Established in 2015, Coldstream Clear Distillery is known for its unique variety of top quality products. Coldstream is family owned and operated, based in the heart of rural Nova Scotia. Our spirits are naturally gluten-free and made with pure artesian spring water that is sourced from the family property.

Fall is the perfect time for warm, comforting flavours, especially the combination of Salted Caramel and Apple Pie (well besides pumpkin-spiced everything, of course). Coldstream’s Apple Pie Liqueur is made with 100% Annapolis Valley grown apples and combined with a host of familiar spices and natural sugars. It is a vodka-based liqueur that is perfect for sipping as a dessert, around the campfire, or with some hot Apple Cider.

Looking for a crisp, refreshing way to enjoy the Fall flavours? Coldstream’s Cranberry Vodka Soda is the perfect go-to for those thanksgiving gatherings. Made with real Maritime Cranberries from Terra Beata Farms, with no added sugar – it’s a light, guilt-free drink to enjoy!

Coldstream’s Salted Caramel is a sure way to liven things up this Fall, whether it comes to enjoying in your coffee, pairing with Apple Pie or just on its own. Its mouth-watering flavours of sweet and salty will have you reaching for another.

Warm Holiday Cocktails with Coldstream’s Candy Cane

With the Holiday’s just around the corner, Coldstream’s Candy Cane is a must-have festive liqueur. Available Oct. 11th at Liquid Assets so you can bring this seasonal favourite anywhere you are travelling. You can never go wrong with adding it to your hot chocolate, mixing up a martini, or even just sipping on its own!

Raging Crow Distillery

592 Hwy 311, North River, NS

In June of 2016, Jill Linquist and her husband Al Bégin were on a wine tour in the Okanagan when they came upon Legends Distilling in the Naramata Bench amongst several wineries. The young woman who provided their tour of the distillery happened to be from Lunenburg. They were surprised to learn that all of the products could be produced from one still. As owners of Goose Landing Vineyard, they knew the difficulties in dealing with weather issues and predators as it relates to grapes, plus the seasonal aspect of wineries. A distillery does not face such issues and the thought of a distillery began to ferment.

In the summer of 2017 Linquist approached a friend Kris Pruski who was retiring from teaching at Dal AC and had an interest and experience in distilling. They developed a business plan, incorporated Raging Crow Distillery Inc and received a permit to produce spirits from the Canada Revenue Agency in February 2018. Jill and Kris headed off to a Master Distillers course in Kelowna, B.C. in early March and started small scale distilling when they returned.

A surprise in the plan was to discover that North River was a dry community and a plebiscite would need to be held to make a change. Thankfully with the support of the community the vote was overwhelmingly for a wet community.

The 200 L pot still (”Beauty”) and the 400 L column still (“The Beast”) arrived in July after renovations were underway to a building at 592 Hwy 311 in North River to create the distillery. Products were developed throughout the summer months and a grand opening of the distillery was held in September of 2017.

Raging Crow Distillery is small-batch, handcrafted, artisanal products that include such unique flavour profiles as Spruce Tip Gin and Dill Pickle Vodka which is fabulous in Caesar’s. Locally sourced, all-natural products such as Aroma Maya coffee for the coffee liqueur, MacRae’s maple for Maple Vodka and local haskaps for Haskap Gin are used whenever possible.

New and repeat customers of the distillery comment that the absence of artificial chemicals and additives in the distillery line results in premium taste profiles. The organic grains used for distilling are from Horton Ridge Malt Company in the Annapolis Valley.

One of the signature products is the potato vodka which is the only one produced in Nova Scotia. Kris is from Poland and traditionally vodka in Poland is made from potatoes. Although it produces a smaller yield and can be more difficult to distil the end product has a lovely smooth, silky mouthfeel and taste.

Raging Crow Distillery is constantly developing new products. There is currently organic rye ageing in barrels, as well as a bourbon-style whisky in a barrel.

Raging Crow Distillery is pleased to have three of their products listed with Liquid Assets NS which provides a great source for travellers to take a little of Nova Scotia with them when they leave.

🍎With super fans such as their town mayor in their corner, Annapolis Cider Company has become a cornerstone in Wolfville, and articles such as this in the Chronicle Herald helps bring word of their growing brand to many new super fans.

🍎Being relatively new on the scene hasn't stopped Maritime Express Cider from racking up awards for every cider they entered at the recent Wine Align Awards. The Dayliner (semi-sweet) scored Silver, while the Train Hopper hopped cider and the Pullman Series Russet Cider both scored Bronze.

🍎Quietly winning awards along the way, Meander River Farm and Brewery regularly hosts dinner and event experiences. Follow them on Facebook to (try to) keep up with them, and visit them at Open Brewery Day on October 19, when they will re-release their Smoky Chipotle Porter Beer (Bronze, Cdn Brewing Awards 2018)

🍎Halifax's Urban Cidery, Chain Yard, is no stranger to the awards circuit, winning every year since they've opened! Take a look at the awards they've won just this year, and be sure to stop in when you are in the city.

GLINTCAPS 2019 (Great Lakes International)
GOLD: Pippin Russet – Heritage Cider – Dry
SILVER: Foundation – Modern Cider, Dry; Ginxberry – Specialty Cider and Perry; Hopped Up – Hopped Cider; Intrepid – Modern Cider, Dry
BRONZE: Olden Russet – Wood Aged Cider; Rhubee Cyser – Specialty Cider and Perry

Canadian Cider Awards 2019
SILVER: Foundation – New World Cider
BRONZE: Gonna Move Ya – Specialty Cider

National Wine Awards of Canada – Wine Align 2019
SILVER: Rhubee Cyser
BRONZE: Rosé, Foundation, Hopped Up, Intrepid

🍎Considered to be a 'Granddaddy' of the NS Cider Industry, ShipBuilders Cider has a fun little brother, Sid's Cider. Between them, they have won awards for years now, including in 2019. Besides when you are travelling through Halifax Stanfield, find ShipBuilders and Sids around the province on your farmers market visits, as well as at their parent winery, Petite Riviere.

National Wine Awards of Canada – Wine Align 2019
BRONZE: Shipbuilders Medium Dry Cider - Modern Cider - Dry Category
Sid's Crisp Apple Cider - Modern Cider - Sweet Category
Sid's Strawberry-Rhubarb Cider - Fruit Cider

Nova Scotia Ciders are an excellent option for celebrations; often lower in alcohol, fizzy and fun, and low cost for sharing among friends. Visit our online store to choose your ciders for the season!

When people think of craft beer, the first thing that comes to mind is its unique taste that (can) really divide us as a society. Those new to the artisanal brews experience a rather hoppy flavour. This comes from a little vine-like (it’s actually bine if we want to get super technical) plant called “hops” and can immediately draw folks in or completely shut down the desire to ever try it again.

But what is hops and why should you give hops a chance? Let’s explore the history and why you should reconsider your stance even if you weren’t crazy about that one time you took a swig from your hipster buddy’s growler that he got on his last brewery crawl.

The four main pieces of your average beer are grain, yeast, water, and, you guessed it, hops. Hops is the common name for the flower of the Humulus Lupulus plant. Originally introduced to the beer world in the 9th century and seeing a surge of success by the 15th century. Initially introduced as a beer preservative, folks started to take note of the different flavours it added to the brew.

Nowadays, hops is one of the brewmaster’s most powerful tinkering tools. Hops allow the individual to really hone their craft and create distinct profiles. You will hear your enthusiastic beer friends rave about their favourite hops and how each one has a vastly different effect on the end product (both in aroma and palate).
Similar to how there are wines with just one grape varietal or several, you can also get beers that are blended with a single type of hops or with a few different ones thrown into the mix. Most NS brews use a combination of different hops. Some will go heavy on a certain type, whereas others create a more even divide in the mix.

For simplicity, we’ll bring two different IPA’s to the table, both available here at Liquid Assets NS.
For the predominately single-hop camp, we have Propeller Brewing’s Galaxy IPA is an incredibly popular brew using Galaxy hops (known for its aromas of peach, pineapple, and tropical citrus). There’s also just a touch of Citra and Mosaic to give it some mango and tangerine undertones.

In the other corner, we have Heritage Brewing’s Freezing Spray IPA. The sweetness of its malty foundation allows it to bring on a trifecta of Chinook, Citra, and Ekuanot hops. This one also gives off some aromas of fruits and citrus, but the palate shifts towards spice and pine.

You can “hop” more than just beers.
For example, we also have a Hopped Vodka from Coldstream Clear Distillery. This is a different take on their mainline vodka which welcomes a palate of citrus and bitter notes. Distilled with Centennial and Cascade hops, this almost gin-like spirit goes great with your lemonade or Caesar.

We also have a hopped cider, the Train Hopper, from our new friends in Kentville, Maritime Express Cider. A combination of three different hops from the Annapolis Valley gives this cider a neat little twist on the classic apple-based beverage. On the nose, you’ll find fresh citrus and hops. The palate explores notes of grapefruit, floral, and lemon with a tart finish. This concoction makes for a beautiful hybrid/bridge between cider lovers and IPA fanatics.

Now, I’ve answered what hops is but have yet to bring the traditional/commercial beer drinkers over to the craft side of the force.
Most folks who are hesitant to try craft beer are likely worried about how hoppy it’ll be. While some beers go crazy with hops, there are some that are much tamer with it comes to the ingredient.
Our palates are like any muscle group. You don’t just go to your first ever gym session and pick up the heaviest weight. Same with getting into craft beer. Going for a super hoppy product is likely going to turn you away from the idea entirely. Start with something lighter and work your way up to the beer snob level (no shame in that title). The more you work it out/drink, the more it will develop.

I suggest looking for a lagered ale or a nice cream ale. Both of these styles are gentler when it comes to the ol’ brewskies. They tend to focus less on the hops and create a very approachable product.

In the lager department, we have Tatamagouche (I’m a very proud Nova Scotian because I managed to spell that without cheating) Brewing Co’s North Shore Lagered Ale. It’s a crisp little ale that’s refreshing and easy to toss back. I call it the “missing link” because it’s the only craft beer that I buy that mysteriously goes missing when my roommates are around (still working on converting them).

Boxing Rock’s Three Sheets Cream Ale is a trustworthy summer thirst quencher. Its profile is fairly smooth and refreshing while still being aromatic. This style of beer is what properly introduced me to craft liquor and will always be used as the first tool in my journey to bring us all together over a local, artisanal craft pint.

Drew Jardine, Liquid Assets NS

WSET Level 1 – Winesagasu/The Drink Talking
Contributor/Nova Scotian Representative – Wined Up UK
Former Tasting Bar/Retail Manager - Luckett Vineyards
Bachelor of Commerce Student - Saint Mary’s University

Image courtesy Big Spruce Brewing

It's grape harvest season in Nova Scotia! For the next month or so, our wineries are still open and have some fun and educational events happening. Make your way out into the lush Fall countryside and enjoy the bounty of the harvest.

Some of our favourite wineries are hosting fun events that we know you'll enjoy:

Luckett Vineyards

One of Nova Scotia's most popular wineries to visit, for the wines, food and view. Don't forget to stop at the famous Phone Box right in the middle of the vineyard!

Yoga, Brunch and Tour, September 8.  Yoga in the Vineyard has been such a popular event, the winery is carrying it over for another month. This is an all-levels class, so even if you're not a yogi or yogini, you'll enjoy the stretch and the opportunity to get centred on your mat. With brunch and a winery tour, you can't go wrong. There's even one for late risers. September 8th. Get more info here.

L'Acadie Vineyards

As Nova Scotia's only certified organic winery, L'Acadie Vineyards is participating in Organic Week Canada with special tastings in their wineshop Sept 9th-15th organicweek.ca

DEVOUR Festival presents this year a Bubbles Bus with food by Wine Grunt. Enjoy a visit to L'Acadie Vineyards and Benjamin Bridge, with three tastings at each winery. And you don't have to drive! Oct 23rd-27th devourfest.com

L'Acadie Vineyards will also be at the new Fall Wine Festival with Taste of Nova Scotia, Oct 5th at Wolfville Farmers' Market

Mercator Vineyards

If you haven't made a stop at Mercator Vineyards in Wolfville yet, you are missing out. This is a small boutique winery where you won't find busloads of people - perfect as part of a romantic weekend or to experience Nova Scotia wines without crowds.

To encourage you to make friends with this beautiful winery, they are offering only on-site:

Harvest Packs - Buy 6 featured wines (Seyval Blanc, Petite Milo, Tidal Bay 2018, Sauvage, Upper Ridge Marquette, Reserve Marquette) for a discounted price of $145 with $10 per every case donated to Feed NS.

Cheese Flight for Limited Time Only - September 1st - October 13th A fall cheese flight, available on their tasting bar daily, that features four local kinds of cheese paired perfectly with four of their wines.

Picnic Basket Special - August 24th - September 22nd. Preselected basket of $25 value featuring a variety of local products.

Vineyard Tour & Taste - Join Vineyard Manager Rebecca Griffin for a walking tour in the vineyard on September 15th from 1-2:30 pm. Learn about the vineyards practices, grapes, healthy bee population and long-term relationship with Cosman & Whidden Honey Ltd. Progressively taste three wines throughout the tour with head winemaker Gina Haverstock. $5 per person. Call for details 1-902-542-7770

Grand Pre Wines

Domaine de Grand Pre has an entire series of fall events for your enjoyment. Pro tip: stay for dinner at their exceptional restaurant, Le Caveau.

Open Farm Day @ Grand Pré Wines– September 15th 11am- 4pm
No ticket required
Visit for a guided tour of Grand Pré Farm Vineyard at 11am or 4pm. Then join them in the tasting room to sample their delicious wines. Talented staff are looking forward to walking you through the winemaking and tasting process.

Grapely Ghost Walk @ Grand Pré Wines– September 20th at 7pm
$20 for Grapely Ghost Walk, $25 for Grapely Ghost Walk with Tasting
The Grapely Ghost Walk is a 2-hour experience, featuring ghosts from the five towns they haunt: Wolfville, Kentville, Windsor, Halls Harbour and Hantsport.
These walks are not intended to cause heart attacks. That would be bad for business.
Pair spooky stories with Grand Pré Winery’s delicious wines. Tickets here

Starring Pomme d’Or @ Grand Pré Wines – September 22nd 11am – 4pm
No ticket required
It’s Apple Harvest time in the valley and Pomme d’Or pairs perfectly with a morning of apple picking. Discover the delightful Pomme d’Or Iced Cider and Crème Liqueur made from Annapolis Valley Apples. Join in for a complimentary vineyard tour at 11am and 4pm followed by some apple inspired drinks.

Inspire Your Senses @ Grand Pré Wines – October 19th 11am – 4pm
No ticket required
Inspire your senses and experience Grand Pre’s flavours – from grape to wine.
Match fresh grapes with finished wines for a chance to win some wine.
Come by at 11am, 1pm and 4pm for an extended, complimentary vineyard tour with a rare visit to the cellar and meet Winemaker Jurg Stutz.

Jost Vineyards

Go North! Take a wandering journey along the peaceful North Shore to find Jost Vineyards nestled on the coastline this fall.

Wednesdays and Thursdays through Fall
Come by for a special 3-course experience at Seagrape Cafe with seasonally inspired menus changing every day. $27 per person, plus taxes- they'll also offer a wine pairing to accompany your meal for just $8 more!

Friday, October 11th
Harvest Unwind at Jost with a special dinner menu complete with wine pairings for your meal $55 per person plus tax

Saturday, October 12th
Harvest Fest - Noon till 5pm featuring the band Unforeseen 

Special deals in the retail store on wines and other products
Harvest festival menu with all the flavours of the Fall!

Full Events Listing for Jost Vineyards

Gaspereau Vineyards

A delightful small winery that packs a big punch. Gina Haverstock's award-winning wines are favourites of those paying attention to the NS wine scene.

Wine & Chocolate Sensory Evaluation Evening Thursday, October 10th 7 pm to 10 pm. Explore gourmet chocolate with selected wine pairings. Learn how to evaluate chocolate like a professional with a guided tasting led by Chocolate Sommelier & ‘Bean to Bar’ Chocolate Maker Gabrielle Breault of Petite Patrie fine chocolates. Discover chocolate terroir, countries of origin, & how to evaluate chocolate by sense of appearance, smell, & taste, in an in-depth, intimate setting. Your chocolate tasting will be paired with selected Gaspereau wines by Sommelier Craig Campbell. The evening will include surprise treats & select retail offerings. Tickets may be purchased directly through the winery, limited space available. Contact: ccampbell@gaspereauwine.com to arrange tickets. Tickets $40 per person.

Harvest Soup Luncheon Thursday, October 17th, Gaspereau Vine-Side Patio from 11 am to 2 pm. Local Harvest Vegetable Soup Bowl, breads & rolls, come one, come all, first come, first served. Coffee/Tea included. $12 per person, tax included. Celebrate the bounty of harvest with Gaspereau!

Harvest Variety Packs – select packs of six wines at a discounted inclusive price of $100. They will donate $10 to Feed NS for every pack sold. Available Oct 1st to the end of winery season.

HALF PRICE Bicycle Rentals! September 15th to October 15th inclusive. Explore the beautiful valley & local area.

Special Limited Time Harvest Flight at our tasting bar – Sept 15th to Oct 31st inclusive. Tasting Flight of Cuvee Brut 2011 traditional method sparkling wine, Gaspereau Riesling, Lucie Kuhlmann 2017 Barrel Select, & Maple dessert wine for only $8 taxes included.

Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyards

A trip to wine country in Nova Scotia wouldn't be complete without a stop at Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyards. This year, they are hosting a spectacular Harvest Dinner. This is an annual event, so make a note in your calendar for next year, too!

Celebrate the harvest season at the third annual Harvest Dinner on Friday, October 4th 2018 at 7 p.m. in the Barrel Cellar. Enjoy a five-course, wine-paired dinner prepared by Chef Brady Bertrand and team featuring ingredients sourced directly from the Lightfoot Family farm and gardens.

Tickets will become available in late August.
*tickets are inclusive of gratuity
*allergies can be accommodated - email events@lightfootandwolfville.com

There are many more events happening at wineries all over the province every week in the fall, and many are family-friendly. Stay in the know through Taste Of Nova Scotia's Event Listings and Wines of Nova Scotia's Event Listings.