It’s Tidal Bay Season in Nova Scotia

Caution: The following wines contain flavours of coastal breezes and cool climates that will leave you aching for a taste of home. The Tidal Bay series is back, with 10 wineries working together to create a wine recognizable on a global of scale, yet fully unique to our region and terrior.

Launched in 2012, Tidal Bay aims to serve as not only a reflection of the wineries they represent, but of the Nova Scotian land and sea. To obtain the Tidal Bay designation, all wines must be made from specific grape varieties, include 100% Nova Scotia grown grapes, follow a strict set of standards and be approved every year by an independent blind tasting panel.

Winemaker Simon Rafuse of Blomidon Estate Winery gives us this scoop into this years Tidal Bay:

What’s unique about this year’s Tidal Bay?
It shows a little more weight on the palate for the most part, and a extra kick of aromatics from the warm summer last year. The wines still retain their freshness however, because the spring was pretty damp and late.

What influences affect Tidal Bay each year?
Well, the climate plays the biggest role, and then it’s up to the winemaker to put their own stamp on the vintage. I tend to go for a cleaner, fresher style of Tidal Bay – that’s the kind of wine I like to drink myself.

Why were you involved in the creation of Tidal Bay?
Being a part of the creation of the Tidal Bay appellation was a really interesting and enlightening experience. Working with other winemakers to try to tease out the best possible representation of our Nova Scotian terroir was a great learning experience, and it’s nice to collaborate on a project like that.

How important is Tidal Bay to the Nova Scotia wine community?
Tidal Bay, in my opinion, has been the best thing to happen to Nova Scotia wine in a while. It has really served as a vehicle to help educate our customers about what we do best here, and also given them something to be proud of as a  100% Nova Scotian product.

What pairs best with your  Tidal Bay?
Freshly steamed Nova Scotia mussels, but it’s a great brunch wine too.

Now that you’re eager to get your hands on a bottle – you can find Tidal Bay at select NSLC stores, private wine stores and Farmers’ Markets around the province.

Wineries making Tidal Bay this year include: Avondale Sky Winery, Benjamin Bridge, Blomidon Estate Winery, Domaine de Grand Pre, Gaspereau Vineyards, Jost Vineyards, Luckett Vineyards, Petite-Riviere Vineyards, Planters Ridge and Sainte-Famille