Between 1980 and 1993 Grand Pré Winery changed hands several times. In 1993, Swiss businessman Hanspeter Stutz bought the property and began renovating buildings and replanting vineyards. It took over seven years to restore the winery and uncork the first bottle of wine. Now in its forth year, the new Domaine de Grand Pré has won prestigious national and international awards for its wines and continues to attract local clientele as well as visitors from the rest of Canada and international markets. Domaine de Grand Pré is also winner of the CRYSTAL TOURISM AWARD OF EXCELLENCY for Tourism Services 2002. David Lawrason, Editor in Chief Wine Access, wrote in his article “Nova Scotia Wine reaches a turning point” (issue June 2002) about Domaine de Grand Pré: This property near historic Wolfville is the barometer of the Nova Scotia wine industry.
Domaine de Grand Pré has a unique approach to winemaking. Unlike most New World wineries producing Old World wines, Hanspeter believes producers should develop distinct varieties, styles, and vineyard practices based on particular soils and climates.
Domaine de Grand Pré currently produces the following wines: Maréchal Foch; Maréchal Foch Reserve; Leon Millot; L’Acadie Blanc; L’Acadie Blanc Reserve; New York Muscat; Seyval Blanc; Vidal Icewine; Vidal Select Late Harvest; New York Muscat Icewine, Ortega Select Late Harvest and the apple-based dessert wine Pomme d’Or. You’ll also want to try Stutz hard apple cider.
All products are available through the winery’s on-site wine shop and restaurant and through the winery’s booth at the Halifax Farmers Market on Saturdays. Stutz is also available at NSLC outlets and select wines are sold through NSLC Port of Wines stores. Most of the products are also available in the four private Wine Stores.
Along with the quality wines, Domaine de Grand Pré offers a complete and unforgettable experience. The winery’s philosophy is evident to visitors within minutes of their arrival: Please don’t hurry. You’ll see examples of this everywhere, from the restoration of the grounds to the design of the facilities. Time has been taken to do it right, to ultimately create an atmosphere where you can escape the usual, everyday pressure to hurry. Whether you come for a short visit, a romantic dinner, or a special celebration with family and friends, Domaine de Grand Pré is the perfect setting. With seating for 50 people, Restaurant Le Caveau provides intimate surroundings for quiet dinners or for small receptions. Outside, the pergola seats up to 80 guests creating a picturesque setting for wedding receptions and other events. Domaine de Grand Pré’s master chefs are always treating guests to original, seasonal dishes with a Swiss flair.
Related Posts
Chef Jason Lynch and Chef Dennis Johnston Team Up for Grand Pré’s 10th Anniversary Dinner (June 9, 2010)
Nova Scotia Wines Take Home 16 Awards! (May 31, 2010)
Edward the VII’s Favourite Omelette (May 8, 2010)
