About
Our Name
With our company name we honour the one-of-a-kind Great Auk. It was North America’s only flightless bird and the world’s original penguin. When the auk became extinct in 1844, the name penguin was transferred to the well-known inhabitants of Antarctica. Today’s penguins, though unrelated, look very similar to the Great Auk.
Downhome Gift Shoppe
The Downhome Gift Shoppe is housed in the Great Auk Winery. Our collection of gifts and souvenirs are varied and charming. We also have the largest selection of local books in central Newfoundland, so while relaxing and watching the icebergs float by, pick up a book a learn about the people of Newfoundland.
Winery Tours
Available from May to September
Individual Tours
From May to September we offer tours of the winery throughout the day between 10am and 5pm (some exceptions may apply). We introduce you to the history of the winery and our namesake - the Great Auk. Then we show you the production area where the magic happens.
Group Tours
We can accommodate group tours of up to 50 visitors. For groups over 10, please call ahead to schedule a convenient tour time.
Our Berries
Our wines are made from local fruits and berries grown in an environment free of pesticides and chemical fertilizers.
Our berries are picked by hand by local residents and made with love into wine. Some of the berries we use include blueberries, partridgeberries, bakeapples, raspberries and crow-berries, just to name a few.
Partridgeberries or Lingonberries are also popular as a wild picked fruit in Newfoundland and Labrador, where they are locally known as partridgeberries. In this region they are also incorporated into jams, syrups, and baked goods and wines.
Bakeapples or Cloudberries are also a popular and wild berry in Newfoundland. The ripe fruits are golden-yellow,
soft and juicy, and are rich in vitamin C. When eaten fresh, cloudberries have a distinctive tart taste. When over-ripe, they have a creamy texture somewhat like yogurt and a sweetened flavour. They are often made into jams, juices, tarts, and Wines.
Blueberries Wild blueberries are found all over this island and are rich with Vitamin C and antioxidants, Wild Newfoundland Blueberries make for great desserts and wine and we use it to blend with several of our great wines.
Bakeapple
Blueberry
Rhubarb
Strawberry
Blackberry
Cranberry
Partridge Berry