With the popularity of craft breweries and wineries exploding over the last few years, the Maritimes has become a hotbed of quality local suds and wines. If you’re new to the craft brewery and winery world, this can all seem a bit overwhelming, making you wonder where to start. While we can’t vouch for every brewery or winery around, we have some favourites that are local to Coastal Inn locations! Check out our list!
Moncton
The Hub City is home to a number of fantastic craft breweries that have been making names for themselves over the last few years, but none are more established than the Pump House Brewpub on Orange Lane. Winners of 9 medals in their first visit to the Canadian Brewing Awards in 2005, Pump House is firmly ensconced in Moncton’s Downtown Core. Grab a blueberry beer and a wood oven-fired pizza; you won’t be disappointed.
A trip to Moncton isn’t complete without a drive along the Petitcodiac River. From its source near the community of Petitcodiac to its mouth in Shepody Bay, the scenery along the river is absolutely stunning. Along that path, stop by Verger Belliveau Orchard and check out their on-site store which sells (of course) apple pies, but also their amazing apple wines and ciders!
Sackville
Sackville’s only microbrewery was started as an entrepreneurship project at Mount Allison University. Bagtown Brewing Company has developed a number of craft alcohol offerings through their innovative and experimental approach. Their location is the perfect relaxing stop-off as you explore downtown Sackville!
If you find yourself more adventurous, make your way slightly northeast and visit with the fine folks at Winegarden Estate in Baie Verte, NB on the Northumberland Strait. New Brunswick’s first cottage winery and distillery boast a selection of over 70 wines, liqueurs, and spirits made from the onsite vineyards and local fruits.
Antigonish
Another university town, Antigonish is also home to Candid Brewing Company housed in the same building that hosted the former town paper. Stop by after dropping the kids off at university, or stay awhile and take in the sites!
Located on the shores of Northumberland Strait, Thomas Steinhart continues a 300-year-old family distilling tradition from the Black Forest of Germany, crafting gin, vodka, and liqueurs at Steinhardt Distillery
Digby
Digby on the Bay of Fundy is home to some of the best views in the Maritimes, and just down the road, Lazy Bear Brewing. Brewed with the “bear” essentials, Lazy Bear Brewing is located a short drive from Digby giving you great brews and a great view!
Keeping in the Digby Bear theme, a little further out, you can find Bear River Vineyards. Housed in a masterfully renovated bank barn, Bear River Vineyards is located on the banks of the Bear River, an estuary that flows into the Annapolis Basin. This means amazing views, and great wine, and all the more reason for you to stop by.
Halifax/Dartmouth
The Cities on the Harbour give you everything you need when it comes to urban travel. Stunning architecture, city streets, wonderful shopping, and of course, amazing breweries. Near the Shubenacadie Canal on the Dartmouth side, you’ll find Nine Locks Brewing Co.’s brewery, or if you prefer a sit-down, you can visit their Taproom on Spring Garden Road in Halifax.
Believing that Halifax should have its own rum is the basis upon which Halifax Distilling Company was founded. Located on the Halifax Waterfront, Halifax Distilling Company builds on four generations of distilling knowledge, finally giving Halifax its own rum.
What a trip that was! The beauty of distilleries, wineries, and breweries in the Maritimes is there are a LOT to choose from! Remember that when you stay with Coastal Inns, you’re still with locals. We know the area, we know the places to be. If you have questions, #JustAsk.
