World-class Craftsmanship

Our winemakers are proud to lead the way in a young and vibrant wine industry where innovation and unique varieties are permitted and embraced.

Our passion for wine and our Atlantic Canadian roots are the heart of our commitment to excellence and innovation. Each of our award-winning wineries: Gaspereau Vineyards, Mercator Vineyards and Jost Vineyards—Nova Scotia’s largest winery—finds distinction through the expertise of our winemakers who celebrate our unique coastal terroir and embrace the wide range and nuances of our local resources.

Gina Haverstock

Nova Scotia-born Gina Haverstock started her wine-making career at Gaspereau Vineyards in 2006.

A Bachelor of Science graduate with plans to become a doctor, Gina took a job at Jost Vineyards in the summer of 2000 and was soon captivated by wines. Upon completion of her studies at Brock University in the Niagara, Gina worked at wineries in Germany, Austria, France, and New Zealand. She was happy to return to Nova Scotia in 2006 as Gaspereau Vineyards’ winemaker.

Her wines, particularly her Riesling and aromatic whites, have received international awards and accolades. Gina takes great care to transfer the essence of Nova Scotia’s extraordinary terroir into truly outstanding wines.

As of 2018, Gina’s role in the company has expanded from wine maker at Gaspereau Vineyards to overseeing the winemaking team at Jost, Gaspereau and Mercator Vineyards as Head winemaker at Devonian Coast Wineries.

Dave Beardsall

Dave Beardsall has been making wine at Jost Vineyards for almost 30 years.

Jost Vineyards is the longest continuously operating winey in Nova Scotia. Dave Beardsall has been the winemaker at the winery since 1991 and, as such, is one of the longest working winemakers at any one winery in the province. After almost 30 years in the industry, Dave is a wealth of knowledge and has played a huge role in growing Jost Vineyards from a small farm winery to the largest winery in the province. As winemaker at Jost Vineyards, he is responsible for the entire wine cellar and all the wine produced in it. Dave is detailed-oriented and, together with his team in the wine cellar, makes a wide range of wines from cool, crisp whites through oak-aged reds to luscious dessert wines.