Blomidon Estate Winery, located in Habitant, recently received two of the Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for Excellence in Nova Scotia Wines. From left are winemaker Simon Rafuse and president Tim Ramey with Agriculture Minister Greg Morrow at the July 22 ceremony at Government House. Photo by Michael Creagen /Office of the Lieutenant GovernorArticle contentFour Kings County wines were recently recognized by Nova Scotia’s lieutenant-governor.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentBlomidon Estate Winery’s 2022 Reserve Chardonnay and 2022 Chardonnay, Domaine de Grand Pré’s 2019 Blanc de Blanc and the 2017 Small Lot Trio Brut from Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyards earned the 2025 Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for Excellence in Nova Scotia Wines.Article contentArticle content“Nova Scotia’s wine industry is a dynamic fusion of innovation and tradition, where winemakers create distinctive, expressive wines that truly embody the spirit of the Atlantic coast,” Lt.-Gov. Mike Savage said in a news release. “I am proud to congratulate this year’s award recipients, who exemplify the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.”Article contentArticle contentThe awards, which include a gold medal and a certificate, were presented July 22 at Government House in Halifax. The program was established in 2014 to recognize locally sourced and produced wines. It is administered by Wine Growers Nova Scotia and Taste of Nova Scotia in partnership with the Office of the Lieutenant-Governor.Article content Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyards’ head winemaker Josh Horton, left, and director of operations Rachel Lightfoot receive a Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for Excellence in Nova Scotia Wines from Lt.-Gov. Mike Savage July 22 at Government House. The Wolfville-based winery was recognized for its 2017 Small Lot Trio Brut. Photo by Michael Creagen /Office of the Lieutenant GovernorArticle content“Nova Scotia’s farm wine industry is driven by excellence, creativity and a deep connection to place,” said Taste of Nova Scotia executive director Emily Haynes. “Rooted in our distinct cool climate and coastal terroir, each bottle tells a story of innovation, resilience and craft.Article contentArticle content“Our grape growers and winemakers are not only producing wines that compete on the world stage – they’re defining what’s possible in cool-climate winemaking.”Article content The 2019 Blanc de Blanc from Domaine de Grand Pré was one of four wines to be recognized July 22 during the Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for Excellence in Nova Scotia Wines ceremony. From left are Domaine de Grand Pré winemaker Kimberley Gorman, Lt.-Gov. Mike Savage and head winemaker Jürg Stutz. Photo by Michael Creagen /Office of the Lieutenant GovernorArticle contentArticle contentThirty-three wines from 12 wineries were submitted this year. An independent panel of experts participated in a blind tasting of all the wines to select the top submissions for the award.Article content“The award not only celebrates the excellence of individual producers, but also symbolizes the remarkable growth of the farm wine industry in Nova Scotia,” said Karl Coutinho, Wine Growers Nova Scotia president. “As our region continues to craft world-class wines, it’s clear that we are making our mark on the global wine scene.”Article content Domaine de Grand Pré founder Hanspeter Stutz, right, with Lt.-Gov. Mike Savage at the Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for Excellence in Nova Scotia Wines ceremony July 22 in Halifax. Photo by Michael Creagen /Office of the Lieutenant GovernorArticle content
Kings County, N.S., wineries earn recognition
