In recent years we’ve seen a lot of boutique wineries and vineyards popping up here in New England. Being a wine lover, I have personally visited it quite a few. A few are really fantastic, some are mediocre, and the majority are downright terrible. Black Birch Vineyard is a pleasant surprise tucked away in the Pioneer Vally. They pay equal attention to the quality of the wines and the experience guests have when they visit. The vineyard is located in the quaint farming community of Hatfield, Massachusetts, not far off of Interstate 91. After proceeding down a partially unpaved road, the driveway takes you alongside 12 acres of grapes in the young vineyard and up to the tasting room. Their philosophy is that great wine is an art form so they only produce quality, handcrafted small-batch wines. It seems to be working for them, because 5 of their wines are award winners.
Black Birch Vineyard originally opened in 2012 in Southampton, Massachusetts. As they began to expand their vision, they relocated to Hatfield in 2017. This allowed them to grow their own grapes and have more control over their wines from fruit to bottle to glass. There are currently 10 varietals growing out in the vineyard. I can’t wait to see what they come up with once those grapes are ready to harvest! Winemaking is an art and a labor of love and they really seem to get that at Black Birch. While they wait for their vineyard to grow they are sourcing all of their fruit from the Finger Lakes region of New York. The staff is very knowledgeable and was able to provide a lot of great information about both the vineyard and wine in general.
The grounds of the property provide plenty of shade and a nice place to enjoy a glass or two (or a bottle) of wine while gazing out over the vineyard with friends or family. There are a few snack options available for purchase including cheese and chips. The premises are immaculately clean, although I do wish they had a real bathroom and not just a porta-potty. I assume it has something to do with the rural location, but it was really the only negative for me.
Tastings
Tastings cost $9 and include 5 wines and a logo glass to take home. I started my tasting with Epic White, their most popular wine. It’s a nice, bright, and refreshing wine. It was my favorite of the ones that I tried that day. The next wine I tried was their traminette which is dryer and has a bit more body to it. We moved on to the rosé of cabernet franc which is a dry rosé with bold flavors including notes of strawberry, raspberry, and green bell pepper. Transitioning to the reds, I started with their Epic Red which is a blend of cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, and noiret. The last wine I tried was their 2017 cabernet sauvignon. This cooler climate climate cab sauv is different from any other one I’ve had and I quite enjoyed it with it’s earthy fruit flavors. I was also told it ages well. After my tasting, I enjoyed a full glass of the Epic White and ended up going home with a bottle of it and their cabernet sauvignon.
Side note: you can taste an additional dessert wine for $3.
Their wines are also available in some local stores and restaurants. You can find a list at the bottom of the page here.
Tasting Room Hours
Tuesday-Thursday: By Appointment Only
Friday & Saturday: 12-6
Sunday: 12-5
Tours
Complimentary tours are offered every Sunday at 2 p.m. It’s recommended that you reserve your spot here.
Special Food & Wine Tastings
Every Saturday there are special wine and food pairing experiences featuring local foods. They are rotated on a quarterly basis. You have to reserve your spot for that right here if you’re interested
Membership
Black Birch Vineyard also offers a membership program. It’s free to join, you just have to commit to purchasing at least 3 bottles every season (at a 15% discount). Other membership benefits include monthly complimentary tastings for you and guest, invitations to members only events at the winery, and the opportunity to become a part of the winemaking process.
Events
Be sure to check their events calendar. Black Birch hosts a variety of other ways to experience the vineyard and winery including camping, Pure Barre pop-ups, bouquet bars, brunch, and more. Check out their calendar for what’s coming up.
Black Birch Vineyard | 108 Straits Road | Hatfield, Massachusetts | www.blackbirchvineyard.com
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