Local Winery to Join Holiday Market

Hingham residents who are looking for new local wine will find a fine selection at the Hingham Holiday Farmers Market on Dec. 10. 

On Tuesday the Hingham Selectmen approved the application of Coastal Vineyards to sell their wine and provide tastings of their product at the holiday event.

The forthcoming holiday market at the Old Derby Academy will see 21 of the 23 regular Bathing Beach vendors selling their product in time for the festive season. The addition of Coastal Vineyards on the roster will mark the first time wine can be sold and tasted at the farmers market.

Under legislature enacted by the Department of Agriculture in 2010, it was agreed that a farm-winery could provide, without charge, samples of wine to prospective customers at an “agricultural event” provided that no sample exceeds one ounce and be limited to five samples per perspective customer.

David Nielson, owner of the Dartmouth-based operation, is hoping that this initial license approval by the Selectmen will lead to more chances to sell his locally-produced wine to Hingham residents.

“People are interested in buying local,” Nielson said. “It’s not intended to be a drinking occasion, but the chance to taste the wine. And we certainly want residents to taste our wine.”

Mark Cullings, representing the Hingham Farmers Market, was enthusiastic about the opportunity to sell local wine and had been in regular contact with Nielson about the possibility of joining the event next weekend.

“It’s an introduction to a new type of product and an agricultural product of Massachusetts that we have been interested in seeing for some time as it worked its way through the legislature,” Cullings said. “This is a one-off application for the holiday market but if it was successful we would envision coming back and talking some more. His product meets our goal of further agricultural opportunities in the state.”

Selectman Laura Burns was looking forward to seeing how successful this venture would be and confirmed her belief in the Hingham Farmers Market.

“It’s a wonderful way to support our local agricultural business in Massachusetts and a lovely addition,” Burns said. “I have great faith on our local farmers market organization.”

The Hingham Holiday Farmers Market will be on Dec. 10 at the Old Derby Academy and will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be 23 vendors selling baked goods, prepared foods, seafood, holiday greens, gifts and wine.