Benjamin bridge
Benjamin Bridge is located within the Annapolis Valley, on the edge of the Gaspereau River in Nova Scotia, Canada, In 1999, Gerry McConnell and his late wife, Dara Gordon, purchased the land in the Gaspereau Valley. Working with a band of high-profile consultants among them UK wine writer Tom Stevenson and the late Champagne oenologist Raphaël Brisbois, former chef de cave for the legendary Piper Heidsieck, they established Benjamin Bridge as Nova Scotia’s first sparkling wine house. Most recently they’ve welcomed the renowned Pascal Agrapart on board to assist with the sparkling wine program.
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Today the estate totals 50 hectares, and over 34 of these hectares are currently under vine and farmed organically. Jean-Benoît Deslauriers leads the winemaking, and since Dara's passing, Gerry and Dara's twin daughters, Ashley and Devon, have immersed themselves in the winery operations.
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The NV Brut is a blend of local L'Acadie Blanc and Chardonnay, including reserve wine from their first vintage. The Borealis Ice Wine is 100% Vidal Blanc, both wines exuding the mineral and saline characteristics of the Bay of Fundy.
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Over two short decades, Benjamin Bridge has distinguished itself as Canada's premier sparkling wine house. Led by its chief innovator & head winemaker, Jean-Benoit Deslauriers, Benjamin Bridge has been unwavering in the singular pursuit of reflecting its precise set of growing conditions as transparently as possible.
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The Bay of Fundy
Like some of the greatest wine regions in the world, the Gaspereau Valley has a truly exemplary maritime climate. Its coastal terroir is shaped by its proximity to the Bay of Fundy, a vast expanse of seawater home to the highest tides in the world. The Fundy tides average a vertical shift of 14 to 16 metres, twice a day.
As the tides complete one cycle, 160 billion tonnes of seawater have shifted, more than all of the world’s freshwater river flow combined. This tidal energy ushers in cool breezes and moisture to the vineyards in the summer and creates a never-frozen body of water that provides moderation and humidity in the winter.​
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The Gaspereau Valley
At 45°N latitude and 64°W longitude, the Gaspereau Valley spans approximately 12 kilometres within the more expansive Annapolis Valley, eastern Canada’s most famous fruit-growing region.
The Gaspereau River runs from east to west within the Valley, spilling into the Bay of Fundy. The upper Gaspereau Valley is narrow and somewhat sheltered, and is tilted westward, significantly capturing more sun. Ambient daily temperatures during the growing season are heightened by this positioning, creating a collecting point for optimal heat absorption benefiting the Benjamin Bridge vineyards.
These moderated temperatures allow for the development of delicate aromatics and the retention of natural acidity in the grapes, so vital to the creation of sparkling wines. The prolonged growing season permits an extended ripening process that enables the grapes to achieve full phenological maturity, critical to adding texture and complexity.
The surrounding tidal activity promotes an unspoiled freshness while protecting against premature ripeness well into October and even November. As a result, sparkling parameters are met nearly three months after other regions in the northern hemisphere. The result is a highly prized combination of freshness and richness.
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Design Series
Located 18 miles from the ocean in the Santa Maria Valley, the Bien Nacido Vineyard is planted to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The vines grow in soils comprised of the Elder series and Shedd series. The Elder series consists of two blocks, found on flood plains and alluvial fans with an elevation range of 100 to 1,500 feet, with 9% to 15% slopes. The site experiences an average annual rainfall of 12 to 18 inches. Just uphill along the road is where the well-drained, Chamise clay loams of the Shedd series can be found. Slopes here are 30% to 45% and elevations range from 200 to 2,500 feet, with an average annual rainfall of 14 to 16 inches.
Gavin Chanin brings a unique artistic touch to the world of wine by painting his own labels. Each label reflects his passion for both winemaking and art, transforming the bottle into a canvas that tells a story. This personal approach not enhances the aesthetic appeal of his wines but also connects consumers to the artistry behind each sip. Gavin’s labels are a testament to his creativity making every bottle a work of art in its own right.
