Benjamin Bridge

Gerry McConnell and his late wife Dara Gordon founded Benjamin Bridge in 1999. The couple, who both worked as lawyers, established the project with the goal of creating a winery of high standing that would contribute to the sustainable development of rural Nova Scotia. They spent several years researching the region's potential, working with international consultants such as the late Champagne oenologist Raphaël Brisbois and wine writer Tom Stevenson. After Dara Gordon's passing, her twin daughters, Ashley and Devon McConnell-Gordon, took over the daily operations and leadership of the family-run business. In March 2025, the winery entered a new phase of ownership when the Murphy Hospitality Group became an equal equity partner alongside the McConnell family.

The vineyards are situated in the Gaspereau Valley, a 12-kilometer stretch within the larger Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia. The terroir is defined by its proximity to the Bay of Fundy, where massive tidal shifts moderate the climate, protecting the vines from extreme winter temperatures and cooling them during the summer months. The Gaspereau River runs through the valley, and the vineyards sit on its slopes, benefiting from a specific orientation that captures sunlight. This environmental influence allows grapes to retain high natural acidity while achieving phenological maturity over a prolonged growing season. The estate manages roughly 50 hectares of land, with over 34 hectares currently farmed using organic and regenerative agriculture practices. Head winemaker Jean-Benoit Deslauriers joined the team in 2008 and employs a low-intervention philosophy that prioritizes wild fermentations.

Benjamin Bridge is primarily known for its Traditional Method sparkling wines, which are crafted from a combination of classic vinifera grapes and local varieties like L'Acadie Blanc. The winery's portfolio includes the critically acclaimed Brut Reserve and various small-lot experimental releases. It is also the producer of Nova 7, an aromatic and off-dry wine with light effervescence that has achieved significant commercial success since its debut. The estate produces the Borealis Ice Wine from Vidal Blanc grapes and has introduced products such as Canada's first canned Pétillant Naturel. As a participant in the local Tidal Bay appellation, the winery produces brisk white wines that reflect the saline and mineral characteristics of the coastal region. The producer has established itself as a prominent name in Canadian viticulture, with its wines appearing on international lists in the United Kingdom and across North America.