Newman Wine Vaults

Visit Newman Wine Vaults in downtown St. John's, NL, to explore the old architecture of this 1700's wine cellar & to uncover the many secrets held within. The building, one of the oldest structures in St. John’s, is a registered historic structure whose stone and brick masonry dates back to the late 1700’s!

Stone walls and arched ceilings & doorways display the 1700's architectural design found at the Newman Wine Vaults.

The History of Newman Wine Vaults in Newfoundland

The year was 1679 and a ship loaded with port wine set out from Portugal toward London. Along the route, a French privateer tried to detain the ship and, in its escape, the ship was thrown off-course. The weather grew stormy and the ship suffered some damages. A decision was made to divert to Newfoundland and remain there through the winter. Upon the ship's arrival in London the following spring, the consensus was that the wine had a noticeably improved flavor, something that was attributed to St. John's climate. As a result, the Newman brothers began aging their wine in St. John's at Newman wine vaults, a practice that continued for 300 years.

Two old wine bottles bearing Newman's port labels, are displayed atop a wine barrel to impart heritage information.

Newman wine vaults, made of brick & stone, dates back to the 1700's and is one of the oldest structures in St. John's.

A stone foyer at Newman Wine Vaults displays old wine bottles on a shelving unit atop three wooden barrels.

Encased in concrete, a large wooden beam runs the length of the building to add structural support.

Encased in an illuminated case atop an old wine barrel, antique artifact from an archaeological dig is on display.

Three old wine barrels, used by Newman Wine Vaults over one hundred years ago, are displayed in a stone foyer.

A guided tour of the Newman wine vaults includes information boards to supplement the information provided

The 1700's stone building architecture uses unique masonry techniques, including arched ceilings for support.

Newman's port wine has an info label explaining how Newfoundland became their wine aging destination.

An assortment of Newman port wine bottles line a shelf in a foyer at Newman Wine Vaults.

Please continue to follow my blog as I showcase more amazing tourist attractions in eastern Newfoundland.

Sandra Murray, owner of Murray House Vacation Home and writer of Newfoundland Travel Blog.