5 Duke of Cornwall Dr. Markham ON [email protected]

WINDSOR FORKS, N.S. — Nova Scotians looking for a romantic wedding, surrounded by the sweet smell of growing grapes and apples, now have another site to choose from.

Glenn Dodge, the owner of Bent Ridge Winery in Windsor Forks, is expanding his business to include a summertime special occasions pavilion.

“We’ve been getting a lot of requests for weddings. Most weddings are in the 80 to 130 range. We simply can’t accommodate them here,” said Dodge, sitting inside Bent Ridge’s cosy solarium, as the sound of a wood fireplace crackles in the background.

Dodge has been considering the expansion for some time. Since opening the business in 2018, people have been asking to hold special events at the site.

Dodge said he didn’t think it would make good business sense to close the restaurant on Saturdays to host weddings, so the idea to create a separate pavilion was born.

“We decided to build this new venue to not only just accommodate weddings but we’re planning on doing a music and dinner series this summer, possibly Thursday nights,” he said, noting the shows will feature bigger name musical acts and will require tickets.

The wedding and special event pavilion will accommodate up to 150 guests. Once built, it will be nestled between Bent Ridge’s vineyard and the century-old apple orchard located on the property. The pavilion will consist of an event tent, a custom-built kitchen and bar, hand-built harvest tables and firepits, a ceremony space, as well as a dedicated driveway and parking lot.

Bent Ridge Winery owner Glenn Dodge is excited to offer a summertime special occasions pavilion to accommodate the growing trend of outdoor events. Since announcing the pavilion, they’ve already had five couples book weddings for 2022. - Carole Morris-Underhill
Bent Ridge Winery owner Glenn Dodge is excited to offer a summertime special occasions pavilion to accommodate the growing trend of outdoor events. Since announcing the pavilion, they’ve already had five couples book weddings for 2022. – Carole Morris-Underhill

Dodge said they’re in the process of finalizing the special events menu, but said it would be similar to what the in-house restaurant Fuego serves: Italian and South American cuisine. He said the menu will offer a variety of choices, from appetizers to three-course meals.

“It’s a very relaxed vibe here. We will continue that,” said Dodge of the new pavilion.

“I think one of the main things about the venue is that it’s kind of a one-stop-shop, whereas with many places, you end up having to rent tents or furniture or linens and so forth. This will be all-included,” he added.

Those booking a wedding will just need to take care of hiring professionals like photographers and DJs.

Located mere minutes from Ski Martock and On Tree Hill Adventures, and a 45-minute drive from Halifax, Bent Ridge Winery is open year-round for dine-in or take-out. The Italian-inspired villa features an in-house restaurant — known for its pizza, and visitors can purchase Bent Ridge bottled wines, Bent Nail craft beer, as well as local artwork and handmade Mexican glassware.

Dodge said the new venue will be open by July 1. Five couples have already booked weddings this year, with a number of other couples ready to say their nuptials in 2023.

Bent Ridge Winery, located in Windsor Forks along Highway 14 (Chester Road), opened in 2018 and is mere minutes from Ski Martock and the community of Windsor. It is open year-round. - Carole Morris-Underhill
Bent Ridge Winery, located in Windsor Forks along Highway 14 (Chester Road), opened in 2018 and is mere minutes from Ski Martock and the community of Windsor. It is open year-round. – Carole Morris-Underhill

All about the view

Bride-to-be Amanda Forsey and her fiancé, Adam Taylor, both grew up in Hants County so booking their big day at the winery made sense for a number of reasons. Not only was it close for family members to attend, they knew the food was delicious and the view was stunning.

“The first time I went to Bent Ridge was in the fall, shortly after they opened. I just remember sitting at the table and looking out at the colours — it’s so beautiful,” Forsey said.

“You get a really nice view of Martock and all of the fall colours from the venue. It really does feel like you’re out in a rural area even though you’re only a short drive from Windsor.”

Forsey, who lives in Halifax, said she’s looking forward to getting married on Oct. 1 and celebrating at Bent Ridge.

“The main reason being why there versus anywhere else in Windsor is the view of Martock and of the Valley; it is just beautiful there, in the fall especially,” she said.

Glenn Dodge, owner of Bent Ridge Winery in Martock, stokes the fireplace located inside the solarium. The food cooked at Fuego — the in-house restaurant — is all wood-fired. - Carole Morris-Underhill
Glenn Dodge, owner of Bent Ridge Winery in Martock, stokes the fireplace located inside the solarium. The food cooked at Fuego — the in-house restaurant — is all wood-fired. – Carole Morris-Underhill

Winery weddings a popular option

Katelyn Hipson, owner and senior event co-ordinator for Halifax-based Elegant Productions, said she’s noticed an increase in winery weddings over the last five to six years, and since the COVID pandemic hit in 2020, a considerable increase in outdoor festivities.

“Definitely, I think, outdoor weddings are on the rise and will continue to be for the coming years,” Hipson said, indicating outdoor venues offer “a little bit more safety and security in gathering with groups of people” versus inside banquet halls.

Hipson said about 50 per cent of her clientele live locally, while the other half are from away and planning destination weddings to the Maritimes. After 2020 saw the cancellation of countless celebrations, then 2021 saw more intimate or outdoor weddings, she said people are beginning to feel more comfortable and secure with booking weddings this summer and beyond.

Hipson said there’s no shortage of interest in booking winery weddings.

“I feel like the Annapolis Valley is kind of like the new Napa Valley on the East Coast,” said Hipson.

“People just love to flock there. It makes such a great day trip and such a great destination and then when people fall in love with it and they become engaged, they head down there to celebrate their festivities in one way or another and quickly realize how beautiful it could be to host a wedding down there,” she continued.

Hipson said whenever a business expands to offer a venue for weddings and special occasions, it’s positive for everyone.

“I always love going down to the Annapolis Valley or getting outside the city to plan events for our couples,” she said. “I definitely feel like another venue in the market will be a welcome opportunity for new couples looking to have a winery wedding.”

Bent Ridge Winery is a bustling spot in the summertime. - Contributed
Bent Ridge Winery is a bustling spot in the summertime. – Contributed

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