Socioeconomic Sustainability of Farm Winery Tourism: A Case Study of the Annapolis and Gaspereau Valleys, Nova Scotia

Abstract

Nova Scotia’s wine region is making its mark on Canada’s wine industry and is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination, yet its impact on communities remains largely unexplored. This study examines how farm wineries in the Annapolis and Gaspereau Valleys, Nova Scotia, integrate sustainable wine tourism into their practices and how this contributes to fostering socioeconomic development for the local rural communities while providing a positive experience for guests. A qualitative analysis was conducted, involving an in- depth review of peer-reviewed and grey literature, online surveys, and structured online interviews among farm wineries in the Annapolis and Gaspereau Valleys to understand how their practices, policies, and initiatives support sustainable wine tourism and socioeconomic development for the local rural communities. Results suggest that farm wineries in the region are performing positively regarding sustainable tourism and engagement with local communities. Still, several economic, technical, and governmental challenges affect their ability to integrate sustainable practices. This research highlights the successes of farm wineries in the Annapolis and Gaspereau Valley and the opportunities for improvement related to socioeconomic sustainability. Farm wineries in rural Nova Scotia can apply these recommendations to strengthen sustainable wine tourism and socioeconomic development for the local rural community.