First Lakes Region Barrel Tasting
Good news from our friends working at Lake Region wineries...
Lakes Region Barrel Tasting a Huge Success
Despite the less than ideal weather September 29 & 30, over 500 people from all over New Hampshire and beyond gathered in the Lakes Region to visit the six wineries and vineyards hosting the Lakes Region Barrel Tasting Weekend. “The event was a huge success, surpassing all expectations,” says Bob Manley from Hermit Woods Winery and the organizer of the event. “A surprising number of guests traveled the approximately 130 miles required to visit all six wineries in hopes of being eligible for the grand prize raffle donated by the Inns & Spa at Mill Falls, and the second prize donated by Steele Hill Resort for visiting five wineries.”
All six wineries reported record numbers of visitors and sales, in some case three or four times their best weekend ever. Although all the numbers are not in yet, it is possible that this event generated over $50,000 in sales at wineries alone, and this numbers does not take into account money spent at other local business over the course of the weekend. Considering guests must drive all over the Lakes Region to participate, the event organizer sees this event as an ideal opportunity for people visiting the area from afar to discover the Lakes Region.
Many guests traveling from out of state made reservations in local Inns and Bed & Breakfasts around the region to participate in the event. Ken Hardcaslte, Hermit Woods Wine Maker, says “I believe the success of this year’s event is the beginning of something very big here in the Lakes Region. Next year we see it growing even larger and benefiting many more area restaurants, hotels, Inns, B&Bs, - and local crafters and vendors who gather at the wineries. This event is a win-win for everyone in the region."
Guests were greeted at each winery with free food and vendors from throughout the region sampling and selling their candy, food items, and crafts, and the opportunity to sample many different and unique wines. The highlight of the event was the chance to sample young wines directly from the barrels they were aged in, and served by the wine makers. Wine makers shared traditional grape wines, fruit wines, and a wide variety of meads.
The wineries that participated included Stone Gate Vineyards, Hermit Woods Winery, Haunting Whisper Vineyards, Gilmanton Winery, Coffin Cellars, and Sap House Meadery. The sponsors included the Inns & Spa at Mill Falls, Steele Hill Resort, Laconia Athletic and Swim Club, Gilmanton Winery and The Flying Monkey Performance Center.
Some of the many vendors who participated included Tomina’s Cookie Dough, Little Linda’s Embroidery, Winona Glen Farm, Mystic Eye Creations, Bubble and Flame Soap and Candle, Herbal Earth, Red Fox Farm, Salisbury Bakery, Sandwich Creamery, Winnipesaukee Chocolates, La Boca, White Mountain Cider Company, Via LectiaFarm, and Vintage Baking Co., Two Sisters Wine Jelly, Forever Boards, Fen Ridge Farm, Mill Run Spices, Sugar Whisperers, Meadows Pond Homemade Soap, and many more.
You can contact Bob Manley, at Hermit Woods Winery if you are interested in taking part in next year’s event. bob@hermitwoods.com or 603.253.7968.
For more information contact:
Bob Manley
603.253.7968
Bob Manley
56 Taylor Road
Sanbornton, NH 03269
p. 603.253.7968
c. 603.393.6971
