Welcome to the picturesque Lakes Region of New Hampshire – where rolling hills, glistening lakes, and charming lakeside small towns create the perfect backdrop for indulging in the finer things in life.

Amidst the area’s natural beauty, you’ll discover a thriving collection of wineries and breweries – from award-winning vineyards to innovative breweries crafting unique and experimental beers. The Lakes Region is a haven for beverage connoisseurs seeking an unforgettable tasting experience. Here, we sip our way through the region, uncovering the hidden gems that make it a must-visit destination for wine and beer lovers alike. Visit our website to see a full list of wineries and breweries in the Lakes Region.

1. Sap House Meadery

This New Hampshire gem doesn’t specialize in wine or beer – its specialty is mead. This light, smooth, and sweet alcoholic drink is made from fermenting honey and can be dressed up by adding berries, fruit, herbs, or spices. Sap House Meadery describes its mead as “more wine or spirit-like” rather than resembling beer, and they make their own in a range of options like fig, vanilla and cardamom, sugar maple, smoked rhubarb and fir tips, and traditional. The meadery offers 30-minute guided tours on Saturdays between 2-4 p.m. and includes a sampling of different meads, details on the history of mead and Sap House, and an explanation of the process used to create the meads. After your tour, stick around to savor a flight and nibble on a cheese board in the pub. 

2. Twin Barns Brewing Co. Beer Garden

In the warmer months, Twin Barns Brewing Co. transforms its outdoor space into a vibrant, lively beer garden for guests to lounge, sip, socialize, and play. The area is outfitted with Adirondack chairs and picnic tables – making it the perfect spot to enjoy a bite to eat from the Silo food truck, paired with a locally crafted beer. Challenge your friends to classic games like cornhole and giant Jenga, or find a sunny spot to set up camp for a few hours while you work your way through Twin Barn’s extensive selection of brews, from IPAs to lagers to stouts. Find more information about the beer garden and check out upcoming events online.

3. Seven Birches Winery 

Nestled in the heart of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, Seven Birches Winery is a true oasis for wine lovers seeking an immersive experience. Situated on the picturesque RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain, this establishment takes a modern approach to winemaking. The team’s passion is evident in every bottle; from crisp whites to bold reds and tantalizing fruit wines, Seven Birches offers a diverse selection that caters to every palate. Step inside the charming tasting room, open daily for both wine and cider tastings, where knowledgeable and friendly staff guide guests through a memorable tasting experience. The team also owns Rhythm Cider, an award-winning cidery boasting ciders made from natural whole fruits, and Rhythm Tap & Grille, an upscale restaurant and bar located next to the winery. Learn more about Seven Birches Winery and book your tasting online.

4. Hermit Woods Winery & Sweet mercy Kitchen

Voted the No. 4 Best Tasting Room in America by USA Today’s readers poll in 2021, Hermit Woods Winery & Sweet Mercy Kitchen is a must-visit Lakes Region destination for wine connoisseurs and farm-to-table foodies. Pop in for a guided wine tasting, offered daily, and sample your choice of six 1-ounce pours at the tasting bar for just $20. The kitchen, helmed by Kaylon Sweet of Sweet Mercy, offers wine pairings throughout the extensive food menu – from a BLT with the winery’s popular Strawberry Rhubarb pour to a hearty meat and potatoes dish paired with the berry-forward Red Scare. Tours and tastings are offered on Saturdays at 12 p.m. or 1:30 p.m. by appointment. Purchase your tickets here.

5. Haunting Whispers

Since 2005, Haunting Whispers has been developing high-quality, locally-made spirits and wines in Danbury, NH. The vineyard is tucked away on a quaint, 75-acre family-owned property surrounded by majestic lake and mountain views. Visitors can come to sample the wines and spirits while experiencing the serenity of the expansive property. On your next visit, try any of the vineyard’s products, including red, white, and fruit wines, along with handcrafted rum, whiskey, and brandy.

6. Dam Brewhouse

The new tasting room at Dam Brewhouse officially opened in April 2021 and has been a consistent community staple, offering more than double the space for the beer garden and even more seating at the bar and throughout the building. The brewhouse specializes in crafting unique and flavorful beers and is constantly updating its selection. Owners Sarah Dreshaj and John Anderson were inspired by the pre-prohibition-era “public houses” where the community gathered, so they created their own space for people to come and build connections with old and new friends. Stop in for a pint, a cozy atmosphere, and authentic conversations.

… And this is just a taste of what’s in store around the Lakes Region! If you’re looking to sip at more local businesses, plan a visit to Crazy Cat Winery in Bristol for small-batch, handcrafted wines. Brewery lovers will want to visit Hobbs Brewing Company and sample from the rotating beer list while enjoying live music. We also recommend checking out Tamworth Distilling for scratch-made spirits and Woodstock Inn Brewery for distinctly New Hampshire brews and weekend brewery tours. Cheers to your next unforgettable tasting experience!