Discover Cape Grapes at Truro Vineyards
Surprised there’s a vineyard on the Cape? You’re not alone, said Kristen Roberts, co-owner of Truro Vineyards in North Truro.
“We hear a lot of ‘Oh I would never want to try a wine from Massachusetts or a wine from Cape Cod,’’’ Roberts said with a laugh from the middle of her vineyard, Chardonnay grapes growing behind her. “We like to debunk that myth.’’
“The salty air is great for the grapes,’’ Roberts said. “This is actually a really good growing region for grapes — for the grapes we grow — we grow Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot.’’
Situated just half a mile from the ocean (and 7 miles from Provincetown), the picturesque vineyard’s 5 acres of land boasts 4 acres of grapes, white picket fences, and a beautifully restored 1813 farmhouse.
The vineyard, which used to be a bed and breakfast, was established in 1991 and bought by the Roberts family in 2007. Take a free tour, where you’ll learn the history of the property, walk the vineyard, learn how the grapes are grown, and check out the barrel room.
Are you a fan of white wine? Try the Vignoles, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Grigio. Do you prefer red? Choose from Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, or the Triumph Meritage, which is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.
If you want to do more than just taste the wines, you can roll up your sleeves and help with the harvest. The vineyard seeks volunteers to pick grapes every October. Volunteers receive breakfast and a bottle of wine. And something else.
“You’ll know you had a hand in producing these wines,’’ said Nicole Gelinas, who conducts the tours.
While there, don’t forget to hit up the new rum shack, The Hollow, located along the perimeter of the farmhouse’s green lawn. The winery recently opened a distillery called South Hollow Spirits and produces Twenty Boat rum there. Get a free tasting or order a rum-based cocktail.
The Hollow, the vineyard’s new rum shack.
Hungry? There is also a food truck nearby, run by the local Black Fish Restaurant. The food truck and rum shack face a green common area dotted with wooden tables and chairs. This is where folks gather to sip and chat in the sun.
Not far from that common area, you may notice a cutesy “Napa Valley 3,100 miles’’ sign jutting from the grounds. Napa shmapa. We think you’ll feel just fine right where you are.
As Roberts put it, “There’s a little bit of traffic, the bridge can suck, but it’s worth it once you get over.’’
Where to find it:
Truro Vineyards
11 Shore Road Route 6A
North Truro, MA
Open Mon. – Sat. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sun. noon to 5 p.m.
www.trurovineyardsofcapecod.com
Cost:
Free Tours through Oct. 13 at 1 and 3 p.m.
$10 wine tastings every half hour
What to drink:
For the wine snob: Cabernet Franc
For the adventurer: Cranberry Red
Pleasing to the masses: Chardonnay
Boston.com favorite: Triumph Meritage
Make a day of it!
Where to eat: Blackfish
, 17 Truro Center Rd., Truro, MA
What to do: A chocolate tasting at the nearby and new Chequessette Chocolate
, 8 Highland Road, North Truro, MA
(Recommendations by Kristen Roberts)
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