This was the first question we asked ourselves when we founded Hermit Woods Winery in Meredith, New Hampshire: does great wine have to come from grapes?
The answer, it turns out, is no.
When you look beyond tradition, there’s an entire world of flavor waiting to be discovered—and fermented—right here in the Lakes Region of NH, surrounding Lake Winnipesaukee. ▶
So the three of us—Bob, Chuck, and Ken—rolled up our sleeves and set out to apply the time-honored craft of fine winemaking to fruits that flourish locally.
What we found was remarkable.
Just about everything an experimenting “locabibe” could ask for grows, if not in our backyard, then within reach—heirloom varieties cultivated on small farms, often using organic practices, by farmers who share our independent spirit. ▶
That same spirit carries through everything we do—from our wine tasting experiences in Meredith NH to the live music and performances in The Loft, our listening room in the Lakes Region.
It all goes into the glass.
Since opening our doors, we’ve created wines from over two dozen different kinds of non-conventional fruit. They run the gamut from rich, dry reds to crisp, complex whites, delicate rosés, lively sparkling wines, and deep, intense dessert wines—not to mention meads and ciders, all crafted here in Meredith, NH in the heart of the Lakes Region. ▶
“I continue to be both fascinated and impressed by the dry and elegant fruit wines from Hermit Woods Winery.”
–Richard Leahy, Wine Author
There are plenty of ways to enjoy it all: (1) With a gaggle of friends on a night out. (2) In a flight at our wine tasting bar in Meredith NH. (3) On the porch with a panini from the Eatery. (4) Upstairs in The Loft, our listening room featuring live music in the Lakes Region NH. (5) In a can, on a boat, out on Lake Winnipesaukee.(6) Online at a one of our virtual tastings. (7) At home, from an assorted case you’ve just opened as a wine club member. (8) In a totally unexpected way that we haven’t thought of yet.
What is locally sourced wine without locally sourced food? In our Eatery, you’ll find farm-to-table fare designed to pair perfectly with our wines, meads, and ciders—making us a go-to destination for food, wine, and live music in Meredith NH. ▶
Landscape Photo: New Hampshire Historical Society
We offer you a choice. Inside. Outside. Upstairs. Downstairs. There are sixty-five chairs on the patio, forty-two in The Wine and Beer Garden, and another forty up in The Loft (tables are included) – each space offering a different way to experience one of the most unique things to do in Meredith NH.
In 2020, we raised the roof of the winery—literally. We built The Loft, a dedicated listening room, complete with a stage and grand piano. Now we raise the roof three nights a week. Thursdays feature ticketed performances—jazz, R&B, folk, and world music—while Piano Nights on Fridays and Saturdays offer relaxed, no-cover live music near Lake Winnipesaukee. ▶
