Coffin Cellars Blackberry Wine

A local wine great for summer sipping

What says summer more than a fruit wine? At Coffin Cellars in Webster, two generations of the Austin family, Peter and his two sons Jamie and Tim, make wines from local fruits and berries. Many of the berries (elderberry, blackberries and raspberries) are from a nearby two-acre lot planted to supply the winery. The blackberry wine is a port-style with slightly more alcohol, and will stay good a few days after opening as an after-dinner sip. Just remember fruit wines are meant to be drunk when purchased.

New this year will be a kiwi wine, coming out this fall and a black currant. Both will be on the dry side. Also a limited batch of lime wine, perfect for matching with Mexican food, is about ready to appear. Peter Austin says there is a bit of “the tropics” in him after living in the Caribbean for 10 years. Tastings are offered at the winery on Saturday and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

By the way, Coffin is a family name and the Austins are proud of it.