MALAGASH - The controlling interests of Jost Vineyards, Nova Scotia's oldest and largest winery, have been sold.
The Malagash vineyard, founded in 1983, has been purchased by Devonian Coast Wineries Ltd., of Halifax.
Company president Carl Sparkes said in a press release issued Tuesday that Devonian Coast Wineries will act as a new strategic equity partner with Jost, and that it plans to grow the winery to a new level.
Jost was founded by Hans Wilhelm Jost and his son Hans Christian, who currently runs the winery, and who will continue to do so.
"Hans Christian and his team at Jost vineyards have shown consistent growth and improvement in the quality of wine and wine-making techniques over the years," Sparkes said.
"Hans Christian, as a key industry leader, will continue to operate the business and help move the company to a new level. We are delighted to have his pioneering passion and industry knowledge to learn from and to have his support in our future growth plans."
The Jost vineyard boasts of having the oldest vines in the province with grapes that yield "even greater characteristics every year," Sparkes said.
He described the Jost operation as being the cornerstone of the Nova Scotia wine industry with two wineries, its own vineyards and several grape growing partners throughout the province.
There are currently 16 wineries in the province with others scheduled to open in the near future, Sparkes said.
Jost could not immediately be reached for comment.
JCR, the Chronicle Herald has a longer article up about the story. It isn't a bad news story. It is a good new story. It is a story about a business growing. The Jost family proved that you can produce quality wines in Nova Scotia when no one thought you could. They have been remarkably successful in creating award winning wines, a network of vineyards, a strong brand and a profitable business, so successful that they are able to attract investment and new partners. It is an enviable position for any family business. The new arrangement brings in more human and financial resources and allows the Hans Christian to focus on the parts of the business he loves growing grapes and perfecting wines. Go Jost!