Thank you to everyone who joined us for this event!
– Photo gallery –
– Discover the farm –
Enjoy the spectacular views of Cape Blomidon while touring the vineyards, tasting its terroir through food and wine, learning about perennials and hearing the story of the Lightfoot family.
Regeneration Canada and the Atlantic Canadian Organic Regional Network (ACORN) are delighted to invite you to a day at Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyards to bring you a field-to-fork event like you’ve never experienced before. Join us on July 14th in Wolfville, Nova Scotia as head winemaker Josh Horton leads the way through the certified organic and biodynamic vineyards while Rachel Lightfoot shares family stories.
Making the connection between land and science, Dr. Victoria Levesque from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) will provide insight into her research on biochar as an organic input for regenerative vineyards and how it leads to better yields and healthier production.
The evening will conclude on a high note, as in-house chefs Brittany Livingstone and Cael Harlow serve a fresh, 3-course meal carefully crafted with ingredients produced right on the land, paired with the Lightfoot & Wolfville Flora and Fauna collection of bright and aromatic wines.
About the hosts
Although the Lightfoot & Wolfville wine-growing journey officially began in 2009 with the initial planting of grapevines, the Lightfoot Family has been farming in the Annapolis Valley for eight generations. In addition to nurturing nearly 40 acres of grapevines for wine production, the land operates as a working farm, growing ingredients for the winery’s farm-to-table restaurant and full-service event venue. Spectacular views of Cape Blomidon provide the ideal backdrop for guests to connect with the distinctive terroir of Nova Scotia.
As part of the fourth generation of the Lightfoot family to farm the land where the winery sits today, Rachel Lightfoot is passionate about keeping the land in agriculture and is particularly interested in sustainable farming systems. Her background in the wine industry spans roles in wine production, hospitality and marketing. One of Rachel’s personal passions is the Lightfoot & Wolfville flock of Olde English Southdown sheep.
Josh Horton grew up in Avonport, mere steps from where Lightfoot & Wolfville’s Oak Island Vineyard is located today. Having started his journey in horticulture at his his grandfather’s farm, he joined the Lightfoot family as they planted their first vineyard in 2009. Returning full-time in 2014 after completing the Winery & Viticulture Technician program at Niagara College, Josh has fulfilled the role of Head Winemaker ever since.
Prior to joining Lightfoot & Wolfville in 2021 as the Director of Hospitality Operations, Stephen Lee was co-owner, general manager and sommelier of Mallard Cottage in Quidi Vidi Village and co-owner of The Inn by Mallard Cottage. As a Court of Master certified sommelier with a vast experience in culinary and hospitality programs, Steve helps make every visit memorable for the guests.
– Discover the farm –
About the speaker
Dr. Vicky Lévesque is an AAFC soil health scientist doing research in Kentville, NS. She has developed an expertise in areas of physical properties, biochemistry and microbiology of soil, biochar amendments, soil-plant-microorganism interactions, plant nutrition and greenhouse gas emissions. Her current research tests various agricultural management practices such as wood chips, biochar and cover crops to improve degraded soil and optimize plant growth and productivity.
