Discover the Elegance of Mumana Vineyards
A Journey of Passion, Resilience, and Connection to the Land
At Mumana Vineyards, our story is one of passion, resilience, and a deep connection to the land and water that shape our lives. Mumana, meaning “river” or “body of water” in Bemba—Chan’s native Zambian language—perfectly encapsulates the essence of our vineyard, nestled along the picturesque Avon River in Falmouth, Nova Scotia.
Meet Kim and Chan
Kim Vance-Mubanga and Chan Mubanga are the heart and soul of Mumana Vineyards. Their journey to vineyard ownership is as unique and inspiring as the vineyard itself. Both Kim and Chan are deeply connected to water, having grown up near rivers that have profoundly influenced their lives—Kim along the East River in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, and Chan near the mighty Zambezi River in Zambia.
Kim’s love for the land was nurtured early on through her studies in integrated pest management in Annapolis Valley’s apple orchards as part of her undergraduate biology degree at Dalhousie University. This foundation, combined with her recent studies in wine appreciation at the University of British Columbia and the University of Bordeaux, and viticulture at Brock University, has fueled her passion for viticulture and sustainable farming practices.
Chan, with his background in electrical and structural engineering, brings a practical and innovative approach to the vineyard. He also remotely manages Forty Grey Farms, a thriving livestock, fish, and vegetable farm in Zambia. Together, Kim and Chan’s diverse skills, experiences, and shared vision have breathed new life into the vineyard, previously known as Johnston Vineyards.
Kim and Chan at the ground-breaking of Forty Grey Farms in Zambia
Directly before acquiring the vineyard in August, 2024, Kim and Chan spent several years in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia exploring vineyards, studying, sampling wines and talking to vineyard and winery owners and staff. They considered purchasing a vineyard in BC, but extreme weather effects have devastated the vineyards in recent years, and Kim felt a strong pull to return home to Nova Scotia. Establishing Mumana Vineyards was the perfect solution.
Mumana Vineyards: Cultivating More Than Grapes
Mumana Vineyards is not just a place where grapes are grown—it’s a place where stories are told, and connections are made. Our vineyard, established on the rich legacy of Johnston Vineyards, is dedicated to sustainable farming practices that respect the land and its natural rhythms. While not certified organic, we strive to minimize our carbon footprint and care for the land through thoughtful stewardship and continuous innovation.
At Mumana, we believe in more than just growing grapes. We are committed to creating a learning and teaching environment where knowledge is shared, and passion for viticulture is cultivated. Our vineyard is a hub for those who seek to deepen their understanding of grape growing, from the unique terroir of our land to the intricacies of managing a vineyard sustainably.
Whether you’re here to explore our diverse grape varieties like Itasca, Petite Milo, and Seyval Blanc, or to immerse yourself in our work-stay program, Mumana Vineyards offers an experience that goes beyond the ordinary. We invite you to join us on this journey—to discover the resilience of our vines, the richness of our land, and the warmth of our community.
Welcome to Mumana Vineyards, where every vine tells a story, and every story is a testament to our love for the land.
