Benjamin Bridge

Benjamin Bridge sits in the Gaspereau Valley, a 12-kilometre-long subregion within the Annapolis Valley appellation of Nova Scotia, Canada. The estate lies at 45°N latitude, placing it in the same latitudinal band as Burgundy and Champagne. The Bay of Fundy, renowned for its record-breaking tides averaging 14-16 metres of vertical shift twice daily, moderates temperatures across the growing season and extends the ripening window to a length that suits cool-climate varieties.

• Gaspereau Valley spans approximately 12km within Annapolis Valley
• Situated at 45°N latitude, comparable to Champagne and Burgundy
• Bay of Fundy tidal influence creates moderate temperatures and a long growing season
• Average summer highs of 24-27°C from June through August

The vineyard soils are ancient seabed deposits composed of schist and sandstone, overlaid with glacial till. This geology provides excellent drainage and contributes a mineral tension to the wines. The maritime climate brings 400mm of rainfall from May to October and 800mm from November to April, concentrating dryness during the critical growing and ripening period. The combination of cool temperatures, generous sunshine, and mineral-rich soils creates the conditions that have defined Benjamin Bridge's sparkling wine character.

• Ancient seabed soils with schist, sandstone, and glacial till
• Maritime cool-climate moderated by the Bay of Fundy
• 400mm rainfall May-October; 800mm November-April
• Certified organic vineyard management

Gerry McConnell and his late wife Dara Gordon founded Benjamin Bridge in 1999, with vines first planted in 2000. Experimental sparkling wines were produced as early as 2002. A devastating winter frost of -26.5°C in 2006 tested the estate's resilience. Winemaker Jean-Benoit Deslauriers joined in 2008, the same year the Brut Reserve earned a listing at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in London. In 2012, a blind tasting placed Benjamin Bridge sparkling wine ahead of Cristal Champagne. Murphy Hospitality Group became an equal equity partner in March 2025.

• Founded 1999; first plantings 2000; sparkling wine production began 2002
• Frost of -26.5°C in 2006 was a defining early challenge
• Jean-Benoit Deslauriers joined as head winemaker in 2008
• Murphy Hospitality Group acquired equal equity partnership in March 2025

Benjamin Bridge grows an eclectic mix of classic and cool-climate varieties across its 40+ acres. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier form the backbone of the traditional method sparkling program. Aromatic varieties including L'Acadie Blanc, Ortega, Muscat, Riesling, Seyval, Vidal, Sauvignon Blanc, and Geisenheim contribute to the estate's brisk white wine portfolio. Nova 7, made from Muscat and Ortega, is Nova Scotia's top-selling white wine. The estate also produces Pétillant Naturel and wines under the Tidal Bay designation, Nova Scotia's official appellation wine style.

• Méthode Classique sparkling wines anchored by Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier
• Nova 7 is Nova Scotia's top-selling white wine, produced from aromatic varieties
• Tidal Bay is Nova Scotia's official appellation designation; Benjamin Bridge is a leading producer
• Pétillant Naturel rounds out a diverse sparkling portfolio

Benjamin Bridge has established itself as Canada's foremost sparkling wine house through a series of internationally recognised achievements. Named one of Canada's Top 10 Wineries at the National Wine Awards, the estate gained global attention when its 2008 Brut Reserve was listed at 3-Michelin star Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in London. The estate is a certified B Corporation and holds certified organic status for its vineyards, reflecting a commitment to sustainability alongside quality.

• Named to Canada's Top 10 Wineries at the National Wine Awards
• Brut Reserve 2008 listed at 3-Michelin star Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, London
• Blind tasting in 2012 ranked Benjamin Bridge sparkling ahead of Cristal Champagne
• Certified B Corp and certified organic vineyards