Our History

Our History

The tradition of winemaking is in our roots

The longest operating winery in Nova Scotia and a leader in regional viniculture innovation, Jost Vineyards descends from 400 years of winemaking tradition.

The Jost family planted our first vines in 1978 on the Malagash Peninsula, jutting into the warm Northumberland Strait. Warmed by the slope of the land, and sharing the same latitude as the renowned grape-growing regions of France, Germany and Italy, the vineyard flourished and the winery was officially licensed in 1983. The winery store was opened in 1986 and quickly became a hub for community events and activities.

Carl and Donna Sparkes founded Devonian Coast Wineries in 2011, then purchased the already established and respected Jost Vineyards. Bringing with them a commitment to more education, scientific analysis of soil types, and new plantings. With this came a massive redesign and renovation of the winery and its facilities as well as changes in winemaking and viticulture.

Carl and Donna’s passion for wine and love of Atlantic Canada are the heart of Jost Vineyards’ commitment to excellence and innovation. We are focused on elevating Nova Scotia’s expanding and maturing wine industry to be among the world’s best through innovative use of local resources, pride in rural enterprise, continued investment in the future of the wine industry and, always, a commitment to creating wonderful wines.