TOURS

Wolfville. A tour typically consists of visiting three wineries, cideries or breweries.

“It’s really flexible and customized to an individual’s preferences,” said Fitzgerald, noting if a guest is “becoming one with the patio furniture somewhere,” they can opt to stay longer instead of following a strict itinerary.

There are currently a handful of companies offering wine tours. What sets Vintage Vino Tours apart, Fitzgerald said, is its flexibility, stylish classic vehicles and the atmosphere that accompanies it.

“Forget the big bus, forget the rowdy guests, forget the strict schedule. We do tours a little different,” he said. “Our tours can be relaxed or they can be as energetic as you like. They’re really catered to an individual’s own desires for their day.”

The main vehicle involved in the tour is a 1947 Ford Super Deluxe — Fitzgerald likens it to “a Bonnie and Clyde bank robber car” — and he has access to a 1958 Chevy Delray and hopes to add a 1952 Pontiac Chieftain to the mix soon.

“It’s a nice old vintage car,” said Fitzgerald of the Ford. And it certainly turns heads. Fitzgerald said people immediately take notice when he arrives — and guests often get dolled up to participate in a tour, though that’s not necessary.

“Folks tend to wave when they see a vintage car go by. I don’t know what it is about waving at a car, but folks love waving and so we’re always waving back and it’s one of my favourite things about the tour,” Fitzgerald said with a laugh.

He said his guests basically become mini celebrities.

“It’s such a unique and fun experience in and of itself.”

Fitzgerald, who lives in Windsor, grew up in Yarmouth and still has family in the area. He moved out west when he was 10. In August 2019, he returned to the Shelburne area to get married to Anastasia Narkevich. By November of that year, the couple relocated to Nova Scotia and he began a job with the Valley Regional Enterprise Network. He left his position in November 2021 to start Vintage Vino Tours.

He said this is his first “deep dive into entrepreneurship” and he’s excited to see where the future leads for his business.

“I think a vintage car and wine tour is the perfect pairing. It’s like wine and cheese or like Tidal Bay and really great local seafood,” he said.

Fitzgerald said he thinks there will be room for a variety of wine tours in Nova Scotia as each one offers the guest a different experience.

“I think that the tours will be really popular with locals and tourists alike. We provide, I think, a really authentic and a quality service and that will resonate with both,” he said.

The target demographic, he said, is people celebrating special occasions — like an anniversary, birthday or promotion — as well as small corporate outings.

“They’re quite intimate experiences obviously being between two and four guests, but I think that’s kind of the market that we’re going after.”

A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE

For Lorrie Churchill, who was vacationing in Nova Scotia in June, she wasn’t sure what to expect with the tour, but she’s pleased she gave it a try.

“You don’t have to be a wine connoisseur — it’s much more than that. And it’s so fun because you can customize it and make it your own,” she said.

Churchill, who isn’t a wine drinker and not familiar with the Annapolis Valley’s burgeoning wine industry, dressed up in a Marilyn Monroe-style dress and picked out which places to visit. Among the highlights was a trip to Luckett Vineyards — with the iconic red phone booth where she called her aunt — and a meal at Maritime Express Cider Company in Kentville.

Churchill said Fitzgerald made her and her friend feel pampered the entire time.

“I’ve been in sales and customer service for years so I really appreciate details. Everything, right down to the last detail, you could tell it had been so thought out,” said Churchill.

For example, it was a hot day when the women took the tour and each time they returned to the car, Fitzgerald presented them with cooled lemongrass wet towels to freshen up with.

He also had snacks in the car, and when they spotted a field of wildflowers, he pulled over so they could take photos.

“So, I think the takeaway that I would want people to know is don’t just assume you’re going to get a wine tour. You’re getting so much more for your money,” she said.

Churchill, who lives in St. Albert, Alta.., said she can’t wait to do it again, and is planning to return in September to celebrate her 50th birthday in style.

“I think even though it’s vintage, it’s a very modern, new thing,” said Churchill.