Property Description

Bear River is a Proven 12 year old Eastern Canadian Vinifera Winery. This spring Bear River was awarded four medals at the 2010 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition (FLIWC). Bear River Vineyards and winery is one of the few Single Vineyard, "100% Estate Grown and Bottled" wineries in Canada. Bear River Valley was first planted in 1611, making 2011 the 400th Anniversary of grape growing in the Bear River area. All of our wine is bottled using Solar Power. The Winery is a Four Story "Bank Barn" allowing a Gravity Feed system of winemaking with drive in access on three floors. The winery has a capacity of 5000+ cases.

Within the winery, there is a comfortable reidence on two floors. There are 2 full and two half baths with two additional private and separate bedrooms to accommodate staff or visitors. There is also the ensuite guest room and the waterside cottage. The winery is a large and flexible home in which to entertain and accommodate guests. The business and residence combined allow the front doors of the winery to remain open after regular retail hours. Much additional revenue can be generated when owners are available to receive guests and customers at off hours without leaving the comfort of your home. This is a Lifestyle Winery with a European authenticity that attracts compliments and sincere admiration from all who visit.

Bear River is a Maritime Climate Paradox. There is calm air, exceptional summer sun and no fog. These conditions create a superior vineyard climate found in few areas of Eastern Canada. There are many mature peaches, plums, blueberries and other fruit on the estate. In season, they "sell out" from a fruit stand in the wine shop. The Bear River community has the largest density of artists, musicians and craftspeople per capita in the Maritimes.

The vineyard environment and aspect in Bear River ripens eight varieties of Vinifera and several Hybrids. Well drained glacial soil on a bed of fractured slate and steeply sloping rows are warmed by an inland estuary creating an ideal vineyard climate. The vineyard is a 6 acre parabolic bowl of focused sunshine. 2400 sq.ft of herringbone African slate were used in the wine retail shop and cellar floors. There is a private Guest Suite at the winery and a private Cottage on the waterfront at the foot of the vineyard.

Bear River Village is suspended over the tide on Stilts, with hillside homes, churches and schools clinging to the steep slopes and streets rising from the river. The tidal estuary flows inland from the Annapolis Basin creating Maritime vistas and unforgettable images of winding seaside roads and rural countryside.

Other links are: http://wine.appellationamerica.com/wine-review/43/Bear-River-Vineyards.html for an article on the Bear River Winery and appellation.