About The Owners
In 2011, Carl and Donna Sparkes became the owners of Jost Vineyards. Their passion for the winery builds both on Carl's agricultural roots and the couple's dedication to the future of Nova Scotia's wine industry. The Sparkes family's roots run deep in Atlantic Canada, going back to 1761 when Carl's ancestors left Devon, England and settled on Newfoundland's Avalon Peninsula. The farming family were also innovators, and Carl's grandfather was the founder of what is now the Atlantic Cool Climate Crop Research Centre in St. John's, NL.
Nova Scotia-born Gina Haverstock is the head winemaker at Jost Vineyards. She pursued her education in winemaking and viticulture at Brock University in Niagara. Gina worked at wineries in Germany, Austria, France and New Zealand. She was happy to return to Nova Scotia in 2006 as the winemaker at Gaspereau Vineyards. In 2018, Gina became Head Winemaker overseeing the winemaking team at Jost Vineyards, Gaspereau Vineyards and Mercator Vineyards.
Winemaker Dave Beardsall has been making wine at Jost for more than 30 years, making him one of the longest-working winemakers in the province. As a winemaker at Jost Vineyards, he is responsible for the entire wine cellar and all wine produced. Dave is detail-oriented and makes a wide range of wines with his team in the wine cellar, from cool, crisp whites, through oak-aged reds, to luscious dessert wines.
What Makes Them Unique
Planting its first vines in 1978 and gaining its license to produce wine in October of 1983, Jost is the largest and longest-operating winery in Nova Scotia and is celebrating their 40th year as a winery in 2023.
Over the past 40 years, Jost wines have received hundreds of national and international awards and accolades from the industry's most credible and relevant judging panels and wine reviewers. Most recently, Jost Tidal Bay received Gold at the 2022 Wine Align National Wine Awards of Canada, Silver at the 2022 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition and the Lieutenant Governor's Award for Excellence in Nova Scotia Wines in 2019.
About Their Products
Marking their 40 years as winemakers in 2023, Jost is celebrating four decades of their signature wines: Tidal Bay, L'Acadie Pinot Grigio, Founders’ Red and Jost Rosé.
Jost's Tidal Bay brilliantly reflects its birthplace, from the terroir, coastal breezes and cool climate, to their winemakers' world-class craftsmanship. It pairs brilliantly with relaxing on the deck or dinner with family and friends.
The best-selling Nova Scotian white wine, the L'Acadie Pinot Grigio is an adventurous blend of Nova Scotia L'Acadie Blanc with a touch of Pinot Grigio. This refreshingly dry, floral wine can be enjoyed with mussels, oysters, fish and chips, or your favourite chicken recipe.
For Jost’s heritage red blend Founders’ Red, each grape varietal is individually cool fermented in stainless steel and blended only after the intended alcohol and sweetness is reached. Dry and well-balanced, its fruity bouquet makes this wine perfect to enjoy with barbecued meats and roasted pork.
Jost’s Rosé, the newest member of their signature wine, is refreshing, light and bursting with red berry and tropical aromas. This Nova Scotia Rosé is sure to pair well with any occasion.
Celebrate the four decades of Jost by visiting their winery or picking up one of these four signature wines.