Nashoba Valley Winery: A Guide to Massachusetts' Best Wines

Nashoba Valley Winery is a family-owned winery, distillery, brewery, and restaurant located in Bolton, Massachusetts. The winery boasts a state-of-the-art wine-making and distillation facility, an orchard, a restaurant, and a gift shop. It has earned wide acclaim as a pioneering winery orchard and a premier destination for visitors seeking excellent wine, exquisitely prepared food, and a gorgeous country setting.

Nashoba Valley Winery produces a wide variety of fruit wines, traditional wines, and untraditional wines using locally grown fruits and grapes. The winery has won over 100 national awards for its wines. Visitors can take a tour of the winery and distillery, participate in a wine tasting, enjoy a meal at the restaurant, or stroll through the orchard. The winery also offers a variety of events and experiences, including grape-picking, sunset wine tastings, and mixology classes.

History and Ownership

Founding and Development

Nashoba Valley Winery, located in Bolton, Massachusetts, was founded in 1978 by Jack Partridge. Partridge's passion for fruit wines led him to start producing wines out of his house for two years before renting a space in a West Concord mill building called Damon Mill. The winery began as an orchard and small fruit winery, and it quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality fruit wines. In 1983, Jack Partridge acquired Upland Farm, and the winery moved to its present location in Bolton, Massachusetts.

Richard and Justin Pelletier

In the early 1990s, Richard Pelletier purchased the winery with a vision for the future. Richard and his son Justin Pelletier expanded the winery's offerings to include fine grape and fruit wines, brandies, beer, and other products. Under their ownership, Nashoba Valley Winery has become a premier destination for visitors seeking excellent wine, exquisitely prepared food, and a gorgeous country setting.

Today, Nashoba Valley Winery is still owned and operated by the Pelletier family. Richard and Justin Pelletier continue to oversee the winery's operations and ensure that it maintains its reputation for producing high-quality wines and other products. The winery has won numerous awards for its wines and has become a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike.

Winery and Vineyard

Nashoba Valley Winery is a family-owned winery, vineyard, and orchard located in Bolton, Massachusetts. The winery has been producing fruit wines since 1978 and has since expanded to include a state-of-the-art wine-making and distillation facility, a brewery, and a gourmet restaurant.

Wine Production

Nashoba Valley Winery produces a variety of fruit wines, including apple, blueberry, peach, and raspberry. The winery also produces grape wines, such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc. The grapes used in the production of wine are sourced from the winery's own vineyard as well as other vineyards in Massachusetts and California.

Grape Varieties

Nashoba Valley Winery grows a variety of grape varieties, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and Riesling. The winery's vineyard covers 10 acres of land and is located on a hill overlooking the Nashoba Valley. The vineyard's location provides ideal growing conditions for the grapes, with a combination of well-drained soil, ample sunshine, and cool temperatures.

Winery Tours

Nashoba Valley Winery offers guided tours of its winery and vineyard, providing visitors with an opportunity to learn about the wine-making process from grape to bottle. The tours include a visit to the vineyard, the wine-making facility, and the barrel room. Visitors can also enjoy a tasting of the winery's wines and purchase bottles to take home. The winery also offers private tours for groups of 10 or more.

In summary, Nashoba Valley Winery is a family-owned winery and vineyard that produces a variety of fruit and grape wines. The winery's vineyard covers 10 acres of land and is located on a hill overlooking the Nashoba Valley. The winery offers guided tours of its vineyard and winery, providing visitors with an opportunity to learn about the wine-making process and enjoy a tasting of the winery's wines.

Tasting Room and Offerings

Nashoba Valley Winery offers a unique tasting experience for wine lovers. The tasting room is located in an idyllic setting surrounded by hundreds of acres of lush vineyards and scenic, panoramic views. Visitors can choose from a variety of tasting options, including casual tastings and seated tastings.

Wine Tastings

The winery offers a range of wine tastings, from casual tastings to seated tastings. At the Pavilion Tasting Room, visitors can enjoy winter tastings at an unbeatable price of just $16 per person. This amazing offer includes eight tastings and a commemorative wine glass that you can use to remember your experience.

For a more intimate experience, visitors can opt for the seated tastings. These tastings offer an unparalleled, exclusive setting for experiencing the handcrafted, estate-grown wines. Visitors can choose from a variety of tasting options, including the Estate Tasting, the Reserve Tasting, and the Chocolate and Wine Pairing.

Food and Wine Pairings

Nashoba Valley Winery also offers food and wine pairings for visitors who want to enhance their tasting experience. Visitors can choose from a variety of food and wine pairings, including the Cheese and Wine Pairing, the Chocolate and Wine Pairing, and the Charcuterie and Wine Pairing.

The Cheese and Wine Pairing features a selection of artisanal cheeses paired with estate-grown wines. The Chocolate and Wine Pairing features a selection of chocolates paired with estate-grown wines. The Charcuterie and Wine Pairing features a selection of cured meats and cheeses paired with estate-grown wines.

Overall, Nashoba Valley Winery offers a unique tasting experience for wine lovers. Visitors can choose from a variety of tasting options and food and wine pairings to enhance their experience. The tasting room is located in an idyllic setting surrounded by scenic, panoramic views, making it the perfect destination for a day trip or weekend getaway.

Orchard and Brewery

Nashoba Valley Winery is a family-owned orchard, winery, and brewery situated on 52 acres of rolling land. The winery is renowned for its fruit wines, which are produced using the freshest, locally grown fruits. The orchard grows a variety of fruits, including apples, peaches, and blueberries, which are used to make the winery's signature fruit wines.

Cider Production

Nashoba Valley Winery is also known for its cider production. The winery produces a range of ciders, including traditional, spiced, and fruit-infused ciders. The ciders are made using a blend of fresh-pressed apples and other fruits, and are fermented using traditional methods. The winery offers tastings of its ciders, as well as tours of its cider-making facilities.

Beer Selection

In addition to its wines and ciders, Nashoba Valley Winery also produces a range of craft beers. The brewery produces a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. The brewery uses only the finest ingredients, including locally sourced hops and grains, to produce its beers. Visitors to the winery can sample the brewery's beers in the winery's tasting room.

Pick Your Own Apples

One of the unique features of Nashoba Valley Winery is its Pick Your Own Apples program. Visitors to the orchard can pick their own apples straight from the trees. The orchard grows a variety of apples, including Honeycrisp, Macintosh, and Cortland. Visitors can take their apples home with them, or use them to make their own cider or apple pies.

Overall, Nashoba Valley Winery is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves orchards, cider, beer, or apples. The winery's commitment to using locally sourced ingredients and traditional methods makes it a standout in the region.

Restaurant and Culinary Experience

J's Restaurant

Nashoba Valley Winery is home to J's Restaurant, one of the best winery restaurants in the country. With a stunning view of the vineyards and orchards, J's Restaurant offers a memorable dining experience. The restaurant's seasonal menu features creative dishes made with fresh and local ingredients. Guests can pair their meals with award-winning wines, beers, and spirits produced on-site.

J's Restaurant is open for dinner seating from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. On Sundays, brunch seating is available from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. A lunch menu is also offered daily outside on the Vintner's Knoll from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

J's Restaurant offers a variety of dishes to suit different palates and dietary needs. The menu includes vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Guests with allergies or dietary restrictions can inform their servers, who will guide them through the menu and suggest suitable dishes.

J's Restaurant takes allergies seriously and ensures that all dishes are prepared in a safe and allergen-free environment. However, guests are advised to inform their servers of any allergies or dietary restrictions to avoid any cross-contamination.

In summary, J's Restaurant at Nashoba Valley Winery is a must-visit for foodies and wine lovers. With its stunning view, seasonal menu, and award-winning wines, beers, and spirits, J's Restaurant offers a memorable culinary experience. Guests with allergies or dietary restrictions can also enjoy the restaurant's dishes, thanks to its vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

Events and Festivals

Nashoba Valley Winery hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience the winery's offerings in a fun and engaging way. The events and festivals are designed to showcase the winery's wines, spirits, and food, as well as the beautiful surroundings of the winery.

Winery Events

Nashoba Valley Winery offers a range of events throughout the year, including wine tastings, tours, and classes. Visitors can participate in guided tours of the winery, which provide an in-depth look at the wine-making process and the history of the winery. The winery also offers wine tastings, where visitors can sample a variety of wines and learn about the different flavors and aromas. In addition, the winery offers classes on wine-making, cheese-making, and cooking with wine.

Seasonal Festivals

Nashoba Valley Winery hosts a number of seasonal festivals throughout the year, each with its own unique theme and activities. In the fall, the winery hosts the Annual Harvest Festival, which features live music, food vendors, and wine tastings. Visitors can also participate in grape stomping and hayrides. In the winter, the winery hosts the Winterfest, which features ice sculptures, live music, and food and wine pairings. In the spring, the winery hosts the Springfest, which features a variety of vendors, live music, and wine tastings. Finally, in the summer, the winery hosts the Annual Blueberry Festival, which celebrates the winery's blueberry wines and features live music, food vendors, and wine tastings.

Overall, Nashoba Valley Winery's events and festivals provide visitors with a unique and engaging way to experience the winery's wines, spirits, and food. Whether you are interested in learning about the wine-making process, sampling a variety of wines, or simply enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the winery, there is something for everyone at Nashoba Valley Winery's events and festivals.

Products and Retail

Nashoba Valley Winery offers a wide range of products for its customers. The winery has a wine shop, where visitors can purchase wines, spirits, and other products. In addition, the winery produces vodka made from apples and fruit wines.

Wine Shop

The wine shop at Nashoba Valley Winery offers a variety of wines, including red, white, and rose wines. Visitors can also purchase specialty wines, such as dessert wines and ice wines. The wine shop also offers wine accessories, such as wine glasses, corkscrews, and wine racks.

Vodka Made from Apples

Nashoba Valley Winery produces vodka made from apples, which is made using a unique process that involves distilling apple wine. The vodka has a smooth and crisp taste, making it a popular choice among customers. Visitors can purchase the vodka at the winery or online.

Fruit Wines

Nashoba Valley Winery produces a variety of fruit wines, including blueberry, raspberry, and cranberry wines. These wines are made using locally sourced fruits, which gives them a unique taste. Visitors can purchase these wines at the winery or online.

Overall, Nashoba Valley Winery offers a variety of high-quality products for its customers. Whether visitors are looking for wine, spirits, or other products, they are sure to find something they like at the winery.

Visiting Nashoba Valley Winery

If you're planning a visit to Nashoba Valley Winery, here's what you need to know about the location, directions, and hours of operation.

Location and Directions

Nashoba Valley Winery is located at 100 Wattaquadock Hill Rd in Bolton, MA. It's situated in the heart of Central Massachusetts, making it a convenient destination for locals and tourists alike.

To get to the winery, visitors can take Route 495 to exit 27 and follow the signs to Bolton. Alternatively, they can take Route 2 to exit 38B and follow the signs to Bolton. Once in Bolton, visitors can follow the signs to Nashoba Valley Winery.

Hours of Operation

Nashoba Valley Winery is open year-round, with different hours of operation depending on the season. During the summer months, the winery is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekdays and 10:00 am to 7:00 pm on weekends. During the fall months, the winery is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on weekdays and 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekends. During the winter months, the winery is open from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm on weekdays and 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekends.

Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, tours, and shopping at the winery. The tasting room is open during all hours of operation, and visitors can sample a variety of wines made on-site. The winery also offers tours of its facilities, which are held on Saturdays and Sundays only. Visitors can learn about the winemaking and distilling process, as well as the history of the winery.

Overall, Nashoba Valley Winery is a great destination for anyone looking to enjoy a day of wine tasting and relaxation. With its convenient location, beautiful scenery, and friendly staff, it's no wonder why so many people visit the winery each year.