Magnetic Hill Winery

Maritimes Tourism Destination

Jeff & Janet Everett make transitioning from berry farmers to winemakers, look like child’s play. However, to hear the dedicated years that go into this story, of what it takes to open, and run Magnetic Hill Winery, it is crystal clear that it has been an uphill journey (not a put it in neutral and coast ride). Once the proud owners of Utopia U-Pick, the largest strawberry & raspberry u-pick in New Brunswick, Jeff & Janet have not stopped educating themselves, and working towards their dream of pioneering the New Brunswick wine industry, and creating a premier tourism destination - and it shows.

New Wine Styles

The first thing you notice when you meet Jeff & Janet, is how passionate and knowledgeable they are, and their son Zach… well, let’s just say the grape doesn’t fall far from the grapevine. Once it was apparent that the business would sustain a two-family income in 2015, when the New Brunswick Government announced wines would be sold in select local grocery stores, Zach returned home from abroad. Since then, Zach and his partner Barbara have been instrumental in bringing the winery into the future with their ideas in developing new wine styles, including oak barrel aged reds, and traditional method sparkling wines. Being multi-lingual, speaking English, French, Spanish, German & Italian, comes in handy for Zach on the public relations side too. Barbara brings her Austria farming roots with her, as well as a food and wine culture, that nicely complements, and completes this strong, hard-working team.

Come, Wine, Dine, and be Married!

Hosting special events like weddings, bachelorettes, staff parties, family reunions, birthday parties, and corporate events is a little gig the Everetts do too - as if running the winery, and Guesthouse wasn’t enough. A charming 1867 rustic barn is used for small celebrations, and for larger events, there is a massive white tent. The property also has a spectacular panoramic view of the City of Moncton. If you can think of a reason to gather, and/or celebrate, Jeff & Janet, and Zach & Barbara have got you covered. Just give them a call for a customized experience you will never forget. Who ya gonna call? … TEAM EVERETT at 506-384-WINE (9463) to discuss dates, times, and everything in between.

Ever-Growing Winery

Opening in 2005 with just three wines, Magnetic Hill Winery has evolved continually with new styles developed year after year after year. This ever-growing winery saw a 200% increase in sales in 2008 and that same year received the 2008 Greater Moncton Excellence Award for Top Emerging Business and the 2008 Best of Show Wines at the NB Savour Food and Wine Show. aSeveral awards and accolades later have seen the winery producing wines that are garnering national recognition. University of Minnesota grape varieties - cool climate hybrids that survive cold winters and ripen in a shorten growing season - have served them well. That and rhubarb, also planted in 2015 has changed their production significantly. The rhubarb wine is very popular. It presents like a nice dry white, like a crisp Pinot Grigio, and it is named Illusion, after the famous Magnetic Hill's optical illusion.

See, Sniff, Swirl, Sniff, and Slurp!

Magnetic Hill Winery New Releases is a collection showcasing that New Brunswick is producing good wine - great wine even. Go enjoy a wine tasting and “swirl, sniff, swirl, sniff, and slurp” a flight of your choice selected from Dry & Traditional - dry reds & whites, ranging from light to medium body, grape, and a few surprises, or Fun & Fruity - ranging from strawberry, cranberry, and even rhubarb, or Sparkling - delightful bubbly wines created from signature stills, or Dessert Wines - port-styled after dinner wines for any occasion.

Wine Lover's Utopia

Vineyard tours and activities, including charcuterie boards, with local cheese & crackers along with an assortment of fresh fruit, and self-led wine tastings are offered at Magnetic Hill Winery. You can also explore the Everett’s story as one of the first wineries in NB, discover how wine is crafted from fruit to bottle through cultivation and production, learn the steps to taste wine like a pro, and sample award-winning wines ranging from dry to fun and fruity. This is a wine lover’s utopia.

State-of-the-Art Winery

The Everetts have added an additional 10,000 square foot winery, completely funded by sales, that has modernized and increased the capacity of production. They are ‘grapeful’ to wine lovers for helping to “Raise the Barn” and in turn, it now houses many special events for the public. The poured concrete wood-look stamped floors and architectural details fascinated my Civil Engineering Professor husband. I love the nostalgic NB heritage feel with the beautiful wood barn beams, agricultural tools artfully displayed - and some, even transformed into light fixtures. The fireplace built with original bricks and a massive stone slab saved from onsite restorations is gorgeous. The concrete wine tasting bar counters are impressive, too. Hey, there is even a covered bridge on a catwalk. “It’s the smallest covered bridge in New Brunswick,” Jeff joked.

All Canadian Wine Championship Medal Winners

Experiencing a wine tasting is a great way to ensure you are buying the wine most suited to your taste/palate. My favourites are the 2017 Mascaret, a medium-bodied Merlot-style, oak-aged red, and The OC - Osceola By the Sea, a clean, crisp, Riesling-like bouquet that offers intense lemon peel, apples and complex tropical undertones. Come for a tasting, and discover for yourself. There is an award winning wine for every wine lover here.

Dessert Wines

The dessert wines, are exceptional. Magnetic Hill Winery has been long recognized for their excellence, and now their wines are available at every Sobeys, Superstore, and Independent Grocer, select ANBLs, restaurants, and hotels across the province (over 120 locations). Quick side bar: Did you know that their rosé consists of 3/4 to a pound of strawberries, blueberries, and rhubarb in each bottle? I’ll have my serving of fruit in a wine glass please! To celebrate their 10th year in business, the Everetts created a wine called “Resurgo" - Latin for "Rise Again" - also knowns as Moncton’s city motto. This 1867, once abandoned farmhouse, has risen again as the Magnetic Hill Winery and Guesthouse.

Maple Swish

“The Maple Swish, as far as we know , is one of a kind in the world. What makes it so flavourful is the 2-3 year aging in wet bourbon barrels brought in from Kentucky. Nicknamed the Oaky Smoky Whiskey Maple due to its complexity from the barrel-aging, serve with old cheddar, dark chocolate, and great people.” - Janet Everett

Thirsty Thursday Trivia Night

Gather a team and book your table for Thirsty Thursday Trivia Night at 7 pm to quench your thirst, and test your knowledge. It was Friends (TV Show) night when Team Thelma & Louise (my friend Lucie & I) gave it our all to compete against a full house. We had a lot of fun, ran into some people we knew, enjoyed some wine tastings, and shared a charcuterie board. Zach shared there are many new activities and events like this happening this year along with some new annoucements. But the biggest by far, was one that I was glad I was sitting down for…

Magnetic Hill Winery and Brewery

Zach announced that they are expanding into a brewery. Yes you heard right! Magnetic Hill Winery is expanding to offer a wide range of carefully crafted beers. Guests can enjoy beer garden events and tastings that will showcase Magnetic Hill Brewery’s latest and newest creations, as well as collaborations and guest taps with other local craft breweries. Zach was spilling over with this exciting news sharing all the offerings the brewery will bring. Wine drinkers and beer enthusiasts alike can satisfy their thirsts, socialize, and enjoy Magnetic Moments plus book a stay at their Guesthouse, too. Cheers to great drinks and great times with great views as you enjoy the best of both worlds at Magnetic Hill Winery & Brewery! Follow along on social media to discover what is up & coming, as there is much to celebrate!

Magnetic Hill Winery Guesthouse

The Everetts fell in love with the 1867 farmhouse and the incredible view, but rescuing and raising it was quite an undertaking. Historic photos can be found on their website as a testament to this home’s restoration located on “a property as old as Canada.” Separating the barn from the house, raising the house up three feet to allow for a wine cellar below, then restoring the farmhouse room by room, saving all original woodwork was indeed a labour of love. The Guesthouse opened its doors in 2010 to rave reviews from guests. I have enjoyed a stay here a few times now. It is a delightful and charming spot to stay after enjoying activities in the winery. It is also conveniently located just 10 minutes from Moncton, and next door to USVA Spa Nordik.

“One reason why we love the story of this 1867 home is when the first settlers came to the area from Europe they brought their vines but they weren't hardy enough to survive so they started to take whatever was growing in the region and turn it into wine. That is what we do, take everything that grows within an hour of our winery… It definitely is a wonderful place to have a glass of wine, great local cheese, and take in the million dollar view.” - Janet Everett

Top Tourist Destination

The Everetts have created an oasis on their beautifully landscaped property, including a pond, several rock walls and flower gardens, plants and ornamental trees, and the most exquisite large wine bottle light sculptures. We were treated to a full moon one evening and the ambiance of the night-lit winery and vineyards was breathtaking!

Million Dollar View

Day or night, the1867 farmhouse and historical buildings, contrasted with the state of the art winery with a million dollar view is a showstopper. You can clearly see Jeff & Janet’s vision of becoming a top tourist destination coming to fruition. The winery has been built and wines have been crafted with so much attention to detail and TLC that there is no doubt that the Everetts will see their vision manifested very soon. And now they have added Brewery to their title! Come on!!! Now, Go!! Seriously, if you have not experienced a Magnetic Moment at Magnetic Hill Winery, Brewery & Guesthouse yet, what are you waiting for?

Maritimes Maven approves of Magnetic Moments

The Maritimes Maven approves of Magnetic Moments; in fact, I highly recommend it! Let the magnetic phenomenon pull you up the hill and into Magnetic Hill Winery & Brewery & Guesthouse. Tour the vineyard, taste award-winning wines and carefully-crafted beers, and enjoy a charcuterie board filled with fruit, crackers, and farm-fresh, local cheeses with a million-dollar view of the city of Moncton. Your Magnetic Moments await you at this state of the art winery & brewery, and authentically-restored 1867 Guest House, on a property, as old as Canada. Drink responsibly, be safe, and enjoy this superb Maritimes Tourism Destination, and tell Jeff & Janet, and Zach & Barbara that the Maritimes Maven sent you! Cheers!

This post was sponsored by Magnetic Hill Winery & Brewery and Guesthouse; however, all thoughts and opinions are my own. Follow Maritimes Maven on FaceBook, Instagram, Pinterest & Twitter. Be the first to receive my latest articles by clicking on the ‘subscribe’ link at the top of this page. PIease share articles you love with your social media community. There’s No Place Like Home!