Best 11 Wineries in New Hampshire: Top Places to Savor Local Wines
New Hampshire is known for its beautiful scenery, charming small towns, and delicious local cuisine. However, what many people don’t realize is that the state is also home to a thriving wine industry. With over 30 wineries and vineyards scattered throughout the state, New Hampshire has something to offer every wine lover.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or simply looking for a fun day trip, there are plenty of options to choose from. From the picturesque Seven Birches Winery in Lincoln to the cozy Whippletree Winery in Tamworth, each winery has its unique charm and character. Many of these wineries offer tastings, tours, and other special events throughout the year, making them the perfect destination for a weekend getaway or a fun day out with friends.
Popular Wineries in New Hampshire
Hermit Woods Winery
Hermit Woods Winery is a boutique winery located in Meredith, New Hampshire. They specialize in handcrafted, small-batch wines made from locally sourced fruit and honey. Their award-winning wines include both traditional grape varieties and unique fruit wines like blueberry, raspberry, and cranberry. Visitors can enjoy tastings, tours, and food pairings at their tasting room.
Website: http://www.hermitwoods.com/
Address: 72 Main St, Meredith, NH 03253, United States
Zorvino Vineyards
Zorvino Vineyards is a family-owned winery located in Sandown, New Hampshire. They offer a wide variety of wines, including reds, whites, and fruit wines. Visitors can enjoy tastings, tours, and food pairings at their tasting room. They also host private events and weddings on their scenic grounds.
Website: https://zorvino.com/
Address: 226 Main St, Sandown, NH 03873, United States
Fulchino Vineyard
Fulchino Vineyard is a boutique winery located in Hollis, New Hampshire. They specialize in Italian-style wines made from grapes grown on their estate. Visitors can enjoy tastings, tours, and food pairings at their tasting room. They also offer a wine club for enthusiasts.
Website: http://www.fulchinovineyard.com/
Address: 187 Pine Hill Rd, Hollis, NH 03049, United States
Flag Hill Winery
Flag Hill Winery is a family-owned winery located in Lee, New Hampshire. They offer a variety of wines, including reds, whites, and fruit wines. Visitors can enjoy tastings, tours, and food pairings at their tasting room. They also host private events and weddings on their beautiful estate.
Website: http://www.flaghill.com/
Address: 297 North River Road Route 155, Lee, NH 03861, United States
Labelle Winery
Labelle Winery is a boutique winery located in Amherst, New Hampshire. They offer a wide variety of wines, including reds, whites, and fruit wines. Visitors can enjoy tastings, tours, and food pairings at their tasting room. They also host private events and weddings on their picturesque grounds.
Website: https://labellewinery.com/
Address: 345 State Rte 101, Amherst, NH 03031, United States
Sweet Baby Vineyard
Sweet Baby Vineyard is a boutique winery located in Hampstead, New Hampshire. They offer a variety of wines, including reds, whites, and fruit wines. Visitors can enjoy tastings, tours, and food pairings at their tasting room. They also host private events and weddings on their scenic grounds.
Website: http://www.sweetbabyvineyard.com/
Address: 260 Stage Rd, Hampstead, NH 03841, United States
Seven Birches Winery
Seven Birches Winery is a boutique winery located in Lincoln, New Hampshire. They specialize in small-batch wines made from locally sourced fruit and grapes. Visitors can enjoy tastings, tours, and food pairings at their tasting room, which is located at the RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain.
Website: http://sevenbirches.com/
Address: 22 S Mountain Dr, Lincoln, NH 03251, United States
Black Bear Vineyard
Black Bear Vineyard is a family-owned winery located in Salisbury, New Hampshire. They offer a variety of wines, including reds, whites, and fruit wines. Visitors can enjoy tastings, tours, and food pairings at their tasting room. They also host private events and weddings on their scenic grounds.
Website: http://blackbearvineyard.com/
Address: 289 New Rd, Salisbury, NH 03268, United States
Averill House Vineyard
Averill House Vineyard is a boutique winery located in Brookline, New Hampshire. They offer a variety of wines, including reds, whites, and fruit wines. Visitors can enjoy tastings and tours at their tasting room. They also host private events and weddings on their beautiful estate.
Website: https://www.averillhousevineyard.com/
Address: 21 Averill Rd, Brookline, NH 03033, United States
Crazy Cat Winery
Crazy Cat Winery is a family-owned winery located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. They offer a variety of wines, including reds, whites, and fruit wines. Visitors can enjoy tastings and tours at their tasting room. They also host private events and weddings on their picturesque grounds.
Website: http://crazycatwinery.com/
Address: 365 Lake St, Bristol, NH 03222, United States
White Mountain Winery
White Mountain Winery is a boutique winery located in North Conway, New Hampshire. They offer a variety of wines, including reds, whites, and fruit wines. Visitors can enjoy tastings and tours at their tasting room. They also host private events and weddings on their scenic grounds.
Website: http://www.whitemountainwinery.com/
Address: 2724 White Mountain Hwy, North Conway, NH 03860, United States
Wine Varieties in New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s wineries offer a variety of wine types, including red, white, fruit, and dessert wines. Here’s a closer look at each category:
Red Wines
New Hampshire’s wineries produce red wines that are made from a variety of grape varietals, including French-American hybrids and European grape varietals. Some of the most popular red wine varieties include Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, and Marechal Foch. These wines are known for their rich, full-bodied flavors and are often paired with hearty dishes like steak and pasta.
White Wines
New Hampshire’s wineries also produce a range of white wines, including Chardonnay, Riesling, and Seyval Blanc. These wines are typically made from grapes grown in cooler climates and are known for their crisp, refreshing flavors. They are often paired with lighter dishes like seafood and salads.
Fruit Wines
In addition to grape-based wines, many of New Hampshire’s wineries also produce fruit wines made from locally grown fruits like apples, blueberries, and pumpkins. These wines are known for their sweet, fruity flavors and are often served as dessert wines or paired with cheese plates.
Dessert Wines
Finally, New Hampshire’s wineries also produce a variety of dessert wines, which are typically sweet and rich. Some popular dessert wines include ice wines, port-style wines, and late-harvest wines. These wines are often served with dessert or as a dessert on their own.
Overall, New Hampshire’s wineries offer a wide range of wine varieties to suit any taste. Whether you prefer red, white, fruit, or dessert wines, there is sure to be a local winery that produces a wine you’ll love.
Winery Extras
Distilleries
In addition to wine, some wineries in New Hampshire also produce spirits. For example, Zorvino Vineyards has a separate distillery that produces vodka, gin, and rum. Visitors can take a tour of the distillery and sample the spirits. Smoky Quartz Distillery is another option for those looking to try locally-made spirits. They produce vodka, gin, and whiskey, and offer tastings and tours of their facility.
Meadery
For those who prefer something sweeter than wine, there are also meaderies in New Hampshire. Moonlight Meadery in Londonderry produces a variety of meads, including traditional styles and more unique flavors like lavender and blueberry. Visitors can take a tour of the facility and sample the meads in the tasting room.
Vineyard Yoga
For a unique experience, some wineries in New Hampshire offer yoga classes in the vineyard. LaBelle Winery in Amherst offers yoga classes on Sunday mornings during the summer months. Participants can enjoy a one-hour yoga class followed by a glass of wine in the tasting room. Seven Birches Winery in Lincoln also offers yoga classes in their vineyard, with stunning views of the White Mountains.
Planning Your Visit
Planning a visit to the best wineries in New Hampshire is an exciting and enjoyable experience. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your trip:
Choosing the Right Wineries
New Hampshire has a wide variety of wineries, each with its unique charm and character. Consider what type of wine you enjoy and what atmosphere you prefer when choosing which wineries to visit. Some wineries, such as Seven Birches Winery in Lincoln, NH, offer scenic mountain views, while others like LaBelle Winery in Amherst, NH, offer a more refined and elegant experience.
Scheduling Your Visit
Most wineries in New Hampshire are open year-round, but their hours may vary depending on the season. Check the winery’s website or call ahead to confirm their hours and any special events they may be hosting. It’s also a good idea to book a tasting in advance to ensure availability.
Getting There
New Hampshire’s wineries are spread out across the state, so it’s important to plan your transportation accordingly. Consider renting a car or hiring a driver to ensure a safe and stress-free trip. Some wineries, such as Haunting Whisper Vineyard & Spirits in Lee, NH, offer on-site parking, while others may require you to park off-site and shuttle in.
What to Expect
When visiting a winery, be prepared to sample a variety of wines and learn about the winemaking process. Many wineries offer tours of their facilities, which can be a great way to learn more about the wine and the winery’s history. Some wineries, such as Hermit Woods Winery in Meredith, NH, also offer food pairings to enhance the tasting experience.
Other Considerations
New Hampshire’s wineries are located in some of the most scenic areas of the state, so be sure to take advantage of the beautiful surroundings. Consider packing a picnic lunch or taking a hike before or after your visit to fully enjoy the area. And remember to drink responsibly and designate a driver if necessary.
Unique Aspects of New Hampshire Wineries
New Hampshire wineries have a unique charm that sets them apart from other wineries across the country. From handcrafted wines to picturesque vineyards and friendly staff, New Hampshire wineries offer a unique tasting experience that is hard to find elsewhere.
One of the most notable aspects of New Hampshire wineries is their commitment to handcrafted wines. Many wineries in the state pride themselves on producing small batches of high-quality wine using traditional wine-making processes. This attention to detail ensures that each bottle of wine is unique and of the highest quality.
The climate and soil in New Hampshire also contribute to the unique flavors of the wines produced in the state. The Granite State’s cool climate and granite-based soil create ideal conditions for growing cold-hardy grape varieties such as La Crescent, Frontenac, Cayuga, and Riesling.
In addition to producing exceptional wines, many New Hampshire wineries offer a variety of tasting experiences to visitors. From wine bars to vineyard tours, visitors can sample a wide range of wines while learning about the wine-making process. Some wineries even offer vino cappuccino, a unique blend of wine and espresso that is sure to please even the most discerning palate.
New Hampshire wineries are also popular venues for weddings and other events. With stunning vineyards and picturesque views, wineries in the state offer a romantic and memorable setting for any occasion.
Overall, New Hampshire’s wine scene is not to be missed. Whether you’re a fan of reds, whites, or sparkling wines, you’re sure to find something to love at one of the state’s many wineries.