About Jost Vineyards
The Jost family planted the first vines here in 1978 on the Malagash Peninsula, beside the Northumberland Strait. The winery was licensed in 1983 and opened its store in 1986, and it calls itself the longest-operating and largest farm winery in Nova Scotia. Carl and Donna Sparkes, who founded Devonian Coast Wineries in 2011, later bought Jost and renovated the winery, adding new plantings and closer soil work. The list runs from Tidal Bay and L'Acadie Pinot Grigio to the Great Big Friggin' Red and Blue Latitude Nova Scotia Cool White, named Best Hybrid White Wine of the Year at the 2026 All Canadian Wine Championships.
The tasting bar is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and every visitor can try three featured wines at no charge, with others poured in sample sizes. Afterward, walk the vineyard trails up to the top of the slope for a view over the Strait. Rows of different grape varieties are trellised in different ways, and picnic tables sit at many points along the way; a trail map is on their website.
The Seagrape Café runs from May to October on a vine-covered patio facing the vineyard, first come, first served; the fall menu has lobster sliders, seafood chowder and artisan pizzas. Dogs are welcome on the grounds and café patio, and staff offer water and a shady spot, though only service dogs may enter the store. The winery also keeps an events calendar and hosts private events.
Seafoam Lavender Company is about 25 minutes east along the Sunrise Trail, so a summer loop can start with the lavender gardens and end with a patio lunch here.
What to do
- Taste three featured wines free at the tasting bar, daily 10 to 5
- Hike the vineyard trails to a lookout over the Northumberland Strait
- Picnic at the tables set along the vineyard rows
- Have lunch on the Seagrape Café patio, May to October
- Try Tidal Bay and the award-winning Blue Latitude Cool White
Season, hours and prices
- Season
- Tasting bar and shop open daily; Seagrape Café May to October
- Hours
- 2026: open 7 days a week, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Admission
- Free; complimentary tasting of three featured wines (2026)
Good to know
- Age
- 21 or older to taste or drink alcohol
- Dogs
- Allowed on the grounds and café patio; service animals only inside the store
- Reservations
- Walk-in
Tips for your visit
- The café is first come, first served and closes for the season after October.
- Bring a picnic for the tables along the vineyard trails.
- Dogs can join you outside, but only service dogs may go into the store.
- Plan a designated driver if you will be tasting.
Pair it with a lavender farm
Seafoam Lavender Company & Gardens · about 25 minutes away
Seafoam Lavender's gardens are about 25 minutes east on the Sunrise Trail, making an easy Northumberland Shore day with lunch at the winery.
Getting there
Questions
Are tastings free at Jost Vineyards?
Yes. Visitors can sample three featured wines at no charge.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are welcome on the vineyard grounds and café patio; only service dogs are allowed in the store.
When is the Seagrape Café open?
It serves from May to October and works on a first-come, first-served basis.
🗺️ Part of the guide Things to Do Near the Lavender Farm of Tatamagouche & River John, Nova Scotia
Checked in October 2026 against the business’s own website and local tourism pages. Hours and seasons change, so check with them before you go. How we check listings · Is this your business? Claim it free
