Are you looking to learn more about 3 Lake Winnipesaukee Wineries? Read Below.
Today was a beautiful Fall day for a drive, the weather was partly sunny with a slight warm breeze. You know the kind of day, the one that makes you want to look up at the sun and just feel the warmth invade your body. On this beautiful day, we decided to visit 3 great wineries by Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire and we are thrilled that we did!!
Gilmanton Winery and Vineyard
Our first stop was Gilmanton Winery and Vineyard, located at 528 Meadow Pond Rd, Gilmanton, NH. The winery is located at the former home of Peyton Place. Grace Metalious, the author of Peyton Place, used the proceeds from her book to purchase the house, which is now the winery.
The property has changed owners several times but the property was last purchased by Marshall and Sunny Bishop. In 2007, the first vines were planted and in 2010 the wine making process began.
Discover Gilmanton Winery and Vineyard
Gilmanton Winery and Vineyard has just under 9 acres of land and the winery hosts several events throughout the year. The winery hosts a Sunday brunch, dinners, weddings and tours as well.
Every Sunday, they offer a brunch from 8:30am – 1:30pm. Some of the menu offerings are French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, hash browns, fresh fruit, fried dough and sausage gravy over sweet bread. For more information check out there website @ Gilmanton Winery.
We enjoyed our wine flights in the dining room, James and I each had six one ounce tastes to try. The dining room has a very warm cozy feeling. There is artwork on the walls, strings of lights perfectly placed and wood stoves to warm you up. In the tasting room, the walls are lined with military memorabilia.
Marshall proudly served our country. Many of the patrons have brought in military items to share with the winery as well. A most impressive and amazing display for all to see! Their hours are: Thursday & Friday, Saturday 11am-6pm and Sundays 8:30am-5pm. *Please no wine tastings from 8:30am-1:30pm during their brunch hours!
Christmas in Gilmanton
Saturday, December 1, 2018, local businesses in Gilmanton, NH will be hosting a Christmas in Gilmanton. “Spend the day in our beautiful town, visiting local businesses and celebrating the start of the Season.” (Christmas in Gilmanton). At the end of the day, join together at the Community Church for the Tree Lighting and Grand Prize Drawing.
How do you get into the drawing? Visit each business listed on the map and return the map with all the stamps at your last stop. Your entry will then be added to the drawing. You must visit each business to be entered in the drawing, however, you do not need to attend the tree lighting to win. Best of Luck and for more information visit the Christmas in Gilmanton event page.
Winnipesaukee Winery
Our next stop was the Winnipesaukee Winery, Winnipesaukee Winery is located at 458 Center Street, Wolfeboro, NH. This is also the location of the only Winery Bed & Breakfast in New Hampshire, which is called the 1810 House Bed & Breakfast. They are located only two miles from downtown Wolfeboro and getting downtown is easy. You can use the Cotton Valley Rail Trail or ride Molly the Trolly for your transportation.
Winnipesaukee Winery is open Thursday – Sunday from noon to 5pm inside the antique barn. You can enjoy a wine tasting, a glass of wine, wine slushies, a walk in the vineyard, gift/antique shopping and learn about wine making.
We enjoyed a great wine tasting inside the barn with the owner! The wine was delicious!! We also observed plenty of antiques to check out, while enjoying our wine.
Winnipesaukee Vineyard and Winery are also involved in the Jingle Bell Wine Tour between Nov 25, 2018 and December 24, 2018. For $30 a couple, you can visit 10 different wineries. While having three wine tastings at each winery, enjoy a small cheese and salami snack plate. You also get a holiday ornament at each winery! Pick up your Holiday Wreath at your first stop and bring it to each winery for your free tasting. For more information on this event click here.
The Sap House Meadery
Our last stop was the The Sap House Meadery which is located at 6 Folsom Rd, Center Ossipee, NH. This is the first Mead Pub in New Hampshire. What that means is they not only have mead for you to taste but it has a pub style atmosphere where you can comfortably dine as well. They offer cheese boards, tapas style tacos, salads, sandwiches and even desserts.
The owners Matt and Ash are partners, as well as cousins. They came up with the idea of opening a meadery after a Christmas dinner in 2009. They were having a conversation about a building that was for sale in the center of town. At that point, mead was pretty new to the scene.
They purchased their building in January 2010 and set out to remodel it. The Sap House received their wine manufacturers license in August of 2010. Their business opened its doors in February 2011 with 75 gallons of mead, which was approximately 700 bottles. They were both expecting the mead to last for a year but to their surprise it only lasted for 9 weeks!
The meadery have also been winning international competitions ever since!!
“What is mead? Mead is an alcoholic beverage made from honey. It can be dry or sweet, still or carbonated and flavored with a variety of ingredients.” (Sap House Meadery)
Everywhere we looked there were smiles. From the staff to the patrons it was a very festive and relaxing place to hang out. You can also enjoy a bite to eat while enjoying some great tasting mead!
The Sap House offers free mead tastings and mead tastings by flights, they also serve craft beer and craft cocktails. Nancy and I loved their delicious mead!
3 Great Lake Winnipesaukee Wineries
