Muir Murray Wines, Agritourism, Annapolis Valley
Grand Pre Winery on Backyard Vineyards, Growing in Nova Scotia
Aug 17, 2009
S101 : Do you feel it is important to contribute to the local economy, both in regards to production and sale as well as employment?
Muir Murray Estate Winery : I think it's essential that we utilize local workers as help spur on the local, independent economy. I want to encourage the local economy as much as I possibly can. We do pay above the minimum wage, and I like to think we look after our workers. It's not for everyone, it is hard work in the outdoors, but we have a very good team.
S101 : Well, it is the agricultural sector; farming and viticulture are very hands on jobs.
Muir Murray Estate Winery : It is. It's also just important to continue encouraging development of not only the Wolfville and Grand-Pre areas of the Annapolis Valley, but also the greater wine industry, independant sellers and winemakers that are contributing to agritourism as well as providing a refreshing, quality product.
S101 : Why choose the Annapolis Valley as a home for your vineyards?
Muir Murray Estate Winery : Well it started when my step-children went to school here. When I came to visit, the first time I came here – it was beautiful, very nice, serene. The natural beauty combined with ideal growing conditions and business atmosphere cinched the decision.
S101 : Do you feel that Nova Scotia and the Annapolis Valley in particular are becoming more attractive to winemakers, if so, why do you think that is.
The climate is ideal, the terroir is ideal, and I think you'll see in the next 10 years quite a few more wineries and vineyards pop up around here. At this pace, every few months you'll see a new winery pop up in this area.
In the same vein, we also have a company called Backyard Vineyards – what we do is install vineyards into backyards of private homes or properties.
For example, if someone calls us and says that they have two acres or an acre that they aren't currently using, we will come over and install a vineyard, teach you how to cultivate for the grapes, care for the grapes and the vine, and how to harvest the grapes as well.
After harvest the client can sell the grapes to us and keep the proceeds, or have us make wine from their grapes and purchase the wine at a deeply discounted price.
So what I'm trying to do is to encourage almost everybody in the Annapolis Valley to take an interest in vines, grapes, and winemaking. We've already had three persons sign on for this programme and, as I say, we've been open for less than two months.
S101 : A very unique and innovative idea, also a great idea that ties in with the planned Annapolis Valley Institute for Education in Wine – making winemaking and wine culture accessible.
Muir Murray Estate Winery : What I'm trying to do is to increase interest in the wine culture throughout the Valley.
The Interview is Continued
Interested in hearing what Muir Murray is offering for tastings as well as amentities? The interview is also continued further on the topic of agritourism, wine tourism in Nova Scotia, and some interesting new offerings!
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