About this tour
When Mia from our BugBitten team ran this seven-hour wine tour through Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley, it felt like a masterclass led by someone who actually knows their stuff. The day strings together three stops—Planters Ridge for tasting, Benjamin Bridge for their sparkling wines, and lunch at the Latin-inflected Fuego at Bent Ridge Winery—all guided by a Certified Sommelier who reads the room and pairs wines with real insight. It's a rural crawl through some of Canada's best-regarded wineries, ideal for wine-curious travellers who want the expert commentary without the stuffiness.
Highlights
- Sommelier guide who speaks wine language fluently, not pretentiously
- Benjamin Bridge sparkling wines—Nova Scotia's serious answer to bubbly
- Fuego's wood-fired pizzas and pastas paired with estate wines
- Three distinct wineries in one day, showing different styles
- Lunch included; menu options span salads, pasta, and regional pizzas
- Planters Ridge tasting room overlooks the Annapolis Valley
- Relaxed pace suits all fitness levels—minimal heavy lifting
What to expect
The day kicks off with a tasting at Planters Ridge, where you'll sample their range in a setting that lets the valley views do some talking. From there, it's a short hop to Benjamin Bridge, where Nova Scotia's reputation for sparkling wine becomes clear—the guide walks you through their production method and lets you taste the difference. The heart of the day is lunch at Fuego, a sought-after rural spot tucked into Bent Ridge. You order ahead (salad, pasta, pizza options ranging from straightforward to ambitious), and the sommelier steers you toward wines that genuinely complement what's on your plate, not just what's easiest to sell. Pacing is unhurried; there's downtime to chat with other guests and linger over glasses. The whole thing feels more like a knowledgeable mate showing you around than a tick-box tourist run.
What travellers say
- Certified Sommelier host brings genuine depth, not tourist-speak
- Three distinct wineries showcase Nova Scotia's range in one day
- Lunch pairing at Fuego elevates the experience above typical tastings
- Inclusive pricing removes guesswork around add-on costs
- Menu diversity handles dietary needs—vegan, gluten-free, nut allergies
- Rural location requires driving; public transport patchy
- Lunch choice locked in at booking—no menu flexibility on the day
- Autumn peak season fills up quickly; advance booking essential
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
If you enjoy wine but aren't a snob about it, this lands perfectly. The sommelier's energy and actual expertise make the difference—you'll learn something real about terroir and sparkling-wine method without feeling talked down to. Three quality wineries plus a proper lunch with wine pairing is genuine value. The menu caters well to dietary needs (gluten-free pizza bases, vegan options, pescatarian pastas).
You need to pre-select your lunch when you book, so no last-minute menu changes. The tour is rural Nova Scotia, so it's drive-heavy; if you're not keen on 90 minutes of car time across the day, flag it. Peak wine-tour season is autumn, so book ahead. No hidden costs—lunch, fees, and taxes are baked in. Suitable for all fitness levels, but there's walking between tasting rooms and vineyard areas, so comfy shoes matter. Public transport exists nearby, but a private group or driver is far more convenient than piecing together buses.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.