Craft Breweries, Distilleries, and Wineries That Put New Hampshire on the Map
Nestled just a short drive north of Manchester, the town of Portsmouth offers a vibrant gateway to New Hampshire’s craft beverage scene. At Portsmouth Brewery, visitors can savor a variety of house-brewed ales and lagers while seated in a spacious, rustic taproom that echoes the city’s colonial maritime roots. The brewery’s flagship offerings often feature local ingredients, such as honey from nearby hives or wildflower-infused hops, which lend a distinct regional character to their brews. Strolling through the historic downtown before or after a tasting adds to the experience, as the area’s cobblestone streets and waterfront views create an inviting atmosphere that contrasts with more industrial beer halls elsewhere in the state. Summer evenings here are especially lively, as the brewery often hosts outdoor events that pair perfectly with the mild coastal breeze.
Traveling west toward the White Mountains, the town of Lincoln serves as a surprising hub for craft distilling. The Woodstock Inn Brewery, about 20 minutes from Lincoln, is one standout destination where visitors can explore the distillery alongside its renowned brewpub. The distillery’s signature whiskey captures the rugged spirit of the region, aging in oak barrels that impart a warm, smoky finish inspired by the nearby forests. Guests can take guided tours to learn about the distillation process, then relax in the cozy tavern’s fireside lounge, tasting small-batch releases that showcase local maple syrup and mountain spring water. Autumn is arguably the best time to visit, as the fiery fall foliage visible from the surrounding hills provides a perfect backdrop for savoring a spirit that feels authentically New Hampshire.
Further south, nestled in the wine country around Keene, the Hermit Woods Winery beckons travelers seeking a different kind of craft experience. Located approximately 40 minutes southwest of Concord, this winery specializes in cold-climate grape varietals and fruit wines that thrive in New Hampshire’s unique terroir. Visitors can amble through the vineyard rows on gentle slopes, especially enchanting in early summer when green shoots contrast sharply against dark granite outcroppings. Inside the tasting room, the winemakers often share stories of experimenting with hardy grapes like Marquette and La Crescent, which produce vibrant reds and whites that defy common assumptions about New England’s wine potential. Wine enthusiasts find the winery’s focus on sustainability and local biodiversity compelling, making spring and early fall ideal times to visit when the vineyard rhythms are most visible.
In the Lakes Region, Meredith has quietly become a nucleus for craft brewing innovation. About 40 minutes northwest of Concord on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, the Granite State Brewers collective operates several breweries, but One Love Brewery stands out for its community-driven approach. With a taproom just a scenic stroll from the lake’s edge, it offers hand-crafted beers that often pay homage to local legends and natural landmarks. Its flagship IPA, named after a nearby waterfall, carries notes of pine and citrus from locally sourced hops. Visitors can pair a tasting flight with a kayak trip on the lake or a walk along the Meredith Sculpture Walk, combining outdoor adventure with artisanal refreshment. Summer and early fall provide the perfect mix of warm days and cool nights to enjoy beers on the brewery’s patio, surrounded by views of the water and wooded hills.
Heading to southern New Hampshire, the city of Nashua has quietly nurtured a blossoming distilling scene with the establishment of Nashua Distilling Company. Located under an hour’s drive from Boston, this urban distillery offers a striking contrast to the rural craft producers elsewhere in the state. Here, visitors can tour the modern facility where botanicals and grains are transformed into gin, vodka, and seasonal liqueurs. The tasting bar’s sleek industrial design complements the city’s growing arts district, making it a destination for those interested in craft drinks plus local culture. Their signature gin, infused with pine needles and juniper berries harvested from nearby woodland, evokes the state’s evergreen forests in a distinctly refined way. Winter visits highlight the warmth of the distillery’s fire-lit lounge, where guests can savor hot cocktails that celebrate New Hampshire’s crisp cold.
In the northwestern corner of New Hampshire lies the quaint village of Hanover, home to the Dartmouth College campus and a vibrant local beverage scene. Just a short walk from the college’s historic green, the Asquam Brewery offers a unique blend of traditional brewing methods and experimental flavors. Its intimate taproom invites visitors to sample brews inspired by the Connecticut River Valley’s agricultural heritage, such as rye ales and farmhouse saisons. The brewery’s commitment to small-batch, artisanal quality makes it a beloved spot among both students and locals. Springtime brings an added charm, as visitors can pair their tastings with a stroll through the nearby Mink Brook Nature Preserve, where wildflowers bloom and the river’s gentle rapids set a peaceful scene.
Finally, in the Seacoast region near Exeter, the Flag Hill Distillery & Winery offers a rare combination of both spirits and wines crafted from locally grown fruits and grains. About 20 minutes south of Portsmouth, this family-owned estate invites visitors to explore sprawling orchards and vineyards before settling into a tasting room that features everything from hard apple cider to barrel-aged bourbon. Flag Hill’s commitment to farm-to-table craftsmanship is evident in their use of apples harvested on-site, which give their ciders a crisp, clean finish unique to the area. The spring bloom of apple blossoms and the fall harvest festival are particularly magical times to visit, as the property bursts to life with color and celebration, offering a full sensory encounter with New Hampshire’s agricultural roots and artisanal beverage culture.