Business Details
Hermit Woods: Innovative Wine Tasting in Meredith, NH
Hermit Woods was founded by three friends whose shared passion for craft beverages and exploration of unconventional fermentation methods led to the creation of a unique winemaking philosophy. Our approach combines traditional techniques with locally sourced, non-traditional fruits, reflecting our deep connection to the New Hampshire Lakes Region. We prioritize sustainability through solar-powered operations, support for local farmers, and fair labor practices, including paying employees well above the state minimum wage.Our facility features a tasting bar, seasonal food menu crafted by Chef Kalon Sweet, and a listening room for live music events, offering diverse ways to experience our wines. We actively engage with the community through charitable initiatives and partnerships with local artisans, while our virtual tastings extend our reach beyond physical boundaries. Our commitment to innovation and quality has established us as a respected leader in the craft winemaking industry.
Services
Wine Tastings
Wine Club
Food Pairing
Live Music Events
Virtual Tastings
Highlights and features
- We specialize in wines made from over two dozen locally sourced, non-traditional fruits.
- Our facility is powered entirely by solar energy, reflecting our commitment to sustainability.
- We partner with regional farmers and artisans to support the local economy.
- Our tasting room employees earn 2.5 times the New Hampshire minimum wage.
- We host intimate live music performances in our Loft listening room weekly.
What people say
Unique fruit wines
Scenic lakeside views
Vibrant live music
Seasonal food menu
Sustainable practices
Services
Wine Tastings
Our tasting bar offers curated flights of locally sourced fruit wines, meads, and ciders. Guests can sample 20+ varieties made from heirloom fruits and collaborate with staff to discover flavor profiles. Tastings are available daily during operating hours with knowledgeable staff guidance.
Wine Club
The Wine Club provides quarterly curated wine shipments featuring exclusive releases and limited-edition bottles. Members receive discounts, early access to events, and personalized recommendations. Benefits include virtual tastings and invitations to private Loft performances.
Live Music Events
The Loft listening room hosts weekly live performances ranging from jazz and folk to Americana and classical. Intimate shows feature regional and national artists with reserved seating. Special events include holiday-themed concerts and charity benefit performances.
Food Pairing
Our Eatery offers farm-to-table dishes designed to complement our wines. Menus feature seasonal ingredients from local partners like Picnic Rock Farm and Vermont Creamery. Options include light fare, entrees, and specialty boards with wine pairing recommendations.
Private Events
We host weddings, corporate events, and private parties in multiple venues including the Loft, Wine Garden, and patio. Packages include customized wine service, catering, and AV support. Capacity ranges from 40 to 150 guests across three distinct spaces.
People
Bob
Co-Founder
Co-founder and former pilot who helped establish the winery's contrarian approach to traditional winemaking methods.
Chuck
Co-Founder
Co-founder and photographer who contributes creative vision to the winery's branding and community engagement.
Kalon Sweet
Chef
Executive chef specializing in farm-to-table cuisine, curating seasonal menus that pair with our fruit wines.
Questions
What makes your wines unique?
We use non-traditional local fruits like heirloom crabapples and cranberries instead of grapes, creating distinctive flavor profiles.
Do you offer food with wine pairings?
Yes, our Eatery provides farm-to-table dishes specifically designed to complement our wines, meads, and ciders.
Can I host private events at the winery?
We offer multiple venues for weddings, corporate events, and private parties with customized wine service and catering.
Are your operations environmentally sustainable?
Our facility uses solar power, and we partner with local organic farms to minimize environmental impact.
What live music events do you host?
The Loft features weekly jazz, folk, and Americana performances, plus special holiday-themed concerts and charity shows.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Kathryn Harbinson
Jan 20, 2022
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Hidden gem in the middle of quaint Meredith, NH Main Street! Don't be fooled by the unassuming exterior. Inside is filled with a great winery experience, a beautiful interior (don't miss the second floor gallery space), friendly and knowledgeable staff, delicious wines and food! A great way to spend an afternoon. Thanks Randy!
Paul Swindlehurst
Oct 29, 2021
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Our first visit this week to Hermit Woods won't be our last. While we didn't have any wine or cider, our lunch was choice was the Turkey Bacon Jam Panini, and it was delicious! Deep River Black Pepper Chips served on the side were an unexpected treat. We ate outside (our preference) and the only seating offered there was on high stool at high tops or an outdoor counter. It's fine for most, but our preference would have been a low table and chairs.
Brian Cerreta
Oct 27, 2021
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Great place to have a glass of wine or do a tasting. Outdoor seating on the deck or front lawn does seem to get crowded. Space indoors and very nice large space upstairs!
Nancy Braman
Jul 19, 2021
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Absolutely love this winery and I've been a wine club member for years. The owners are very kind and the wine club Christmas party is always a blast! The only thing to watch out for is any wines with honeyberries in them. I tried the standalone honeyberry wine a few years back and it had an odd sulfur smell to it and a strange savory after taste. It was on clearance shortly after I tried it. At my last tasting the lady behind the bar told me that it was very hit or miss with customers, so imagine my disappointment to receive a similar wine (The Northern Berry Red I think?) in my recent wine club
Bill Gassman
Jul 05, 2021
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Had a very enjoyable lunch. Lots of choices of sandwiches and salads. Of course, a glass or their wine or cider makes it even better. We ate outside, looking over the streets of Meredith. Big portions. A late lunch might ruin your dinner plans.
Jenna Malley
Jul 03, 2021
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My husband and I split a sandwich and a salad and each got a wine flight and we were so delighted! The food there is spectacular - definitely don't just stop in for the winery. The wine is all fruit wine, so it's not your average wine, but it's excellent. They also offer local beers and cider as well. Everything we tried was great - we ended up leaving with 6 bottles and some cans of wine.
Bonus: They're very dog friendly!
Bonus: They're very dog friendly!
