Wine tours could become a year-round industry in Nova Scotia as the province’s vineyards continue to flourish, says the owner of new tour company.
Susan Downey launched Grape Escapes Nova Scotia Wine Tours earlier this month and had planned to start offering day trips in May.
But she decided to offer Annapolis Valley tours during the recent winter icewine festival, a two-weekend event sponsored by the Nova Scotia Winery Association.
The initial trips were such a success, Downey is already thinking about next winter, in addition to planning a summer season that will run from May 1 to Oct. 31.
“I can definitely see the whole industry moving in that direction — where wine tours can be something you can do in the winter,” she said in an interview Tuesday.
“A lot of the wine-making process is happening during the winter months.”
Downey, who has retail experience in the wine industry, said wineries stay open year-round in other provinces. In Nova Scotia, most vineyards close at the end of October, although tours may still be arranged after that by appointment, she added.
The Halifax woman, 29, plans to draw on her teaching background to make her guided tours educational, fun and entertaining.
“We want to cater to the average wine drinker,” she said. “You don’t have to know anything about wine to come on the tour. Or you can have a large wealth of knowledge and still be able to pick up some useful tips and facts.”
Other tour operators in the industry include wine-specific companies, charter operators and limousine services.
Besides Valley trips, Grape Escapes plans to offer excursions to the South Shore and northern Nova Scotia. Hotel pickup along the way will be available in the Lunenburg, Mahone Bay and Truro areas for tours in those respective areas.
Downey said most trips will be made in rented luxury sport utility vehicles, although passenger vans and buses could also be chartered, depending on group size.
“We want to be able to offer a wine tour that caters to any group, with a wide variety of price ranges and also conference rates.”
Set itineraries, as well as custom tours are available, and Downey said she has already had inquiries about bachelorette parties and weddings because of her website, www.novascotiawinetours.com.
