Massachusetts has a combination of continental and maritime climates, with grape varieties in various areas reflecting the differences. The Southeastern New England AVA includes part of the Bay State, while the Martha’s Vineyard AVA lies entirely within it. In addition to a wide variety of grapes, other fruits, berries, honey, and even flowers are used in wine production.
Hardwick Vineyard and Winery, created and owned by the Samek family, is in a carefully restored farmhouse built in 1795 (while George Washington was still President!), and sits on 150 acres near the Quabbin Reservoir in the central part of the state. Among their eclectic selection of wines, some favorites are Yankee Boy White (Cayuga White, Seyval Blanc, and Vidal Blanc) and Massets Cranberry (90% Cayuga, 10% local cranberries) which is the perfect Thanksgiving wine.
Great Grapes: Pinot Blanc
Grown in Alsace, parts of Burgundy, and Austria, Pinot Blanc grapes produce a dry, crisp, often intense white wine, and in California are sometimes added to sparkling wines because of the acid content and clean flavor. Those characteristics, plus its adaptability to various climates, make Pinot Blanc a popular variety.
