Robert Bell's
Wines of Canada
Since 1992
Featured Winemaker
Gina Haverstock
Head Winemaker at Devonian Coast Wineries. A true Nova Scotian Gina Haverstock, born and raised in Port Hawkesbury, she has risen to the very top of her trade.
A Bachelor of Science graduate with plans to become a doctor, Gina took a job at Jost Vineyards in the summer of 2000 and was soon captivated by wines. Upon completion of her studies at Brock University in the Niagara, Gina worked at wineries in Germany, Austria, France, and New Zealand. She was happy to return to Nova Scotia in 2006 as Gaspereau Vineyards’ winemaker.
Today she is the head winemaker of three well known award winning wineries, Jost, Gaspereau and Mercator Vineyards All owned by Devonian Coast Wineries.Carl and Donna Sparkes founded Devonian Coast Wineries in 2011, then bought three already established and respected wineries, Jost and Gaspereau Vineyards, and Mercato . Devonian Coast Wineries unites their love of wine and of Atlantic Canada.
Devonian Coast new adventure is LÜVO Life Gina is also head winemaker for them. Their Sparkling Rose recieved the award for excellence in Nova Scotia wine in 2020.
Carl Sparkes purchased Jost Winery through his new company, Devonian Coast Wineries Ltd in May 2012. They have over 100 acres. The winery, which was fully redesigned and renovated in 2013, is rustic, yet elegant. A beautiful circular tasting bar, meant to resemble a large oak barrique, is the centre piece of our cathedral-ceilinged lounge. Their wines have won numerous international awards.
Gaspereau is nestled on the south-facing slopes of the sun-kissed Gaspereau Valley we are a boutique winery best known for outstanding Rieslings. This is where Gina career as a winemaker began. In 2020 their 2019 Riesling, and 2019 Tidal Bay, recieved the award for excellence in Nova Scotia wine.
Mercator Vineyards is located just east of the town of Wolfville, Nova Scotia and adjacent to the Grand-Pré National Historic Site, our vineyards are situated on a bluff overlooking the historic Acadian dykelands. Gina heads the team here along with Vineyard manager and winemaker Becca Griffin. 2010 Fortified Castel and NV Passito Muscat, recieved the award for excellence in Nova Scotia wine.
Away from work Gina is a mother of two children and a long distant runner training for a half marathon. Gina is married to Sean Myles co-founder along with Gina of the Annapolis Cider Company. In May of 2021 they sold the cider company to Nova Scotia Spirit Company. Gina is also associated with the Wolfville Children's Center Society.
Named Karl Kaiser winemaker of the year in 2024 by the Wine Growers of Canada
‘My first season as winemaker, I worried about the weather, the grapes, every decision I made. But worrying doesn’t help. Dealing with what’s in front of you does.’
"Harvest time is definitely the most physically challenging, but it's also the most exciting. You get to make all of the product for the whole year," she says. "So despite super-long hours and hard physical work, it's the most rewarding."
Other featured pages:
~ Featured Winemakers
~ Featured Wine
~ Featured Winery
~ Women of Wine
~ Robert's Selections
