New Hampshire

• La Crescent: crisp, aromatic white with bright acidity and lively notes of citrus, green apple, and tropical fruit.
• Seyval Blanc: versatile hybrid offering fresh, unoaked styles as well as sweet, late-harvest or icewine expressions with delicate stone-fruit and honeyed flavors.
• Traminette: fragrant whites and sparklers, brimming with floral aromatics, spice, and a clean, refreshing finish; also used for distinctive ice wine.
• Marquette: medium- to full-bodied red, deeply colored with bold berry fruit, subtle spice, and a touch of earthiness.
• Frontenac: robust red displaying dark cherry, black currant, and plum, often with a hint of pepper or cocoa.
• Marechal Foch: rustic, richly hued hybrid lending dark-fruit flavors and structure to both table and dessert reds.
• Vidal Blanc: adaptable white grape for crisp table wines and lusciously sweet icewine, showing apricot, peach, and honey notes.
• Pioneering Hybrids (Petit Pearl, Itasca): newer varieties explored for their cold-hardiness and elegant, distinctive flavors suited to New Hampshire’s climate.
• Fruit Wines: crafted from local apples, blueberries, cranberries, and strawberries—ranging from dry, barrel-aged styles to sweet, juicy favorites, capturing New England’s orchard bounty.
• Mead (Honey Wine): golden, aromatic wines made from local honey, sometimes infused with fruits or spices, offering a nod to ancient tradition and modern creativity.

In New Hampshire, sustainability is woven into the fabric of its burgeoning wine industry, with many small, family-owned wineries taking a holistic approach to environmental stewardship. The cool continental climate presents unique challenges, but local winemakers embrace innovative solutions such as integrated pest management (IPM) and selecting cold-hardy hybrids like Marquette and Sabrevois, which naturally require fewer chemical interventions. These efforts are complemented by water conservation practices, including the reuse of rinse water, composting of grape waste, and adopting eco-friendly packaging solutions. Some vineyards also explore organic and biodynamic farming techniques, allowing vines to tap into natural groundwater and reducing the need for artificial irrigation. Energy conservation is a key focus as well, with many wineries investing in renewable energy and energy-efficient facilities. Solar panels and geothermal cooling systems are becoming more common, reducing the carbon footprint of these operations. The collaborative nature of the New Hampshire wine community, supported by the state's cooperative extension and winery association, facilitates knowledge sharing on sustainable farming practices. This dedication to sustainability ensures that New Hampshire's wines are not only crafted with care but also reflect a commitment to preserving the land for future generations, all while enhancing the quality and flavor of the wines produced.

New Hampshire's wine tourism offers a unique blend of rustic charm and innovative winemaking, inviting exploration beyond the beaten path. The state's wineries are often set against stunning backdrops, from the vibrant fall foliage to the tranquil lakes and the imposing White Mountains. Visitors can experience a variety of tasting rooms, many run by the winemakers themselves, offering an educational glimpse into the art of winemaking. With the New Hampshire Winery Association's Wine Trail passport, enthusiasts can embark on a journey through the state's diverse wine offerings, collecting stamps and rewards while discovering the intimate and welcoming atmosphere that defines the local wine scene. Despite its small scale, New Hampshire's wine tourism is growing, with many wineries offering on-site dining and hosting events that celebrate the region's cultural heritage and community spirit. From the structured tours at Seven Birches Winery to the creative mead tastings at places like Sap House Meadery, each visit is an opportunity to delve deeper into the state's winemaking story. Wineries also play host to various festivals and events throughout the year, such as the White Mountains Crush Festival and New Hampshire Wine Week, which showcase the area's wines alongside local foods and crafts. This approach not only highlights the state's commitment to sustainability and local collaboration but also enriches the wine tourism experience, making it a memorable adventure for those seeking a genuine connection with the Granite State's natural beauty and innovative winemaking spirit.

New Hampshire's terroir is defined by its diverse landscape, ranging from coastal plains to rugged mountain terrains, creating a mosaic of microclimates ideal for viticulture. The cool continental climate, characterized by cold winters and warm summers, poses challenges yet offers unique opportunities for cultivating cold-hardy grape varieties and crafting distinctive wines. The region's fertile soils, enriched by glacial deposits, support a variety of hybrids like La Crescent, Seyval Blanc, and Marquette, which thrive in these conditions. The combination of well-draining soils and moderate rainfall ensures the vines' resilience, allowing for the production of wines with bright acidity and expressive flavors, capturing the essence of New Hampshire's rich agricultural heritage.