‘It’s just too much’: N.B. winery ceases operations

Elke Muessle is pictured inside the Winegarden Estate & Distillery in Baie Verte, N.B. (Derek Haggett/CTV News Atlantic)

Elke Muessle, owner of the Winegarden Estate Winery & Distillery in Baie Verte, N.B., has made her last batch.

“Producing a bottle of wine you have to be a farmer, you have to be an advertiser, you have to have a bookkeeper. A lot goes into one bottle of wine. And then, of course, we’re located in a rural area so we have to price it accordingly,” said Muessle.

Her family immigrated from Germany in 1983 and eight years later they started producing wine.

“When you look at the history of wine and spirit making it goes back thousands of years, but here in New Brunswick, the local production and sales started only in 1991,” said Muessle.

Her family had a background in wine and spirit making, but when they arrived to Canada, they noticed there was no local production, but an abundance of fruit and farmland.

Her parents built the business up, and Muessle and her brother eventually took it over. Now, it’s just her and she’s had enough.

As the business grew, so did changes in the industry, and other craft alcohol productions began popping up around the province.

The growth across New Brunswick meant changes in regulations and policies Muessle said made it harder for her run the day-to-day operation.

“On top of everything else, that was the point where I said and realized, I am a working idiot and why do I do this?” said Muessle.

After 35 years, Muessle has ceased production and the business is up for sale.

The remaining stock is also on sale and will be available at the winery next weekend.

Muessle has two children living out west, but said their lives are there and they have no interest in taking over the family business.

“There’s no way they would come back,” she said.

The daily stress of producing and marketing the wine and spirits has gotten too much for the 62-year-old to bear.

She said there’s nothing specific that the province is or isn’t doing, it’s just a long list of policies, rules and red tape has worn her down.

Muessle said there’s also been a drastic increase in cost of goods, insurance, taxes and fees.

“It’s just too much for a farmer who wants to sell a bottle of wine to have this bureaucracy on top of you,” said Muessle.

But there’s no regrets whatsoever.

“A lot of pride actually. Coming from Germany as immigrants. Bringing your ideas, bringing your money and bringing your manpower. And then you’re pulling your kids into it. And you have 35 years of growth and fun. No, I didn’t regret it,” said Muessle. “The reality of today is it’s not worthwhile anymore.”

It’s a quaint spot that tourists and locals love to visit in a beautiful part of the province.

But Muessle cautions anyone interested in purchasing the business must bring a lot of energy and drive to it.

“And running this is not a dream. This is a real business,” she said.

Muessle says she will definitely miss the family history and her customers, but not the bookwork.

For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.