The Summit Winery Is More Than Wine

Collaboration and understanding change the business world for better.

Over the last few weeks, I have spent a lot of time working with the Summit Winery in Westmoreland, New Hampshire. Work that has included creating video, 360VR, and stills while they crushed grapes and placed juice in vats, as well as bottling, sealing, and labeling white wines.

This winemaking process is labor-intensive at the Summit Winery. It is all hands-on deck for their family. Barrels of juice, pallets full with boxes of grapes, and equipment set in place is how it began.

But over the weeks, there has been a lot behind the scenes. Checking new wines, moving them from tubs to large stainless steel vats, and working with wines started years ago, all the while meeting with visitors and friends in the wine-tasting area.

In the heart of sun-dappled vineyards, where each grapevine tells a story in every leaf and cluster, a winemaker’s life unfolds like a symphony of nature and craftsmanship. With hands weathered by the soil’s embrace, they dance through the seasons, tending to their precious vines with a reverence that transcends time. From the tender bud break of spring to the fiery hues of autumn’s harvest, they navigate the delicate alchemy of sunlight, soil, and rain. Every bottle is a testament to their artistry, a liquid tapestry woven with passion, patience, and a touch of magic. Each cork popped unveils not just a wine, but a journey, an essence bottled, and a dream uncorked. In the life of a winemaker, every vintage is a masterpiece, every glass an invitation to savor the poetry of the land.

Darren & Judy of The Summit Winery

It takes a lot to make a bottle of wine. Knowledge, chemistry, insight, timing, and a lot of hard work. Darren and Judy, just celebrated their 8th year of making Summit wines. A hallmark in any business, but even more so in a business, that is subject to the weather of the year. (This year’s frost affected a lot of vineyards and apple growers.)

The result is a great selection of wines, that include reds, whites, and roses. This is a great place to visit any time. Beautiful views, a rustic building, and all the space around it. More so in the fall.

What else can you find?

They have a gift area and food and charcuterie items for their guests.

Darren is working on outfitting a food truck for 2024 to further what they offer. This will be a separate entity because of the alcohol laws of the state.

Foliage season is a busy time for the winery. People travel to see the foliage and stop by. (And if you are a food truck or caterer, you might want to reach out to Darren. The same would apply to event planners.) But even this is just the tip of the iceberg in what goes on there.

This location is great for parties, corporate events, and family get-togethers. Many have used the space for business meetings, private parties, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, baby showers, rehearsal dinners, corporate events, team building, family gatherings or any celebration, wedding receptions, wedding ceremonies, bridal showers, fundraisers, engagement parties, wedding rehearsals, and dinners.

The large room is available for all of those and more. They have special pricing and minimal requirements. Darren and Judy, are able to help you with food connections, as well as drink.

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

This season they have an art show that includes lots of great juried photos, art, jewelry, and crafts. A great opportunity to taste wines and admire beautiful gifts.

Being a winery is no easy task.

Winemakers, like any artisans, face a multitude of challenges in their pursuit of crafting exceptional wines. These difficulties arise from a combination of natural, environmental, and technical factors:

Weather Variability: Vineyards are highly susceptible to weather fluctuations. Frost, hail, drought, excessive heat, or unexpected storms can wreak havoc on the delicate grapevines, affecting both yield and quality.

Pest and Disease Management: Grapevines are vulnerable to a range of pests and diseases. Controlling these threats while minimizing the use of chemicals requires a delicate balance and vigilant monitoring.

Vineyard Management: Decisions regarding pruning, canopy management, and irrigation are critical to ensure balanced vine growth and optimal fruit development. This requires expertise and adaptability, as each vintage presents unique conditions.

Harvest Timing: Choosing the right moment to harvest is an art in itself. Timing impacts sugar levels, acidity, and overall flavor profile. Too early or too late can result in an unbalanced wine.

Yield Control: Balancing the quantity of grapes with their quality is a constant challenge. Over-cropping can dilute flavors, while low yields can affect profitability.

Fermentation Challenges: The fermentation process, where grape juice transforms into wine, is delicate and subject to various variables. Temperature control, yeast selection, and nutrient management are crucial.

Darren at the Summit Winery in the Barrel Room

Aging and Oak Influence: Determining the appropriate aging time and type of oak (if used) is crucial. Over-aging or using the wrong type of barrel can overpower the wine’s natural flavors.

Market Trends and Consumer Preferences: Understanding the ever-evolving tastes and trends of the market is essential. A winemaker must adapt their offerings to meet consumer demands while staying true to their own style.

Regulatory Compliance: Wine production is subject to a multitude of regulations, from labeling requirements to tax codes. Navigating these legal complexities can be a significant challenge.

Economic Considerations: The costs associated with grape growing and wine making can be substantial. Fluctuations in grape prices, equipment expenses, and distribution costs all impact the economic viability of a winery.

Global Competition: The wine industry is highly competitive, with producers from around the world vying for consumer attention. Standing out in a crowded market requires exceptional quality and effective marketing.

Sustainability and Environmental Concerns: Balancing the demands of a modern vineyard with sustainable practices and environmental stewardship is an ongoing challenge. Many consumers are increasingly concerned about the ecological impact of wine production.

In the face of these challenges, a dedicated and passionate winemaker not only embraces the art and science of their craft but also demonstrates resilience, adaptability, and a profound respect for the land and its gifts. They understand that each vintage is a unique opportunity to create something extraordinary, even in the face of adversity.

You will find that Darren and Judy have met their challenges, overcome them, and gone beyond with the quality of their wines.

For more information:

Darren & Judy Horn
The Summit Winery
719 Rte 12, Westmoreland, NH 03467
(603) 852-8025

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