A unique tasting experience awaits visitors at Hermit Woods Winery on the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee. The winery has been crafting fine wine, mead and cider from locally sourced fruit—other than grapes—for over a decade. The Meredith, New Hampshire-based cellar and tasting room welcomes 12,000 to 15,000 visitors a year and is equipped to entertain and educate groups of all sizes.

Wine tastings are a fun, signature experience at Hermit Woods Winery. Group tour visitors select six or seven wines from a curated list.

“Each wine is poured and described in detail, from how the wine is made to what the experience of drinking that wine might be like,” said Bob Manley, one of the co-founders of Hermit Woods Winery.

Visitors can sample flavors like the complex, rosé-like Strawberry Rhubarb or the Petite Blue, produced from wild blueberries, which is reminiscent of a pinot noir.

“When we founded the winery, rather than fight Mother Nature, we looked at New Hampshire’s terroir and the fruits local to the region,” Manley said. “Our wines are designed and built to be styled classically, comparable to other wines visitors might enjoy.”

Wine tasting
Credit: Hermit Woods Winery

Larger groups can enjoy learning about the art of bringing these flavors to life through the Wine Tasting Experience. Held in the winery’s loft event space, this one-hour tasting can accommodate up to 60 guests.

“Visitors sample wine while enjoying a guided slideshow and video tour that includes the founding of the winery and its evolution as well as how the wines that are being tasted are made.” Manley said.

Connoisseurs and the curious alike may also arrange an intimate cellar tour. Visitors see the equipment used in the winemaking process. Guests learn how the fruits are pressed, crushed and de-stemmed before being transferred to barrels for aging. The knowledgeable guides also explain how the wines are packed and racked over the course of the year.

Before departing, guests can purchase a bottle or two of their favorite wines from the fully stocked storefront.

Hermit Woods Winery is open seven days a week, year-round, making it perfect to pair with other seasonal activities.

For more information, call 603-253-7968 or go to hermitwoods.com.

Main image and credit: Hermit Woods Winery

Article by Michael McLaughlin