A Local’s Guide to the 10 Best New Hampshire Wineries

ByLaura Wine Destinations

Searching for the best New Hampshire wineries to visit? Whether you’re looking for cozy, rustic vibes or modern, guided tastings, you’re in the right spot.

New Hampshire is home to more than 30 small, family-run wineries. These pioneers are living up to the state’s motto of “Live Free or Die” with their creative winemaking approaches in this chilly climate.

Having lived in New Hampshire for five years, my own wine adventure began with these very vineyards. And as a Massachusetts native and certified wine expert, I’ve spent many more years sipping my way through this wine trail.

Since the wineries are spread out, I created this guide to help you map out the best spots wherever you might be in New Hampshire. Inside, you’ll find my picks for the best wines to try, tasty food options, and other cool experiences to check out.

Seacoast Region

Flag Hill Distillery & Winery

Exterior view of Flag Hill Distillery & Winery showing a rustic building with wooden siding, a covered patio area with modern seating, and the winery's signage above the entrance.

This Lee, NH winery was one of the first I ever visited. It’s right down the road from my alma mater (go Wildcats!). And it’s the perfect spot to taste estate-grown New Hampshire wines in a beautiful setting.

The first vines were planted back in the ‘80s and harvested in 1990. Flag Hill has also doubled as a distillery since 2004, specializing in vodka. And with Distiller Brian Ferguson and his wife Maddie now owning the farm, they’ve added gin, rum, brandy, and whiskey.

This is one of the few wineries in the state that grows all their own grapes. So, the majority of the wines are made from hybrid varieties that do well in New Hampshire’s cold climate.

If you’re vacationing near the coast, you may also want to check out these Southern Maine wineries.

Entrance of Flag Hill Winery in New Hampshire, featuring a large circular sign under a wooden archway, with text 'Weddings, Events, Catering, Daily Wine, Spirit Tastings' visible. A lush green lawn and blooming yellow bushes complement the scene under a cloudy sky.
A selection of sparkling wines displayed on wooden shelves at Flag Hill Winery. Bottles labeled 'Sparkling Cayuga White' prominently shown in the foreground with more red and white wine bottles aligned in the background.
A gourmet cheese platter next to a glass of white wine at Flag Hill Winery. The platter includes various cheeses, crackers, and a small bowl of condiments, with the winery's logo on the wine glass.
  • What I Like: Estate-grown New Hampshire wines, flexible tasting options, friendly hospitality, cozy vibes, beautiful patio, delicious food options, food pairing experiences
  • Wines to Try: I liked the crisp, off-dry sparkling Cayuga. I’d also recommend the Marechal Foch for a dry red with nice cherry and plum flavors. And if you’re into spirits, try the Straight Rye Whiskey.
  • Tasting Options: Customize your own flight of 5 wines and spirits or enjoy by the glass. On Saturdays, they offer guided tours. Or you can DIY one anytime with a self-guided walking tour.
  • Food: Charcuterie, cheese, and hummus boards and shareable snacks.
  • Visiting Tips: Flag Hill only takes reservations on the weekends, and they are recommended. Check the special events calendar for brunch and bubbles and chef’s table dinners. You can even stay overnight in their on-site tiny home villas.

Flag Hill Distillery & Winery, 297 North River Road Route 155, Lee, NH

Merrimack Valley Region

LaBelle Winery

Twilight view of LaBelle Winery building, showcasing a large white building with a clock tower and warmly lit windows, conveying an inviting and elegant atmosphere.

If you’re looking for an experience that goes beyond just wine tasting, head to one of LaBelle’s two Southern NH locations.

Amy LaBelle’s dream was to create a place not just for wine tasting, but to bring community together. And with gourmet dining, a golf course, mini-golf, comedy shows, and more, you could say she’s done it.

In winter, they even turn the property into a holiday lights show, complete with giant ornaments, hot chocolate, and of course wine while you stroll.

The original Amherst location is planted with 6 grape varieties. Plus, they source fruit from the Finger Lakes region and Washington State. And the Derry location houses the sparkling winemaking equipment to produce their traditional method sparkling wines.

Vibrant entrance to 'LaBelle Lights' at night, with colorful light displays including red spheres and strings of lights welcoming visitors, against a dusk sky.
A variety of LaBelle Winery wines displayed on dark shelves, featuring bottles with colorful labels such as 'Blueberry,' 'Red Raspberry,' and 'Riesling,' among others.
A glass of red wine in the foreground with a blurred view of the winery's vineyard stretching into the distance, showcasing neat rows of vines under a cloudy sky.
  • What I Like: Diverse wine selection, personalized tasting experience, knowledgeable staff, great hospitality, farm-to-table food, modern tasting room, family-friendly activities
  • Wines to Try: The Americus is my go-to here, a blend of Cabernet Franc and the hybrid grape Noiret. But they make a wide range of red, white, rosé, dessert, sparkling, and fruit wines.
  • Tasting Options: Choose from a variety of tasting experiences including 4-10 wines. And get your wine education on with winery tours that run hourly on weekends.
  • Food: In Derry, you can dine at the Americus Restaurant or grab a snack at LaBelle Market. Amherst offers farm-to-table fare at the Bistro restaurant.
  • Visiting Tips: No reservations needed for tastings. Contact for large group packages. In Derry, you can try your hand at mini-golf or go pro at the 9-hole Links golf course. And at both locations you can catch comedy shows and live music.

LaBelle Winery, 345 State Rte 101, Amherst, NH & 14 NH-111, Derry, NH

Fulchino Vineyard

"Scenic view of Fulchino Vineyard showcasing lush green vines, vibrant red umbrellas spread throughout, and traditional white Mediterranean-style buildings in the backdrop, surrounded by dense trees.

Dreaming of an Italian escape but don’t want to shell out for airfare? At Fulchino, you’ll feel like you’re visiting a Tuscan villa right in the heart of New England.

Al Fulchino comes from a line of winemakers from Italy’s Campania region. As a child, he got an early start learning by watching his grandfather make wine.

After inheriting his grandfather’s wine press, Al began making his own wine. And in 2006, he founded Fulchino Vineyard with his wife Susan.

You’ll find Italian and American hybrid varieties grown on the estate vineyard. You can sample these at the tasting room within the villa, on the picturesque patio, or in a vineyard-side pergola.

A cozy outdoor patio at Fulchino Vineyard with multiple red umbrellas, white folding chairs, and a tile floor. The area is inviting with wooden doors and windows, and decorative flowers adding a pop of color.
A charming garden nook at Fulchino Vineyard featuring a rustic wooden wine barrel used as a table, surrounded by red blooming flowers and green foliage. A stone bench and a 'Photography Spot' sign add to the quaint atmosphere.
Close-up of a wooden signpost at Fulchino Vineyard marked 'FV 42' standing amid tall grass, with a blurred background of green vine rows under a cloudy sky.
  • What I Like: Italian-style wines, engaging tasting experience, friendly hospitality, delicious food options, beautiful tasting room and patio, picturesque setting, scenic views
  • Wines to Try: Fulchino is known for Cenare, a bold red blend. And with Italian roots, you can bet you’ll find varietals like Sangiovese and Barbera. Plus, well-known favorites such as Sauvignon Blanc and Malbec.
  • Tasting Options: Enjoy a range of wine tasting options indoors or on the beautiful patio surrounded by vineyards. Plus, wine and food experiences like lunch with the winemaker and wine pairing dinners.
  • Food: Charcuterie meats, cheeses, crackers, bread and oil, and chocolates
  • Visiting Tips: Reservations recommended so book in advance online. They also offer rentable cabanas and igloos. Check out the events schedule for comedy nights and concerts.

Fulchino Vineyard, 187 Pine Hill Rd, Hollis, NH

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Averill House Vineyard

A wine tasting flight at Averill House Vineyard presented on a wooden board labeled with wine names: 'Evocative', 'Bronceado', 'Champion', and 'Secret'. The glasses contain white, rose, and red wines, respectively, atop a colorful table setting.

This small family-owned winery is another great spot to sip on local wines in the southern part of the state. Sample a flight in the rustic barn-turned-tasting room. Or grab a vineyard-side seat and relax in the peaceful outdoor space.

Bob Waite’s daughter sparked his interest in winemaking with a gift of vines in 2012. And since the Averill House’s opening in 2015, the family has expanded the vineyard to include 11 cold-hardy grape varieties. Plus, they source other local and international fruits.

The barn also serves as the wine production facility and cellar. And you can get a peek at this on a behind-the-scenes tour.

A rustic wooden sign at Averill House Vineyard featuring a blue painted elephant holding a bunch of grapes, against a weathered wooden background, symbolizing the vineyard's branding.
A vibrant charcuterie plate at Averill House Vineyard, brightly lit by sunlight. The plate includes a variety of cheeses, salami arranged into a rose shape, grapes, crackers, and nuts.
  • What I Like: Diverse wine selection, engaging tasting experience, knowledgeable staff, exceptional hospitality, delicious food options, beautiful farm setting, relaxed vibe
  • Wines to Try: Try estate-grown wines from hybrid varieties like Frontenac Blanc, Niagara, and Catawba. Plus, they produce a wide range of French and Italian varietals, including Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Nebbiolo, Pinot Grigio, and even Carménère.
  • Tasting Options: Taste your way through a flight of 4 wines. And enjoy seasonal offerings like mulled wine and wine slushies. Tours of the winery are available too.
  • Food: Wine-infused ice cream, charcuterie boards, and snacks for purchase. Note that they don’t allow outside food.
  • Visiting Tips: Reservations recommended but they do take walk-ins. Kids are welcome and pets are allowed outdoors too.

Averill House Vineyard, 21 Averill Rd, Brookline, NH

Lakes Region

Black Bear Vineyard

An inviting outdoor seating area at Black Bear Vineyard, featuring rattan lounge chairs with bright red cushions arranged around a central fire pit. The seating overlooks a vast vineyard with neat rows under a clear blue sky.

Driving up to this off-the-beaten-path spot, you’ll instantly feel like you’re visiting a friend’s home. Except that friend happens to have a 5-acre vineyard in their backyard.

Ted and Kelly Jarvis purchased the stunning property in 2007. After testing the soil and discovering it was perfect for planting hybrid grape varieties, Ted set to work planting the largest vineyard in the Lakes Region. And with guidance from Dr. Peter Oldak of the former Jewell Towne Vineyards, Black Bear’s wines were born.

Ted’s son Nick is now in on the business as co-owner. And the pair still hold down full-time jobs in addition to maintaining the vineyard and making the wines. These are produced from the 7 varieties grown on the estate, plus grapes from places like Chile, Argentina, and South Africa.

Cozy interior of Black Bear Vineyard's tasting room with a wooden bar and red-brown wooden stools. Informative posters about wine production adorn the walls, adding to the warm, welcoming ambiance.
Black Bear Vineyard's wine bottles displayed on a bar, featuring labels of 'Pinot Grigio' and 'Malbec'. The setting is enhanced with autumnal decor, including orange leaves and clear tasting glasses ready for serving.
Expansive view of Black Bear Vineyard showing long rows of dormant vines, preparing for the growing season, with a rustic barn and farmhouse in the background against a clear blue sky.
  • What I Like: Diverse wine selection, personalized tasting experience, knowledgeable staff, exceptional hospitality, delicious food options, fun and relaxed atmosphere, stunning vineyard views
  • Wines to Try: For estate-grown wines, try the La Crescent for crisp acidity and intense stone fruit flavors. And you’ll find a range of well-known varieties like Chardonnay, Malbec, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
  • Tasting Options: Snag a spot outside or a seat at the tasting room bar to enjoy wine flights and wines by the glass. You can even book a private tour of the vineyard with Ted himself.
  • Food: Charcuterie boards, bread and oil, and flatbread pizzas available for purchase.
  • Visiting Tips: Black Bear is only open Friday through Sunday for walk-in tastings. But you can contact them for weekday appointments. Trained pets are allowed. The property is also available for events and weddings.

Black Bear Vineyard, 289 New Rd, Salisbury, NH

Haunting Whisper Vineyards

A serene outdoor seating area at Haunting Whisper Vineyard featuring five dark Adirondack chairs facing a breathtaking view of green rolling hills and vineyard rows under a clear blue sky.

If you love geeking out on the science of wine, then a visit to this boutique winery is a must.

Winemaker Erin Wiswall has a PhD in Biochemistry. Plus, a certification in Enology & Viticulture from UC Davis. She and husband Eric decided to turn their passion for wine into a profession when they planted a vineyard on their 75-acre property in Danbury.

The first Haunting Whisper estate wines were produced in 2005. And they also make wines with sourced fruit from places like the Finger Lakes, Chile, and South Africa. These go through a long, slow fermentation to keep the wine’s natural fruit aromas and flavors.

Intimate tastings are with Eric himself, who’s happy to go in-depth on the process for those interested. And because you can’t have a haunting without some spirits, you can also sample their homemade rum, whiskey, and brandy.

Rustic wooden directional sign at Haunting Whisper Vineyards, pointing the way towards the 'Winery' with a faded effect on the sign, set against a backdrop of early spring foliage and a clear sky.
Close-up of a round glass of red wine on a wooden table at Haunting Whisper Vineyards, with the vineyard's name etched on the glass and the warm, rustic interior of the tasting room in the background.
Spacious and bright tasting room at Haunting Whisper Vineyards with high wooden ceilings, blue high-top bar stools, and a cozy fireplace. The room is well-lit, inviting visitors to relax and enjoy their wine tasting experience.
  • What I Like: Diverse wine selection, educational tasting, flexible tasting options, knowledgeable staff, exceptional hospitality, stunning vineyard views, great picnic spot
  • Wines to Try: Wine availability varies based on the grapes they’re able to get. But at the time of my tasting, I enjoyed the Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Carménère. They also make a tasty limoncello.
  • Tasting Options: Taste up to 6 samples of any of their wines and spirits at the bar. Or enjoy by the glass in the spacious tasting room and outdoor space.
  • Food: Cheese and crackers available for purchase in the tasting room. Or bring your own winery picnic to enjoy outside.
  • Visiting Tips: Reservations are required for tastings. But you can stop by any time during opening hours for glasses and bottle purchases. Dogs and families with children are welcome!

Haunting Whisper Vineyards, 77 Oak Ridge Road, Route 4, Danbury, NH

Hermit Woods Winery

The exterior of Hermit Woods Winery on a sunny day, with a patio area featuring black metal tables and chairs shaded by umbrellas branded with "White Mountain Vodka" logos. The building is a light beige structure with white trim and an arched window, while red and white umbrellas add a pop of color to the outdoor seating area.

If you’ve been to New Hampshire, you’re likely familiar with Lake Winnipesaukee. And the popular town of Meredith is one of the top spots to vacation along its shores. That’s where you’ll find Hermit Woods Winery.

It started as a hobby for founders Bob, Chuck, and Ken. After experimenting with imported varieties, they began looking beyond the grape. The trio believed quality wines could be made from a variety of fruits if they applied the same techniques used for fine wine production.

The winery works with small farms that organically grow blueberries, blackberries, peaches, plums, and other fruits for Hermit Woods’ wines. And they use techniques like hand-processing, blending, and oak aging to make them complex and age-worthy.

Two stemmed wine glasses containing rosé wine, each etched with the logo of Hermit Woods Winery, sit on a bar.
  • What I Like: Unique fruit wines, engaging tasting experience, great hospitality, farm-to-table food, beautiful tasting room and patio, fun and relaxed atmosphere, music performances
  • Wines to Try: I was impressed with the level of quality Hermit Woods has achieved using fruit other than grapes. You can taste a range of dry reds, crisp whites, and even sparkling wines. Plus, they also have a selection of mead and hard cider to sample.
  • Tasting Options: Sample 6 wines in a guided tasting. Or pair your sips with local cheeses and chocolate while you enjoy the shaded patio or wine and beer garden. On Saturdays, you can also take a winery tour before your tasting.
  • Food: Farm-to-table food, including charcuterie and cheese boards, sandwiches, salads, oysters, and dinner entrées.
  • Visiting Tips: Walk-ins welcome for guided tastings. Book in advance for tours, special tastings, and other events. The Loft upstairs has music performances on Thursdays and piano nights on Fridays and Saturdays.

Hermit Woods Winery, 72 Main St, Meredith, NH

Crazy Cat Winery

A charming display of four black silhouette cat figures, each in a different pose, perched on a shelf against a textured white wall at Crazy Cat Winery. The cats are labeled with the days of the week from Wednesday to Saturday in French: 'Mercredi', 'Jeudi', 'Vendredi', 'Samedi'.

For delicious food accompanied by wine flights and slushies, check out Crazy Cat Winery. It’s the perfect place to cool off and grab a bite if you’re vacationing at Newfound Lake (one of New Hampshire’s best-kept secrets).

Tim and Claudette Smith’s rescue cat Jinx was the inspiration for the name when they opened the winery in 2019. He’s since passed, but you’ll likely spot at least one of their other cats sunning themselves on the Victorian home’s porch.

The wines are produced on-site using locally sourced fruits and grapes from the Finger Lakes and other regions in California and Australia. And they have a menu of great food options to pair with them.

A wine tasting setup at Crazy Cat Winery featuring a tray of six clear glasses, with three filled with white wine and three filled with red wine, arranged on a white surface in a bright indoor setting.
A delicious looking sandwich served at Crazy Cat Winery, stuffed with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella on a crusty bread roll, skewered with a green cocktail umbrella, presented on a paper-lined tray.
A playful display inside Crazy Cat Winery with an assortment of colorful mini inflatable pool toys and wine koozies on a wooden shelf, adding a fun and casual atmosphere to the wine tasting experience.
  • What I Like: Diverse wine selection, fun wine slushies, flexible tasting options, friendly hospitality, delicious food, relaxed vibes, adorable kitties
  • Wines to Try: The white wines were the standout for me here. I liked the unoaked Chardonnay and the crisp Pinot Grigio. You’ll also find a range of red wines. Plus, wine slushies.
  • Tasting Options: Make your own wine flights of 5 regular or dessert wines. Or cool off with a wine slushy served in adorable mini pool floats that are yours to keep.
  • Food: Charcuterie boards, delicious sandwiches, soups, snacks, and entrées.
  • Visiting Tips: Crazy Cat is only open on weekends. Walk-ins are welcome for up to 5. Make a reservation for 6 or more.

Crazy Cat Winery, 365 Lake St, Bristol, NH

White Mountains Region

Seven Birches Winery

Grand Victorian-style resort building with bright red roofs and white trim, home to Seven Birches Winery in Lincoln, New Hampshire, surrounded by neatly landscaped lawns and evergreens.

If you’re visiting Lincoln for skiing, ice castles, or the annual Scottish Highland Games, I recommend checking out Seven Birches Winery.

Mark LaClair got his start as a hobby winemaker. His homemade apple wine caught the eye of Windy Ridge Orchard. And in 2010, they partnered to release Seven Birches’ first commercial vintage.

Now, the winery crafts a range of wines and hard ciders from fruit sourced locally and internationally. And they’ve recently planted their own vineyard with hybrid grapes.

You can enjoy flights and glasses in the tasting room, located in the red-roofed RiverWalk Resort. Plus, stroll across the parking lot to pay a visit to their Rhythm Cider Studio in the Lincoln Village Shops.

Wooden post with oval signs pointing to Seven Birches Winery, La Vista Italian restaurant, Jean’s Playhouse, and other amenities at RiverWalk Resort in Lincoln, New Hampshire.
A wine tasting setup at Seven Birches Winery featuring a glass of white wine, a bottle of Rebel red wine, and a wine club information card, surrounded by a decorative arrangement of wine corks and a bowl of peanuts on a glass table.
A bottle of Rhythm Craft Cider from Seven Birches Winery, set next to a marble chiller and a silver ice bucket on a wooden table.
  • What I Like: Diverse wine selection, engaging tasting experience, friendly hospitality, new on-site restaurant, modern tasting room, fun and relaxed atmosphere
  • Wines to Try: If you’re a red wine lover, try the Rebel wine for a Bordeaux-style blend. And you’ll find other familiar varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. Plus, you can still sample Mark’s apple wine that started it all.
  • Tasting Options: Taste your way through Seven Birches’ wines with a flight of 5 or enjoy by the glass. On Wednesdays and Saturdays they also offer a Meet the Winemakers’ Winery Tour.
  • Food: Charcuterie boards available for purchase. And check out the new Rhythm Tap & Grill restaurant at the cider studio location.
  • Visiting Tips: Walk-ins are welcome for up to 7 guests. Groups of 8 or more contact in advance. The winery tasting room is located within Riverwalk Resort at Loon Mountain. And Rhythm Studio is nearby in the Lincoln Village Shops.

Seven Birches Winery, 22 S Mountain Dr, Lincoln, NH

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White Mountain Winery

Exterior view of White Mountain Winery entrance displaying two colorful flags, one with the winery's logo, enhancing the welcoming ambiance with a picnic table ready for visitors.

Like the nostalgic Zeb’s General Store, White Mountain Winery is one of my go-to stops when I’m in the North Conway area. Not only can you sample a variety of wines, but you’ll be greeted by the adorable winery cat Goose and dog Doc.

Goose and Doc’s parents, Ali and Bryon, started as customers. After becoming close with the previous owner, they trained with and eventually bought the winery from her.

Grape juice for the wines comes from regions throughout the world. So, you can try a wide range of dry red and white wines. Plus, some fruit wines too. I love that all tips are donated to local humane societies to help other rescue animals.

Close-up of a wine glass with the White Mountain Winery logo, set on a reflective red surface with blurred background activity, emphasizing the winery's branding.
An innovative display inside White Mountain Winery featuring a red ski lift chair repurposed as a bench, surrounded by wine bottles, a wine rack, and merchandise, creating a unique and thematic decor element.
A peaceful scene of a black cat curled up asleep on a comfortable beige blanket, wearing a collar, providing a homely and relaxed atmosphere within the winery.
  • What I Like: Diverse wine selection, engaging tasting experience, flexible tasting options, friendly hospitality, cozy vibes, adorable winery pets, rescue animal support
  • Wines to Try: They make a nice Chenin Blanc. And I liked the round mouthfeel of the Viognier and Pinot Gris blend. You’ll also find Italian varieties and some sweeter dessert-style wines.
  • Tasting Options: Choose your own wine adventure with à la carte samples. Or enjoy a flight with cheese pairings.
  • Food: Cheese pairings available with wine flights.
  • Visiting Tips: Walk-ins welcome. Reservations for private parties can be made outside normal business hours. While they love animals, the winery cat and dog are in the shop so they don’t allow other pets.

White Mountain Winery, 2724 White Mountain Hwy, North Conway, NH

FAQs About Visiting Wineries in New Hampshire

WHAT WINE IS New Hampshire KNOWN FOR?

New Hampshire’s cold climate makes it a challenging place to grow grapes. That’s why you’ll find most vineyards planted with French-American hybrid varieties that can withstand the weather.

Common hybrids you’ll see include Niagara, Cayuga, Frontenac, Marquette, and Marechal Foch.

Most New Hampshire wineries source a portion or all of their grapes from other regions. That’s why you can find such a wide variety of wines. Think classic European grape varietals like Riesling from the Finger Lakes, Carménère from Chile, and Cabernet Sauvignon from Stellenbosch, South Africa.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT New Hampshire WINERIES?

Whether you’re a skier, hiker, biker, or lake lover, there are plenty of activities to enjoy year-round in the Granite State.

For sun and vineyard views, May through September are your best bets. And October and November are perfect for stunning foliage if you don’t mind cooler temps.

Winter is a quieter time for wine tourism, so it’s great for more intimate tasting experiences. But keep in mind that December through February brings harsh weather, so it’s not ideal for outdoor sipping. And some wineries will have more limited hours during the off-season.

DO YOU NEED RESERVATIONS FOR New Hampshire WINERIES?

Some wineries in New Hampshire do recommend or require reservations. But many take walk-ins. Be sure to check the winery’s website for the latest info as this can change depending on the season.

Check out more etiquette tips for wine tasting.

HOW MUCH DOES New Hampshire WINE TASTING COST?

Most wine tastings cost between $10 and $20. But if cheese or other food and wine pairings are included, they can be $25 or more.

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I'm your go-to gal for all things wine and wanderlust. With a WSET Level 3 certification in wine and passport stamps from 30 countries and counting, I’m here to help you explore the world, one glass at a time.

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