A Marriage of Tradition
On August 15, 1983, Werner Rosswog and his family emigrated from Germany to rural New Brunswick. They envisioned a quiet life in their new home, living off the resources of the land. No one imagined their family would become a catalyst for a new industry in their adopted province.
Today, New Brunswick celebrates a proud new identity as a grape-growing region and an agri-tourism destination. However, for the Rosswog family, pioneering an industry was no easy chore. Winegarden Estate Ltd. is the story of how one man held steadfastly to a vision that ultimately lead to Atlantic Canada’s first private winery and distillery.
Upholding a high German standard of excellence while preserving a 150-year-old family tradition, the Rosswog family of Baie Verte traces its distilling roots back to the Black Forest region of Germany and the innovations of Johann Ziegler Sr. Today, he would be proud to see his great-great-grandson, Steffen Rosswog, carrying on their family heritage of winemaking.
Marrying the traditions of the Old World with a progressive vision for the future, the Rosswog family pioneered New Brunswick’s winery industry by leading the province in an innovative era of wine and spirit production and an exciting new identity as a grape-growing region.
Winegarden Estate Ltd. has grown from its modest beginnings to include a wine storefront and function room, a small museum and an event barn, alongside the vineyard and distillery. Winegarden Estate Ltd. remains a family business with Steffen as Master Winemaker, Distiller, and Production Manager. His sister, Elke, is the company President, as well as Manager of Finances and Sales.
