisa expanded the acres of vines through the purchase of a premium vineyard on the foot of the North Mountain. This hidden gem was named Basalt Ridge Vineyard and it's unique wine grape varieties would add a level of distinction to the portfolio of wines produced by Planters Ridge.