New Hampshire Wines, Spirits Had a Good Year in 2014

The New Hampshire Liquor Commission, which has been working over the years to increase local products in its 77 stores across the state, says its initiative appears to be paying off.

In fiscal year 2014, locally produced and manufactured wines and spirits reached $1.35 million in sales, according to a press statement. Year over year sales for spirits grew by 35 percent while wines grew by 31 percent, according to commission. About $800,000 worth of local wine was sold at outlets across the state last year.

“The local, wineries and craft distilleries in New Hampshire are incredibly important to the fabric of this great state. These small business owners are true artisans, whose passion and devotion to making great products helps strengthen the communities where they operate,” said NHLC Chairman Joseph W. Mollica. “Competing against some of the biggest and most established brands in the beverage world is not easy, but local wineries and distilleries are committed to their craft. The growth of this industry is beneficial to the state from a revenue standpoint but what’s just as important are the jobs that are created which help grow the local economy.”

Locally owned wineries that are producing more than 1,000 cases per year include the Flag Hill Winery & Distillery, Jewell Towne Vineyards in South Hampton, LaBelle Winery in Amherst, Moonlight Meadery in Londonderry, Poverty Lane Orchards in Lebanon, Sweet Baby Vineyard in East Kingston and Zorvino Vineyards in Sandown.

New Hampshire also has five distilleries in operation: Flag Hill Winery & Distillery in Lee, Djinn Spirits in Nashua, Tall Ship Distillery in Dover, Smoky Quartz Distillery in Seabrook, and Sea Hagg Distillery in North Hampton.

According to officials, the commission implemented a new rack and point-of-sale program in the stores featuring local offerings at registers, which assisted in increasing local sales.

“Support from the NH Liquor Commission has had a profound impact on our distillery’s opening and growth. We are extremely thankful for the NH Liquor Commission’s support and guidance,” said Andy Harthcock of Djinn Spirits in Nashua. “It is an uphill battle for small, craft distilleries but with straightforward administrative processes marketing and placement support, the NH Liquor Commission clearly appreciates and embraces the unique local character and taste that customers come to expect from homegrown products.”

Caption: Flag Hill Winery & Distillery in Lee sold 1,232 cases or 14,780 bottles of wine and spirits last year at New Hampshire’s 77 Liquor & Wine Outlets.