While you may not be in Napa Valley or in the lush, rolling hills of Tuscany, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy fine and locally-made wine right here in the USA! There are many cool wineries in Massachusetts just waiting to be explored.
It may not be talked about much, but northern New England surprisingly has stellar soil for growing grapes–and, therefore, making stellar wines. Massachusetts is just one of the states that has such soil. The wineries in Massachusetts have soil ideal for growing a wide variety of wine grapes, such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and many more.
When visiting the state, be sure to make some time for wine and head on over to the best wineries in Massachusetts!
Our Favorite Massachusetts Wineries
Nashoba Valley Winery (Bolton, MA)
Nashoba Valley Winery is easily one of the most well-known and loved wineries in Massachusetts– and it is really no surprise as to why. The family-operated winery began in 1976 and was contrived on a unique idea by Jack Partridge: to make legitimate wine from fruit other than grapes based on recipes from early Pilgrims.
Today, the winery has won several awards for its superb wines, now offering 30 wines including 14 traditional vintages from grapes. It also has tastings daily along with tours on the weekends and an outdoor restaurant called the Vintner’s Knoll that visitors can enjoy all year round. Simply sit at a picnic table and both sip and nosh the day away on their stunning property.
Not interested in dining outdoors? Then try their indoor restaurant called J’s Restaurant, which is located in their restored farmhouse and was named one of America’s top winery restaurants in 2019.
Cape Cod Winery (East Falmouth, MA)
Did you know that Cape Cod is one of the most popular areas for growing wine grapes in the state of Masachusetts? We fully support it because come on– it’s Cape Cod! Cape Cod Winery stands out above the rest, however, for a slew of reasons.
For one, their large collection of wines is truly delectable, whether it be their popular Rosé Mermaid Water or wine slushie (aka frosé)! This rustic winery and vineyard is also located in a gorgeous area, allowing those who visit a unique view of neatly arranged grape vines amongst lush greenery while sipping on truly magnificent wine.
They also hold various enticing events like live music and paint-and-sips, along with tours and tastings. On occasion, they offer a food truck as well.
Glendale Ridge Vineyard (Southampton, MA)
When you are looking for a really spread-out and tranquil vineyard to explore and overall enjoy, then head on over to Glendale Ridge Vineyard without question. This 5-acre vineyard is situated on a farm that was built in the 1860s, nestled within the hills of Western Mass and overlooking Mount Tom and the Seven Sisters mountain range.
The vineyard uses their own grapes and carefully selected fruit from the Finger Lakes Region and Long Island to create their wines. While visiting, you can enjoy a tasting of five wines, flights of three, or simply drink by the bottle or glass. They have various locations for sitting and decompressing, like their lawn areas, porches, and covered decks.
Looking to have an unforgettable picnic in a vineyard? Then this is the best place to do it. Don’t forget your picnic blanket and charcuterie board!
Brimfield Winery (Brimfield, MA)
When you are on the hunt for a smaller venue that has all the beautiful aspects of a sublime winery, then absolutely visit Brimfield Winery! Brimfield Winery is settled at a farmhouse and farmland dating back to 1823, which only adds to the unique atmosphere and charm of this winery.
Several of their wines have won notable awards, like gold, silver, and bronze medals, and even received 90pt+ scores on their impeccable quality. A couple of their award-winning wines include Antique Red, Antique White, and Brimfield Rush.
The winery also has several unique events, such as Blues Fest, auto shows, Mead Fest, and even Doubles and Bubbles, a large doubles grass volleyball tournament. Yours truly attended the latter and it was truly an enjoyable day, especially with an available food truck and several frosés!
Truro Vineyards of Cape Cod (North Truro)
Yet another vineyard in Cape Cod makes our list and we love to see it. Truro Vineyards of Cape Cod pioneered the art of maritime grape growing in the region, and their line features numerous award-winning wines bound to match anyone’s taste bud preferences.
This five-acre winery not only offers its visitors remarkable wines but also unforgettable spirits, as it also has an on-site distillery called South Hollow Spirits. All can be enjoyed amongst truly magnificent grounds, regardless of what you choose to sip. The vineyard also hosts private tastings and tours as well as regular tastings.
Feeling peckish? Not to worry because Truro has some of the finest food trucks available on their premises every day during the summer!
Mill River Winery (Rowley, MA)
Mill River Winery is a 100% women-owned winery that was first established in 2010. Donna Martin, a Ph.D. chemist, started this winery with the hopes of creating the finest wine and providing an idyllic place for all to enjoy it.
This boutique winery was inspired by North Shore charm. Mill River’s menu boasts divine and flavorful handcrafted wines from locally sourced and international wine region grapes (Grüner Veltliner and Cabernet Franc, anyone?). Sip and sigh on your next favorite wine either inside their charming farmhouse-like building or outdoors on their quaint patio and from their vineyard seating.
They offer flights and wine by the glass, which you can enjoy on-site, and bottles to-go. They also offer some small bites to complement your wine, like their cheese and charcuterie board and herb dip.
Honorable Mention Wineries in Massachusetts
While the above are our six favorite wineries in Massachusetts, we also couldn’t close without mentioning these other honorable mentions:
- Plymouth Bay Winery (Plymouth, MA)
- First Crush Winery (Harwich, MA)
- Boston Winery (Boston, MA)
- Alfalfa Farm Winery (Topsfield, MA)
- Broken Creek Vineyard and Winery (Shrewsbury, MA)
Now that you know the best wineries in Massachusetts, you have a lot to investigate (and taste) for yourself. “Wine” down and enjoy the natural beauty of New England all the while sipping on the best wine around!
