Lincoln Peak Vineyard — Attraction in New Haven

I first went to Lincoln Peak in the fall of 2021. It was the year after the Granstrom family had sold Lincoln Peak to Shelburne Vineyards. All the wines at that time had been made by Chris Granstrom. The reds (Marquette and Farnsworth) were outstanding, the best reds at that time in Vermont, in my opinion. However, the whites were definitely an afterthought. Fast forward three years, and Lincoln Peak was sold to Kevin and Nicole. The first of the 2024 whites are in, and they are truly great. The 2024 Black Sparrow is the perfect summer sipper. The 2024 Limestone is a great white blend, clean with a mineral finish. Great with chicken and fish, particularly if lightly chilled. Their 2024 La Crescent is probably the best La Crescent my wife and I have had. I'm excited to experience the reds Kevin and Nicole are making. The first, a 2024 Frantinac, was just released, but I haven't had it yet. Given what they have done so far, I am sure they will live up to the Lincoln Peak Marquettes and Farnsworths of the past.

We really enjoy the tasting room experience at Lincoln Peak. The tasting room staff is very friendly and informative, and Nicole and Kevin are extremely welcoming. The grounds, with a pond, are extremely attractive. We make it there four or five times a year, and always...

In the three years we have been visiting Lincoln Peak Vinyard we have had an over all good experience. The wine is good in terms of winery options in New England and we would recommend Ragtime White or Red to anyone with a sweet tooth. The ambience on the other hand in our most recent visit has left little to be desired. On our inaugural visit in 2016 we asked if well behaved dogs were welcome and were told yes absolutely. We have for the past three years been visiting with our dog and been welcomed with open arms. However, I am assuming due to a staff change over, in our most recent visit a curmudgeonly woman informed us our dog is not well received as they serve food (packaged cheese and pepperoni out of a fridge) and some customers do not like dogs. Ironically people continued to ask if they could pet our dog who sits and minds his own business unless approached. As a Californian with investment in the wine industry I was shocked and saddened by this experience. If you are a dog owner or lover be aware that this is not as friendly of an environment for you as you may have experienced on the west coast...

I’ve driven by Lincoln Peak countless times and honestly never thought much was going on here—what a mistake! My partner and I finally stopped in for a Friday night live music event, and it was absolutely wonderful.

The band Hard Scrabble played while people spread out on the lawn with chairs and blankets, creating a relaxed, community vibe. Dino Ones BBQ was on site (their pulled pork with fresh corn salad was delicious), and of course the wine was the star. I had the La Crescent, a crisp, dry white that hit all the right notes.

The setting is beautiful—sunset views over the pond, grapevines heavy with fruit, and a warm, welcoming porch where people gathered with glasses in hand. Inside, the tasting room has a rustic charm, with rows of bottles, local flowers, and that inviting “Vermont vineyard” atmosphere.

If you’re like me and tend to pass places by because they’re “off the beaten path,” let this be your nudge: take the risk, follow your curiosity, and stop here. Lincoln Peak is a true local gem—great wine, great food, great music, and a great sense of community. We’ll...