Planters Ridge Winery opened in 2013. It has grown and claimed national fame is such a short time. The winery is owned by John McLarty and Lisa Law who in 2010 purchased the property from a seventh generation Woodworth family, who were original New England Planters.
The winery is located in Port Williams, Nova Scotia.
Port Williams is a thriving agricultural community rich in history and natural beauty. It is located on the north bank of the Cornwallis River. The village is named in honour of Sir William Fenwick Williams, who fought in the Siege of Kars. Williams became the first post Canadian Confederation Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. The town is between Kentville and Wolfville and a bit north.
A passion for wine, food and travel brought John and Lisa together more than a decade ago, and this same passion brought them to Nova Scotia in 2010. They fell in love with Nova Scotia immediately. “Nova Scotia has it all, beautiful scenery, wonderful people, great food, an abundance of history, and, most importantly, an up and coming wine industry.” Owning and running a winery was a dream for John that had developed during visits to vineyards and wineries across Europe.
After a test harvest proved successful plans were started in 2012 to renovate the 155 year old timber-frame-barn , creating the winery that would be known as Planters Ridge, after the New England Planters who farmed the land for 250 years. In 2103 the first harvest produced a crop of 15 tonnes off of the vines of the Estate Vineyard. This crop would go on to produce a National award winning Tidal Bay blend, the first wine bottled at Planters Ridge. A very impressive feat in the Winery's first year.
Consulting John and Lisa were Natalie Spytkowsky and Darryl Fields.
The facilities are quite impressive from tasting room to Barrel Cellar to the patio.
At Planters Ridge, we believe in the concept of vineyard enology. Simply put, that wine is made in the vineyard. To this end, we strive to become winegrowers. The winemakers responsibility is to guide the fruit and respect the work done in the vineyard throughout the season. This concept guides our actions in the cellar, and we strive to use techniques that enhance the desired characteristics in the finished wines without diminishing the expression of our unique terroir.
In 2019 they were awarded a Gold medal for their 2016 Heritage Red in the All Canadian Wine Championships. A blend of Pinot Noir, Marquette and Lucie Kuhlmann. Aromas of blueberries, dark plum and pepper. Dark fruit on the palate and balanced acidity create a velvety blend. Nine months barrel aging in French oak with a smooth and elegant finish.
Signature wines are the Quintessences Red and White wines. The red is a blend of Lucie Kuhlmann, Castel and Marquette with Aromas of dark plum, raspberry and cedar. On the palate, black cherry and red dessert fruit lead to a juicy, mouth-watering finish.
The white is a blend of Estate NY Muscat, Frontenac Blanc and L’Acadie exhibits notes of white flowers, clementines and tropical fruit. Complex and full of flavour, this smooth finish ends with hints of lime sorbet and orange zest.
Planters Ridge 1441 Church St Port Williams, NS
