Halifax Wine Festival: A Toast to Nova Scotia’s Finest Wines

Women enjoying the Halifax Wine Festival

Join us in December for the Halifax Wine Festival. Set to become Atlantic Canada’s premier consumer wine event, this annual festival features two exquisite wine-tasting sessions and a month-long array of secondary events leading up to the main celebration. It’s the perfect choice for connoisseurs and anyone seeking an exciting fall experience in the city. From the best nearby accommodations to the variety of entertainment, this is everything you can expect from the Halifax International Wine Festival.

Events and Things to Do at the Halifax Wine Festival

Wine and Spread

1. Sample Over 200 Wines During A Tasting Session

The keystone event of the festival is the celebration’s two wine-tasting sessions. Visitors to these evening or afternoon sessions have the unique opportunity to sample over 200 different varieties of wine from across Nova Scotia and beyond. 

The festival’s afternoon tasting session takes place from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, while the evening session opens from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. However, both sessions offer VIP tickets, which grant an hour of early access for extended tastings and meeting associated agents and special guests.

Along with offering a large selection of red wines, white wines, and roses, the Halifax International Wine Festival also offers a selection of premium non-alcoholic wines for sampling new, unique flavours along with your traditional favourites.

2. Pair Your Favourite Varietal With A Local Dish From The Food Pavilion

What better way to enjoy an afternoon of sampling some of the province’s best wines than by pairing them with a delectable selection of local foods and snacks? Hosted by Taste of Nova Scotia, the event’s food pavilion will feature several dishes highlighting the province’s culinary traditions and recipes. Whether a wine connoisseur or a foodie, this mouthwatering event is sure to offer a delicious exploration of local flavours for every palate.

3. Enjoy The Social Vibes And A Series Of Secondary Events

No one wants to drink alone, and at the Halifax Wine Festival, you don’t have to. Providing a warm, welcoming atmosphere, the tasting sessions are a great place to share your favourite drinks with fellow connoisseurs from around the globe. 

While the festival itself is only a one-day event, the organizers also host a series of secondary events throughout November for visitors unable to make it to the main celebration or for those who just want a little more sampling of the local wines. You can find announcements for these various side events on the festival’s official Facebook page.

4. Find Your Favourite Festival Wines At The Virtual Wine Store

Throughout the tasting sessions, guests will have access to the festival’s virtual wine store, which will allow visitors the opportunity to order several of their favourite varieties throughout the tasting process. Whether stocking up for the upcoming holidays or simply looking to purchase a box of a newly discovered vintage, the virtual store makes it easy to extend the festival’s celebratory atmosphere long after the event has ended and provides convenient home delivery for an easy yet enjoyable shopping experience.

Dining over wine

When Is The Halifax Wine Festival 2023?

The Halifax Wine Festival is an annual fall event. The main tasting sessions occur the first weekend in December, while a series of secondary events can be found around town throughout November.

Date: December 2, 2023

Where Is The Halifax Wine Festival?

The Halifax Wine Festival’s secondary events are held in various venues across the city. However, its primary tasting sessions and event will be held in Pavilion 22 of the Halifax Seaport.

Address: 1031 Marginal Rd, Halifax, NS

Giving Back: Charities Supported by the Halifax Wine Festival

Committed to giving back to the community, the Halifax Wine Festival uses its various events as an opportunity to raise funds for its partner charities. For attendees, this means you get a fun day of sampling delicious wines while your donations go towards helping these good causes. This year’s partner charities are Feed Nova Scotia and the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia.

Where to Stay for the Halifax Wine Festival

After indulging in a day of sampling the finest wines from Nova Scotia and neighboring provinces, the perfect retreat awaits. Ideally situated in downtown Halifax’s Entertainment District, Cameo Suites is a mere 15-minute walk from the event venue and conveniently located near the city’s top nightlife hot spots. Ensure your post-festival experience is just as memorable as the event itself.

Be sure to check availability before visiting to reserve your room for this exciting event.