Starting in November, there’s no shortage of ways to find holiday cheer — from pops concerts and plays to tree lightings and parades, you’ve got options when it comes to getting festive. But this year we’re recommending something unique — an event that blends festive music and décor with one of our favorite things — local wine. (Full disclosure, this event is presented by New Hampshire Magazine.)
The fifth annual NH Jingle Bells Winery Tour starts November 18 and continues on weekends through December 17, with over ten different wineries opening their doors for special tastings.
Flag Hill Distillery & Winery in Lee, one of the oldest wineries in the state, is one of the stops on this year’s tour. Brian Ferguson, owner and founder of Flag Hill, says that the event is a great way to experience the New Hampshire wine scene. Plus, he adds, it’s an inexpensive way to discover local wine.
“The goal is to give people an opportunity to drive around New Hampshire during a beautiful time of the year and visit our beautiful wineries at a really great value,” he says.
The $55 Single Ticket includes a tasting of different wines or spirits at each stop, plus light hors d’oeurves and a holiday ornament. Bring the wine lover in your life for $100-couple Ticket, enjoy an additional tasting and hors d’oeuvres at each location. “It would normally cost you, on average, $10 to $15 per winery to do just the tasting,” says Ferguson. “With this event you get to go to twelve of them, at your pace, over the course of five weekends.”
While you’re enjoying the tastings, make sure to take note of the decorations, as the wineries are competing in the Holiday Spirit contest, which depends on your votes. To vote, visit the NH Jingle Bells Winery Tour Facebook page and comment with your favorite — photos are encouraged. Three lucky voters will win a gift basket with an assortment of presents from all twelve wineries.
So this year we suggest starting a new holiday tradition while discovering the wide range of locally made wine, mead and spirits.