Need adventure, line up a winery tour!

My wife is the wine drinker in our family. I will occasionally drink a glass when we are out or have guests. But over the years, I have been to a few wineries. 

One of the things I like to see on our pages is experiences, a bit of education, and a tip or two.  

Each year, tens of thousands of people take to the roads to engage in winery tours. (If you visit our Business Showcase, click on wineries, and hit the “Near Me” button, you will find some of the wineries there. If they are not there, you can suggest they jump on board!)  

Are you ready to take a Winery Tour?  

Winery tours are a great way to learn about the winemaking process and sample different types of wines. Many wineries offer guided tours of their facilities, including a walk through the vineyards, a look at the winemaking equipment, and a tasting of the wines produced on-site. Some wineries offer more in-depth experiences, such as barrel tastings or food and wine pairings. You may need to make a reservation in advance to take a winery tour. It is also a good idea to check the hours of operation and any restrictions (such as age limits) before visiting.  

Grapes on the vine

Why New England wineries?  

Because this is where I live. Do you live in another area? Write about it!  

New England wineries have a long history of winemaking, dating back to the early colonial period. The region’s cool climate and rocky soils provide unique growing conditions well-suited to certain grape varieties, such as Riesling, Chardonnay, and Vidal Blanc. In recent years, wineries in New England have been experiencing a resurgence in popularity, with many winemakers experimenting with new grape varieties and winemaking techniques. The region is also home to a growing number of boutique wineries, many of which are family-owned and operated. New England wineries are often situated in picturesque locations, making them popular tourist destinations.  

Looking north from the winery

And what is the best season for New England wine tours?  

The best season for wine tours in New England depends on what you’re looking to experience.  

During the summer, wineries are generally open for tastings and tours, and the weather is ideal for outdoor activities such as vineyard walks. Additionally, many wineries host special events and festivals during the summer months. 

In the fall, the leaves on the trees change color, creating a beautiful and colorful landscape for the vineyards, and it’s also the harvest season. This is a great time to see the grapes being picked and learn about the winemaking process. Many wineries also host harvest festivals and wine tastings. 

Winter and spring are not the best seasons for wine tours in New England, as the weather is generally colder, and many wineries close for the season or have limited hours. However, suppose you’re still interested in visiting a winery during these seasons. In that case, it’s best to check with the wineries directly to see if they are open and what activities they offer. 

Overall, the best seasons for wine tours in New England are summer and fall.  

What can you expect on a winery tour? 

On a winery tour, you can expect to learn about the winemaking process, as well as the history and culture of the winery. A typical tour may include the following elements: 

Out in the vineyard

A walk through the vineyards: You’ll learn about the grape varieties grown on the property and the conditions required for their cultivation. 

A visit to the winemaking facilities: You’ll see the equipment used to crush, ferment, and age the grapes, and learn about the different winemaking techniques employed by the winery. 

See if they have a wine tasting: If they do, you will have the opportunity to sample a selection of the winery’s wines, and learn about the characteristics of each wine. 

Inside the winery

A tour guide: A knowledgeable guide will accompany you throughout the tour, answering any questions you may have and providing insights into the winery’s history and philosophy. 

Keep in mind that different wineries may offer different types of tours and experiences, and some may be more focused on the winemaking process, while others may be more focused on the history and culture of the winery. It is always a good idea to check in advance to see what a specific winery tour includes. 

What is the best way to try wine in a winery? 

When trying wine on a winery tour, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that you get the most out of the experience: 

Start with a clean palate: Make sure to eat a light meal before the tour, and avoid consuming anything that could affect your sense of taste, such as strong-smelling foods or cigarettes. 

Wine care

Take notes: Bring a notebook or a smartphone to take notes on the wines you taste. Writing down your impressions can help you remember the wines you liked and why. 

Taste in a specific order: It’s best to start with the lightest-bodied wines and work your way up to the fullest-bodied wines. This will help you appreciate the differences in flavor and structure. 

Use all your senses: Look at the wine, smell it, taste it, and pay attention to the texture and finish. This will help you understand the wine’s characteristics better. 

Ask questions: Don’t hesitate to ask the tour guide or wine staff any question you may have. They are there to help you learn and understand the wines. 

Don’t feel obligated to finish a glass: If you don’t like a wine, it’s perfectly fine to leave it unfinished. 

Stay hydrated: Wine can dehydrate you, so it’s important to drink water between tastings. 

Don’t drive after: If you plan to drive after the tour, it’s best to have a designated driver or take a taxi or a ride-sharing service. 

By following these tips, you can have a more enjoyable and informative wine tasting experience on your winery tour. 

In front of the fire

How does one tell what is a good wine? 

Determining whether a wine is “good” is a subjective matter, as different people may have different tastes and preferences. However, there are certain characteristics that are generally considered to indicate a high-quality wine: 

Balance: A good wine should be in balance, with no one aspect overpowering the others. This includes a balance of acidity, sweetness, tannins, and alcohol. 

Complexity: A good wine should have multiple layers of flavor and aroma, and the flavors should evolve as you taste it. 

Typicity: A good wine should express the character of the grape variety and the terroir (the unique combination of soil, climate, and other conditions) from which it came. 

Ageability: A good wine should have the potential to age and improve over time. 

Harmony: A good wine should have all the elements in balance and in harmony, not one element overpowering the others. 

Appearance: Good wine has a clear, bright and consistent appearance. 

Aroma: Good wine has a complex aroma, with a good intensity and a balance between fruit and vegetal notes. 

A glass of wine, great company, and a gorgeous view

It is also important to keep in mind that a wine’s price is not always indicative of its quality. Many high-quality wines can be found at relatively affordable prices, while expensive wines may not always live up to their price tags. 

Ultimately, the best way to tell if a wine is good is to try it for yourself and see if it meets your personal preferences. 

I hope this helps you a bit and that you get a chance to visit a winery. 

Let us know how it is! 

PHOTOS BY DOWNEY PAGE
Location-The Summit Winery in Westmoreland, NH