Summer Road Trips: Sip and Savor Your Way Along New England Wine & Cheese Trails

There is no better way to explore the stunning landscapes and rich culinary heritage of New England than embarking on a road trip along its top food and wine trails.  New England is renowned for it’s rich history and vibrant culinary scenes.  With a long-standing tradition of winemaking and a passion for artisanal cheeses, New England offers a unique and unforgettable culinary experience.  Join me as we indulge in the delectable delights of taking a road trip through some of New England’s top food and wine trails.

Exploring Culinary Delights in Massachusetts

From the sandy beaches of Cape Cod, to Boston’s cobbled streets, and the cooling pines of the Berkshires, Massachusetts has a proud tradition of handcrafted spirits and cuisines.  Begin your culinary journey by venturing to Cape Cod, where you can savor the freshest seafood coupled with artisan wine and cheeses. Don’t miss the opportunity to dine at The Naked Oyster in Hyannis, a charming bistro that offers an impressive selection of oysters from local waters. Pair your meal with a glass of Chardonnay from Truro Vineyards, a family-owned winery that captures the essence of Cape Cod in every sip.  Visit the nearby Cape Cod Winery, located in Falmouth, that produces a variety of wines using locally grown grapes. Just across the bridge heading north, you’ll find the Plymouth Bay Winery that produces a fruitier selection of wines.

Next head west to the Berkshire mountains where summer comes alive with music celebrations, fine wines and local produce. This region is known for its farm fresh produce, local cheese production and award-winning wineries. Sample exquisite vintages at Westport Rivers Vineyard and Winery, known for their crisp and elegant varietals. Stop into Cricket Creek Farm in Williamstown, to sample some of their many award winning cheese selections.  With over a dozen cheese producers in the Berkshire’s area, you’ll have no trouble filling your picnic basket.  Here’s a great map of all the Berkshire Farm to Table Cheese Trail.

Wherever you are exploring in Massachusetts you’ll find plenty of wine, cheese and savory stops.  Here’s a Massachusetts Cheese & Wine Trail guide for your reference.

Indulging in the Flavors of Maine’s Food and Wine Scene

Known for its rugged coastline and abundance of fresh seafood, Maine offers a culinary adventure like no other. Begin your exploration in Portland, a vibrant city that has gained national recognition for its thriving food scene. You’ll be able to sample dozens of local vineyards, breweries and craft spirit artisans who supply the many restaurants in Portland.

Mid-Coast Maine is a haven for fine wine producers.  A favorite stop is the Cellardoor Winery, located just a short drive away in Lincolnville.  Close by you will find Savage Oaks Vineyards and Winery and Sweetgrass Farm, Winery and Distillery.  Also in mid-coast Maine is the elegant Breakwater Winery with many mature wines to sample while catching a glimpse of the sparkling bay.  The competition in this area is fierce with an abundance of wonderful wines and cheese pairings to sample – plan to spend a few days here!!!

And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the absolute place to indulge in a fresh lobster roll at McLoon’s Lobster Shack where the lobster boats pull right up to the dock and unload the freshest lobster you’ll ever have!  Here are my suggestions for 25 Wicked Good Things to do in Mid-Coast Maine.  With 29 vineyards belonging to the Maine Wine Guild, you’ll want to download the Maine Wine Trail Map.

Discovering the Hidden Gems of New Hampshire’s Food and Wine Trails

New Hampshire may be small in size, but it offers a big culinary experience. Start your adventure in the charming town of Portsmouth, one of the oldest seafaring towns in America, where you can explore a plethora of farm-to-table restaurants and local breweries. New Hampshire has 17 wineries, so you’ll want to download the New Hampshire Winery Association Map before you start exploring.  And to make your journey through New Hampshire extra delicious, download the NH Wine, Cheese and Chocolate Trail Guide!

One of the most beautiful areas to visit is the Lakes Region, known for its stunning natural beauty, Lake Winnipesaukee and emerging wine scene. Visit Hermit Woods Winery in Meredith, where you can sample their unique and flavorful wines crafted from locally sourced fruits. Gilmanton Winery & Vineyard, Newfound Lake Vineyards are not far away and you’ll want to make some savory stops at Agape Homestead Farm and Kellerhaus Chocolates and Ice Cream!

Savoring the Organic Cuisine of Vermont’s Food and Wine Trails

Vermont’s food and wine trails offer a true farm-to-table experience, with an emphasis on organic and locally sourced ingredients. With a landscape of rolling hills and green farmland, it’s no surprise that it is dotted with dairy farms that produce an abundance of local cheeses.  The Vermont Cheese Council has more than 40 cheese producing members, and their map makes it easy to find one near you.

Flickr by Don Shall

Perhaps the most beautiful and interesting wineries and cheese producers is on the Shelburne Farms near Burlington, VT.  The grand estate is an historic working and teaching farm that is an inspiring place to visit and learn about farming and cheese production.  You have to love a place where the barns are as impressive as the historic mansion!  Nearby you can tour the Shelburne Vineyards making for an exceptional stop on your Vermont tasting journey. The Vermont Cheesemakers Festival held at Shelburne Farms is a highlight of the summer season.

Whether you are exploring in the Champlain Valley, in the shadow of the White Mountains, or the Green Mountain National Forest, you’ll find vineyards and farms near you.  Here’s a link to a map to help you plan your culinary road trip in Vermont.

Enjoying the Coastal Charm and Culinary Excellence of Connecticut

Connecticut with it’s diverse landscape is a treat of culinary delights.  Begin your journey in the charming coastal town of Mystic, where you can indulge in freshly caught seafood, meals with a view and tasty local wines. For wine lovers, a visit to Saltwater Farm Vineyard is a must. Located in Stonington, this picturesque vineyard offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and a wide selection of wines to suit every palate.  But from Stonington to Litchfield and across the Connecticut River Valley, you’ll find 28 vineyards and wineries to explore.  From the days of the first settlers in New England, Connecticut has been known for their remarkable growing conditions, making it an ideal place to go on a culinary journey stopping at bucolic CT  farms and cheese producers along the way.

Immerse Yourself in Rhode Island’s Vibrant Food and Wine Culture

Our final stop on this delectable journey is Rhode Island.  Despite the fact that Rhode Island is the smallest state, it prides itself in its vibrant food and wine culture.  Begin your exploration in the capital city of Providence, where you can indulge in a culinary adventure at the renowned Al Forno. This iconic restaurant is known for its wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta, paired perfectly with a glass of
Sangiovese from Newport Vineyards.   Also in Newport County is the Greenvale Vineyards, a family-owned winery that has been producing exceptional wines for over 30 years.  You also want to explore the Blackstone Valley and the South County – the variety of vineyards amazing.  Be sure to consult the Rhode Island Wineries map as well as the Rhode Island Cheese Trail when planning your stops.

Final Thoughts: Creating Unforgettable Memories on New England’s Food and Wine Trails

Embarking on a road trip along New England’s food and wine trails is a journey of the senses, where every bite and sip tells a story. From the rolling hills of Massachusetts to the coastal charm of Connecticut, each state offers its own culinary treasures. Immerse yourself in the flavors of Maine’s seafood, savor the organic cuisine of Vermont, and indulge in the vibrant cultural food and wine culture of Rhode Island. With each stop along the way, you will create unforgettable memories and develop a deeper appreciation for the rich culinary heritage of New England. So, gather your friends or loved ones, pack your bags, and embark on a delicious adventure through the picturesque landscapes of New England’s food and wine trails.