Portsmouth, NH for Wine Lovers

Whether you're exploring local wine bars, enjoying wine-paired meals, or discovering new bottles to take home, Portsmouth offers a delightful experience for wine lovers. It doesn’t hurt to be right on the water, but a walkable downtown shopping center, unique outings, world-class chefs and restaurants make this lovely town the perfect spot for wine lovers no matter what the day entails.

With so many excellent options for wine lovers to explore and enjoy, start with our guide for wine enthusiasts and plan your visit:

Wine Bars and Tastings:

  1. Corks & Curds: This cozy wine bar offers an extensive selection of wines from around the world, including unique and rare bottles. They often host wine tastings and have knowledgeable staff to guide your selections.

  2. Islington Bottle Shoppe: Located in the West End of Portsmouth, this wine shop offers a well-curated collection of wines. You can purchase a bottle to enjoy on-site or take one with you to enjoy later. Free wine tastings on Fridays!

Wine-Forward Restaurants:

  1. Nichinan: The Seacoast’s newest contemporary Japanese restaurant located in Hotel Thaxter offers unique and delicious sake options.

  2. Ristorante Massimo: This Italian restaurant has an impressive wine list featuring a variety of Italian wines that pair perfectly with their delicious dishes.

  3. Cava: Known for its fine dining and seasonal menu, Cava also offers an extensive wine featuring 50 international bottles available by the glass.

Day Trips to Wineries:

  1. Flag Hill Winery: Although not in Portsmouth, Flag Hill in Lee NH, is worth the drive. It's a beautiful winery and distillery. The highest quality white wines can be produced from grapes grown here in New Hampshire. Come learn why we love our grapes.

Wine Education:

  1. Wine Workshops: Consider joining a wine workshop or class in Portsmouth or nearby towns. These can provide valuable insights into wine appreciation, pairing, and more.

Cocktail Bars: While primarily known for wine, Portsmouth also boasts cocktail bars that can craft wine-based cocktails and other innovative drinks.

Spirit Free! Dry Cellar is New Hampshire’s first exclusively non-alcoholic / zero-proof bottle & brew shop, located in downtown Portsmouth.

Remember to check the current availability and schedules of wine-related events and tastings in Portsmouth, as they may vary depending on the season and local regulations. 

Lauren Burdett