This was the first question we asked ourselves when we founded our winery. The answer turned out to be “No.”
When you look beyond tradition, there’s an entire planet of verdure waiting to be fermented. ▶
To that end, the three of us – Bob, Chuck, and I – rolled up our sleeves and set about applying the time-honored methods of fine winemaking to fruits that flourish locally.
Answer: Just about everything an experimenting “locabibe” could ask for grows, if not in our backyard, at least within our reach – heirloom varieties cultivated on small farms with organic practices by equally strong-willed convention-bucking farmers. ▶
It all goes into the glass.
Since opening our doors, we’ve created wines from over two-dozen different kinds of non-conventional fruit. They run the gamut from rich, dry reds to crisp, complex whites to delicate rosés, lively sparkling wines, and deep, intense dessert wines. And that’s not to mention meads and ciders. ▶
“I continue to be both fascinated and impressed by the dry and elegant fruit wines from Hermit Woods Winery.”
–Richard Leahy, Wine Author
(1) With a gaggle of friends on a night out. (2) In a flight at our tasting bar. (3) On the porch with a panini from the Eatery. (4) Upstairs in The Loft with live music. (5) In a can on a boat on Lake Winnipesaukee. (6) Online at a one of our virtual tastings. (7) At home, from an assorted case you’ve just opened as a wine club member. (8) In a totally unexpected way that we haven’t thought of yet.
What is locally sourced wine without locally sourced food? In our Eatery, you’ll find farm-to-table fare designed to pair perfectly with our wines, meads, and ciders. ▶
Landscape Photo: New Hampshire Historical Society
We offer you a choice. Inside. Outside. Upstairs. Downstairs. There are sixty-five chairs on the patio, forty-two in The Wine and Beer Garden, and another forty up in The Loft. Tables are included.
In 2020, we raised the roof of the winery. We built a listening room and equipped it with a stage and a grand piano. Now we raise the roof three nights a week. Thursdays are ticketed performances of Jazz, R&B, folk, or world music. Piano Nights are Fridays and Saturdays, no tickets required. ▶
