One of the highlights of a recent New England road trip was a stop at Hermit Woods Winery, a short walk up the hill from the banks of Lake Winnipesaukee in Meredith, New Hampshire.

Owners Ken Hardcastle and Bob Manley were among the highlights of my 2023 winemakers summit held at The Crossvines in southern Maryland, pouring several of their dry whites and reds, including Hermitage, Lakehouse White, Red Scare and Petite Blue Reserve.

None is made from grapes.

Indeed, they don’t use grapes at all, but Hermit Woods’ wines have drawn praise for their quality, thanks to the blending skill of Hardcastle, the winemaker, and the fruit he sources from Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, along with a majority from New Hampshire.

It was a decision made very early by the founders, which included Ch

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