Estate Vineyard Acreage
Jost Vineyards, situated on the northern shores of Nova Scotia, combines more than 300 years of grape growing and wine making traditions with a long warm, frost free season. Jost Vineyards history begins with Hans Wilhelm Jost and family in the Rhine region of Germany. The Christinenhof was a successful family-run vineyard and cellar, highly praised for its wine quality. In 1970, in search of vast lands and new freedoms, the Jost family, Hans, Erna and children, Hans Christian and Ellen, immigrated to Nova Scotia. It wasn’t until 1978 that the Jost’s returned to the family tradition and began experimenting with grapes. With the success of these grapevines, more vineyards were planted and a use for the resulting harvest required. Jost Vineyards became a licensed winery in November 1983 and the first cellar was built in 1984. Jost wines went on sale in the Nova Scotia Liquor Commission in May of 1985. Jost Vineyards celebrated its grand opening September 6th, 1985. It wasn’t until June 21st, 1986, that Jost Vineyards was able to sell directly to the public through the Winery Store. The success of the winery store was instant and the family business thrived under the watchful eyes of Hans, Hans Christian, Ellen and Erna. In 1988, after the death of Hans, Hans Christian took over as winemaker and manager of the winery. The matriarch of Jost Vineyards, Erna Jost, passed away December 3rd, 2008. She is sorely missed by her family and many friends. The integrity, vision and pride that was characteristic of Hans Wilhelm and Erna carries on in their son Hans Christian. Jost Vineyards has experienced many expansions in vineyard acreage, cellar capacity and retail space. Jost Vineyards strives to always be proud of the fruits of its labour and hopes that the friends and customers of Jost Vineyards can enjoy that same pride.