Summer isn’t over yet, but as the season starts to wind down, there’s no better way to ease into fall then at one of New Hampshire’s gorgeous wineries and vineyards. For the rest of summer through the beginning of fall, there are dozens of wine events throughout the state for you to enjoy while you soak up those last few rays of sun over a glass of homegrown, local wine. In this special edition of Spontaneity, we’re giving you a region-by-region breakdown of wine events and activities from across the Granite State that you won’t want to miss. Here’s where to find a wine event that you won’t want to whine about later!
Seacoast:
Zorvino Vineyards’ 20th Anniversary Celebration Week
August 7- 11
Zorvino Vineyards
226 Main St., Sandown
Join Zorvino Vineyards as they celebrate their 20th anniversary! To commemorate the anniversary, the vineyard is hosting a five-day celebration from August 7 through August 11. The 20th anniversary celebration kicks off on Wednesday, August 7 with a special 20th Anniversary Italian Wine Dinner Paring, with pianist Craig Fahey. On Thursday, stop by Zorvino for yard games, like bocce and corn hole (which will be available every day of the celebration), and enjoy live music with acoustic performer Ken Clark. On Friday, enjoy the musical stylings of Karen Grenier, and take a tethered hot air balloon ride (also available on Saturday), thanks to A&A Balloon Ride, LLC! On Saturday, Zorvino will host food trucks from noon to 5 p.m., with a bouncy house and kids’ crafts! Winemakers Dave and Sam will host a Q&A from 1- 3 p.m., with wine samples, while Evan Goodrow and SpaceHeaters & Friends play throughout the day. You can finish your full day at the vineyard with a tethered hot air balloon ride. The celebration wraps up on Sunday August 11, with more food trucks and kid friendly events, another winemaker Q&A with Dave and Sam and live music with Chris O’Neil.
Vintage and Vine: A Wine Festival in Historic Style
September 12, 4- 7:30 p.m.
Strawbery Banke
14 Hancock St., Portsmouth
Stroll among Strawbery Banke Museum’s historic houses and gardens, while sampling wonderful wines offered by local wine brokers and wineries and enjoying delicious appetizers prepared by greater Seacoast-area top chefs and caterers. The mini wine auction adds to the excitement of the evening – and the funds raised for Strawbery Banke educational programs and preservation efforts. $35- $150. strawberybanke.org
Merrimack Valley:
Charcuterie Board Making Workshop & Wine Tasting
August 1, 6:30 p.m.- 8 p.m..
Wine on Main
9 N. Main St., Concord
Lisa from Miss Monger Charcuterie returns for another Charcuterie Board Building Workshop! Participants will learn how to build a charcuterie board that serves 3 people. We’ll cover the steps to build a board, how to cut and style meat and cheese, and how to construct the perfect bite. As you work, you’ll enjoy a wine tasting with bottles that were specially chosen to pair with charcuterie! The $65 fee includes all materials, instruction and the wine tasting. Participants will get to go home with their own board.
Roaring 1920’s Party: Gatsby Dinner, Dancing and Jazz
August 3, 6 p.m.- 10 p.m.
LaBelle Winery
345 Rte. 101, Amherst
Party like its 1920 at our Roaring 20’s Party! This event has it all – including a 4-course dinner with wine pairings, jazz music performed by Wolverine Jazz Band, live spectacle entertainment from Cirque de Light, 1920’s themed-decor, and an open dance floor for a night to remember. Themed costumes are welcome. Experience a fun and indulgent evening at LaBelle Winery Amherst; we’ll see you there “Old Sport”! Space is limited – Reserve your spot now for best availability!
Monadnock:
River Valley Artisans Art and Wine Tour
September 7-8.
Summit Winery, Westmoreland and Branch & Blade Brewing, Keene
Summit Winery and Branch &Blade Brewing have joined with the River Valley Artisans for a fabulous weekend of art, wine, food and fun. Enjoy a wine tasting, and stroll among the displays where the artists show their work and offer for sale oil paintings, watercolors, leatherwork, art photography, fine jewelry, fiber art, wooden ware and other handmade items.
Bottle Your Own Experience
Select Sundays, 12 p.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Averill House Vineyard
21 Averill Rd., Brookline
Experience an exclusive Sunday event with a guided tour of our 1830’s winery, a wine tasting paired with a charcuterie board, and the opportunity to bottle and label your own wine. For $59 per person, enjoy a personalized wine bottle, a keepsake wine glass, and an unforgettable journey into winemaking.
Lakes:
Historical Hike, Winery Tour and Tasting
August 24, 9:45 a.m.
Hermit Woods Winery
72 Main St., Meredith
Join Hermit Woods Winery & Eatery Founder Bob Manley for a short hike to Joseph Plummer’s grave site in the Hermit Town Forest. After the hike, we will convene at Hermit Woods Winery for a winery tour and tasting. One-third ($10) of your ticket price will be donated to the Meredith Historical Society. To minimize our impact on the forest, we are capping the hike at ten guests. You will have the opportunity to learn the history of the Hermit of Meredith Hill as well as the story of the founding of Hermit Woods Winery & Eatery. Bob will also walk you through how Hermit Woods wine is crafted and concluded with a wine tasting. We will meet on Hermit Woods Road at the border of Sanbornton and Meredith (there is a Town Border Sign at this location).
Dartmouth/Sunapee:
Friday Cocktails at the Summit
Fridays through August 30, 4 p.m.- 6 p.m.
Mt. Sunapee
Summit Cocktails: The only way to start your summer weekend – savor fresh appetizers while sipping on delicious drinks and enjoying beautiful views. Price includes one cocktail, appetizers, and a round-trip ticket to the summit on the Sunapee Express Quad chairlift.
White Mountains and Great North Woods:
Meet the Winemakers Winery Tour
Wednesdays and Saturdays
Seven Birches Winery
22 South Mountain Drive, Lincoln
This exclusive experience has a limit of 15 people, making it ideal for those that have a more-than-average interest in wine and how it is made. Each tour will take a deep dive into the winemaking process, a look at the equipment that is used, and will include a wine tasting flight with the winemaker. The tour is “conversational” so attendees get all their wine questions answered by the pros. It’s as entertaining as it is educational. This opportunity is perfect for aspiring winemakers, hobbyists, or for those that have a more-than-average interest in wine and how it is made. Expect to learn a great deal about the process and equipment, along with your tasting and a few laughs along the way.
Have an event we should know about or that should be considered for the next edition of “Spontaneity”? Shoot me an email at [email protected]