Summer Whites From Jewell Towne Vineyards

Find summer in a glass at Jewell Towne Vineyards

New Hampshire’s oldest winery has a reputation to uphold. Jewell Towne Vineyards’ affordable whites and reds have led the way to awards at the Eastern States Exposition, known as the Big E, and revealed that, indeed, nice wines can be produced in the Granite State.

It hasn’t been easy. Owner Peter Oldak has been quoted as saying, “The way to make a small fortune in a winery is to start with a large fortune.”

Their whites are among the most successful, with refreshing hints of fruit. They range from the dry Aurore ($8) to an unoaked Chardonnay that took a Silver Medal at the Big E ($12) to a floral Riesling ($12).

The Seyval ($9) is smooth and slightly sweet with tones of passion fruit, nectarine and citrus. Sip this in summer alone or with a light meal. Also, it makes a great base for a white sangria. Their other Seyvals — a Green Cap and a Gold Cap (both $10) — are a bit sweeter and more medium-bodied.

A Valvin Muscat ($18) also won a Silver Medal. Their Vidal Ice Wine ($40) is made from estate grapes and its taste is rich in honey and apricot.

The tasting room is open daily, Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Jewell Towne will participate in the NH Winery Association Wine Festival “Live Free & Wine” at Flag Hill Distillery in Lee on August 16 along with other local vintners.

Find Jewell Towne at the Concord and Portsmouth farmers markets on Saturdays from  8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and most New Hampshire State Liquor Stores, the Wine’ing Butcher, Harvest Market, Market Basket, the Concord Co-op and more independent shops.