Situated on Cape Breton’s Bras D’Or Lakes, we are Nova Scotia’s northernmost estate winery. Eileanan Brèagha is Scottish Gaelic for “beautiful islands.” The vineyard was named in homage to the owner’s Gaelic heritage and for the majestic view of the numerous small islands in the Bras d’Or Lakes which can be seen from the property.
In 1993, the first grape vines were planted here in Marble Mountain. Originally known as “Côte de Bras D’Or”, the vineyard sits on a 200 acre former homestead property overlooking the Lakes. With south-east exposure and the salt water lake providing maritime climate moderation, the property experiences late springs and a growing season extending into late autumn.
A little island in every glass.
Eileanan Brèagha Vineyards is Nova Scotia’s northernmost estate winery. The Bras d’Or Lakes provide a moderate maritime climate, and a growing season that spans late spring to deep fall. Marble and limestone in our soil provide a unique terroir, adding a distinct flavour to our collection of wines.
Our 2015 Red Marble Blend invokes images of old world luxury through new world innovation. With dark berry flavours and fruity aromas, along with hints of vanilla and caramel, this is a lovely sipping wine. Enjoy on a lawn chair in the backyard as you prepare a barbeque, or midwinter in front of a warming fire. We all deserve a little luxury. Pairs well with beef dishes, creamy pastas or soft cheeses.
Our deep, bright, ruby-toned 2014 Marechal suggests hints of blueberry and cranberry. A well-balanced blend with medium tannin, it is pleasant and fresh tasting. Marechal can be enjoyed alone or it can be paired with almost any food; pasta dishes, smoked meats, and even barbeque.
Our 2014 Marechal Foch starts with a fruity bouquet, and then delivers blackcurrant, cranberry, and clean oak notes. Marechal Foch is Nova Scotia’s most popular red grape, earthy and natural, with hints of caramel and vanilla. Pairs well with beef, pasta dishes, and venison.
Strongly influenced by the local climate, our 2014 Cayuga’s brisk acidity combines the bright, fruitful flavours of white plum, peach and apple. Soothe your palate with its fine balance of acidity and sweetness. Pairs well with seafood, poultry and vegetarian dishes.
L’Acadie Blanc is Nova Scotia’s most widely planted and recognized grape variety, frequently compared to Sauvignon Blanc. Our 2015 L’Acadie Blend is light with a refreshing balance of fruit, sweetness, and acidity. Enjoy aromas of apple, grapefruit and melon -with a slight floral hint from the muscat-like Seiggerrebe. Pair with cream-based pastas, chicken and traditional fish and chips.
Our 2015 Rosé is a semi-dry, coral-coloured wine reminiscent of wild strawberries and cranberries. Its charming balance of sweetness and acidity make this Rosé a softer beauty, with a refreshing light touch. Pairs well with turkey, pork and smoked salmon.
Come, join the family!
In our first year of operations, Eileanan Brèagha launched a limited membership Founders’ Club. Only 100 Founders’ Club memberships were sold, with the club selling out in just over a month. The Founders’ Club offers members unique benefits and priority access to Eileanan Brèagha Wines, including limited quantity small batch and reserve varietals.
Memberships are now available in our Wine Club, whose members can experience Cape Breton grown and bottled wines, set aside to pick up, or delivered right to their door. As with the Founders’ Club, members receive discounts on purchases at the winery store and and priority access to Eileanan Brèagha Wines.
Wine Club
Eileanan Brèagha Wine Club memberships are great gift ideas – for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, or just because. To order, email wine@eileananbreagha.ca with your name, address and phone number. Vineyard staff will contact you to collect your payment information.
For delivery, we require a daytime address, either your home or office, where a person 19 years or older is available to receive the shipment. Orders cannot be delivered to PO Boxes.
The cost, size and frequency of shipments will change from year to year based on the selection of wines available. Founders’ Club members will be contacted in advance with details of upcoming shipment contents and price. Membership will be automatically renewed each year, with members having the option to cancel at any time, providing one month’s notice prior to shipment.
Founders’ Club
Members receive 10% discount on all wine purchases at the winery, pre-release wine offers, and advance ticket purchase options for winery events. Founders’ Club members will receive invitations to member-only events at the winery and elsewhere, including exclusive tastings of small batch and reserve wines.
If you are a Founder’s Club member who has not yet received their current shipment please contact us at wine@eileananbreagha.ca.
Important rules and details: Members must be 19 years of age or older. Members must provide a valid shipping address and either pay up front or have a valid VISA or MASTERCARD on file to receive shipments. Members may cancel membership at any time. In order to avoid billing for the next shipment cancellations must be received by the first day of the shipment month.
From Sydney:
Take Highway 125 W via the ramp to North Sydney/Newfoundland Ferry. At Exit 3, turn left onto Grand Narrows Hwy / Seaview Dr / NS-223 W (signs for Boisdale / Leitches Creek). Continue for 65 km. Turn left onto Portage Rd (signs for Orangedale / Portage Road). After 250 m, take the first left onto Orangedale/Iona Rd. After 14 km, continue on to Marble Mountain Rd, drive 7 km and turn left to stay on Marble Mountain Rd. Destination will be on the right, 20 km down the road.
From Causeway:
After crossing the Causeway, continue through the roundabout taking the first right Highway 104. Pass through the town of Port Hawkesbury. After 6 km, Turn left onto NS-4 E (signs for NS-104 / Saint Peters / Sydney). Drive 12 km and turn left onto County Line Rd (signs for West Bay / Kingsville / River Inhabitants Road). Drive 7 km, and continue Marble Mountain Rd. Drive a further 16 km, and the vineyard will be on your left.
From Cheticamp:
Head southwest on Cabot Trail toward Margaree. At Margaree Forks, turn right on Route 19 (signs for Inverness/Mabou/Port Hood). Drive 8 km, and turn left onto Highway 395 (signs for Upper Margaree/Scotsville/Whycocomagh). Drive 40 km to the village of Whycocomagh, where you will turn right onto Highway 105 W (signs for Trans Canada Highway/Port Hastings). After 3.5 km, turn left onto Orangedale Rd (signs for Marble Mountain/Iona). Drive 6 km, and right onto Marble Mountain Rd. Follow Marble Mountain Road 28 km, the vineyard will be on your right.
From Baddeck:
Take Highway 105 (Trans-Canada) West toward Whycocomagh. Drive 43 km, through the village of Whycocomagh, and turn left onto Orangedale Road (signs for Marble Mountain/Iona). Drive 6 km, and right onto Marble Mountain Rd. Follow Marble Mountain Road 28 km, the vineyard will be on your right.
Please note: If you are using a GPS or Google Maps to find the vineyard, you may be directed onto “Mountain Road” as a quicker route. This is NOT an accessible road. Please stay on Marble Mountain Road for your safety.