jost vineyards

Friendly staff, pleasant surroundings and a fantastic place to visit & sample their wines before buying.

Visited here with my elderly mother this past holiday weekend. I had been here before the remodel. It is very lovely, but I had told my mother about the wonderful gift shop with unique things in it - oops, that's gone, but I understand, focus on the wine. Perhaps a small gift shop with all wine accessories would be nice.The wine tasting is done at one half of the large circular bar in the centre, but this is also the wine store half, and it was a little congested, where the other half of the bar and lounge area is totally spacious and empty. I was glad I was assertive enough to ask for a sample because I can see if you have never done this you wouldn't know what to do. No one said anything to us or offered us anything so I had to ask for my mom and I. However, we ended up being served by a very nice blonde lady and had some nice samples. She was also very patient with my mom who was trying to order things on the wrong side, etc. We went around to the other side and sat down and I ordered us two glasses of wine and a meat charcuterie board. I should have taken a picture of it, it was lovely. A large wooden board was placed and it was full of 3 different sliced sausages, bread crisps, olives, almonds, pickles, and some condiments as well. It was very good. We could have used little plates and a knife or spoon for the condiments but oh well.Mom enjoyed her house white, and I had delicious sangria. The grounds are pretty and we did enjoy ourselves.Thank you!

You are right, the Annapolis Valley does have some wonderful wineries, one being our sister winery Gaspereau Vineyards, but I really hope that if you find yourself in the area again that you will give us another chance. Unfortunately the gentleman you mentioned is correct about sampling wine; there are guidelines we have to follow that the Liquor Inspector has enforced. The liquor laws look at our wine store as two stores in one, on one side we are just like the NSLC and we are able to sample and sell our product and on the other side it is seen as a lounge. If you would like to contact us at 1-800-565-4567 we would be happy to discuss your visit with us further.

I feel honored to be your first winery visit but hope we are not your last! There are wonderful wineries across Canada and the more you visit & sample the more fun you will have naturally learning about wine. Thank you for taking the time to post your comments on TripAdvisor.

I have visited more then 5 wineries and vineyards, and this is the newest and best looking winery so far. They rebuild the place 1 to 2 years ago, so the place is new and clean. Wine tasting place is very wide and well-constructed. They have so many selections of wine visitors can try. I also recommend to join the winery tour. The tour wasn't the best one I attended but the guide will entertain your for sure. If the weather is nice, thy should definitely take visitors walk around the vineyards because it is definitely a beautiful place to hung around.

My husband and I visited Jost Vineyard for our 9th wedding anniversary and I have to say we were completely impressed with everything. The location is beautiful, including a very nice deck area to enjoy a glass of wine outdoors. Inside the tasting bar and retail shop was stunning, a great ambiance, friendly staff, and you have to try the SANGRIA! Their prices are extremely reasonable. Would love to visit again. Beautiful vineyards.

Stopped in to check the place out and get some wine. The building inside and out is beautiful. It was awkward...no east coast, warm friendly vibes. I walked in and two people at the tasting counter stared at me. (I was the only customer) So I said Hi! And the girl replied, the other staff walked away. Quiet and serious. She stared at me as I walked around and it was difficult making conversation. She was however very knowledgable and helpful with choosing something to purchase. I was disappointed because I thought this would be a fun stop. 10 mins, I was in and out. I did get some nice wines to bring home. I'd give this place another try, maybe an off day. I wish there was more of a friendly east coast vibe, such a serious place.

I am sorry to hear you did not enjoy your visit the same as last time. We have been under new ownership for two years but it is still family run by Carl & Donna Sparkes, who are originally from Newfoundland. Carl and Donna are very passionate about wine and will bring us to the next level the previous owner wanted to see Jost reach. If you ever have a chance to come and visit us during an event you will probably get to meet them and see that they are still very much hands-on and fun-loving people.

Wow! Thank you for the review, reading it made me want to go and order lunch from our new deli! You are right, a DD is nice to have because it is so beautiful on the patio it makes you want to stay all afternoon. Wine, food, and a great view - why would anyone want to leave? Cheers!

Thank you for taking the time to write a review, I am glad you enjoyed your visit. We are open year round and the drive along the shore can still be beautiful in the middle of the winter. If you find yourself back in Nova Scotia again I hope you have time to stop in for a glass of wine. Cheers!

I am glad you had the opportunity to visit us while you were in Nova Scotia and to enjoy one of your favourites, 4Skins, since it is not available in Ontario. 4Skins is our most popular red wine that we offer, the name may be cheeky but it continues to grow in popularity.We offer complimentary tours and samples of wine, excluding the icewine. The majority of wineries charge for both. We made the decision to charge for the icewine because there is a great amount of work involved in making icewine (and risk of losing the grapes), resulting in very little juice. Icewine is like a dessert, very sweet, and most people only want a 1 to 2 oz pour. I hope you understand why we decided to charge for this specialty item, it was when I was personally involved in the harvest of icewine that I gained a new appreciation towards it. Thank you for taking the time to write about us on TripAdvisor.

You're right! We do have great wine. We always offer complimentary sampling of wine year round to help people find the right wine for them. I hope the next time you come the sun is shining, it is always very relaxing to have a glass of wine while you are on the patio looking out at the vineyard. Cheers!

I am glad you still enjoyed your visit, we don't have private functions often but when we do the owners normally feel "the more the merrier". I hope when you come again you have a chance to have a tour of the winery. Cheers!

Thank you for your very nice review. I look forward to you returning to the winery to see all the changes that have been made. We now have a Fireside Lounge so if you are in the area this winter make sure you come in to warm up and to enjoy a glass of wine. Cheers!

Thank you for such a positive review. I know you were here right in the middle of our renovations, I really hope you have the opportunity to come and visit us the next time you are in the area to see our new store. Cheers!