Welcome to the picturesque Lakes Region of New Hampshire – where rolling hills, glistening lakes, and charming lakeside small towns create the perfect backdrop for indulging in the finer things in life.
Amidst the area’s natural beauty, you’ll discover a thriving collection of wineries and breweries – from award-winning vineyards to innovative breweries crafting unique and experimental beers. The Lakes Region offers a haven for beverage connoisseurs seeking an unforgettable tasting experience. Here, we sip our way through the region, uncovering the hidden gems that make it a must-visit destination for wine and beer lovers alike.
1. Sap House Meadery
This New Hampshire gem doesn’t specialize in wine or beer – its specialty is mead. This light, smooth, and sweet alcoholic drink is made from fermenting honey and can be dressed up by adding berries, fruit, herbs, or spices. Sap House Meadery describes its mead as “more wine or spirit-like” rather than resembling beer, and they make their own in a range of options like fig, vanilla and cardamom, sugar maple, smoked rhubarb and fir tips, and traditional. The meadery offers 30-minute guided tours on Saturdays between 2-4 p.m. and includes a sampling of different meads, details on the history of mead and Sap House, and an explanation of the process used to create the meads. After your tour, stick around to savor a flight and nibble on a cheese board in the pub. Reservations can be booked online.
2. Twin Barns Brewing Co. Beer Garden
In the warmer months, Twin Barns Brewing Co. transforms its outdoor space into a vibrant, lively beer garden for guests to lounge, sip, socialize, and play. The area is outfitted with Adirondack chairs and picnic tables – making it the perfect spot to enjoy a bite to eat from the Silo food truck, paired with a locally crafted beer. Challenge your friends to classic games like cornhole and giant Jenga, or find a sunny spot to set up camp for a few hours while you work your way through Twin Barn’s extensive selection of brews, from IPAs to lagers to stouts. Find more information about the beer garden and check out upcoming events online.
3. Seven Birches Winery
Nestled in the heart of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, Seven Birches Winery is a true oasis for wine lovers seeking an immersive experience. Situated on the picturesque RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain, this establishment takes a modern approach to winemaking. The team’s passion is evident in every bottle; from crisp whites to bold reds and tantalizing fruit wines, Seven Birches offers a diverse selection that caters to every palate. Step inside the charming tasting room, open daily for wine tastings, where knowledgeable and friendly staff guide guests through a memorable tasting experience. The weekly “Meet the Winemakers” tours are capped at 15 people and offer a complimentary flight, a souvenir Seven Birches Winery wine glass, and the opportunity to get questions answered by one of the winemakers. Book your intimate tasting in advance and learn more about the brand online.
4. Hermit Woods Winery
Voted the No. 4 Best Tasting Room in America by USA Today‘s readers poll in 2021, Hermit Woods Winery is a must-visit Lakes Region destination for wine connoisseurs. Pop in for a guided wine tasting, offered daily, and sample your choice of six 1 ounce pours at the tasting bar for just $18. If you want a more in-depth experience, take a full hour-long tour where you’ll learn about the winery’s history, discover the methods used, and get an exclusive peek into the production area and barrel room. The hybrid tour and tasting events are $35 and conducted every Saturday throughout the summer at 11:30 a.m. Purchase your tickets here.
5. Haunting Whispers
Since 2005, Haunting Whispers has been developing high-quality, locally-made spirits and wines in Danbury, NH. The vineyard is tucked away on a quaint, 75-acre family-owned property surrounded by majestic lake and mountain views. Visitors can come to sample the wines and spirits while experiencing the serenity of the expansive property. On your next visit, try any of the vineyard’s products, including red, white, and fruit wines, along with handcrafted rum, whiskey, and brandy.
6. Dam Brewhouse
The new tasting room at Dam Brewhouse officially opened in April 2021 and has been a consistent community staple, offering more than double the space for the beer garden and even more seating at the bar and throughout the building. The brewhouse specializes in crafting unique and flavorful beers and is constantly updating its selection. Owners Sarah Dreshaj and John Anderson were inspired by the pre-prohibition-era “public houses” where the community gathered, so they created their own space for people to come and build connections with old and new friends. Stop in for a pint, a cozy atmosphere, and authentic conversations.
The Lakes Region is a haven for those who crave idyllic escapes in nature, picturesque sunsets, seasonal flavors, and innovative libations. Thankfully, the local bar and restaurant scene doesn’t disappoint – from lively outdoor beer gardens to mountainside sips. It’s the ideal destination for experiencing the finer things in life while savoring nature’s solace. The region welcomes you with a glass in hand to savor every moment, whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a beer aficionado, or simply looking for a taste of the good life. Cheers to your next unforgettable tasting experience!