Brewed, distilled, and fermented, it’s better in the Berkshires. Berkshire-made beers, spirits, and wines have been making a splash in recent years, proving that when the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree—or the grape from the branch—the results are superior. While you’re looking for Berkshire homes for sale, plan to visit one of these businesses for a tour and a tasting.
Balderdash Cellars, Pittsfield
Balderdash Cellars is a boutique winery located in the heart of Pittsfield. Open since 2011, owners Christian and Donna Hanson make premium wines from California’s finest vineyards. Sign up for a private tasting or just visit the tasting room. The private tastings pair wines with a selection of fine cheeses, nuts, and fruits. Learn all about the various winemaking practices. You can purchase their reds, whites, and roses at the winery or buy them at stores in the area. Balderdash Cellars is open for tastings on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 5 PM.
Berkshire Mountains Distillery, Inc., Sheffield
Book a tour at the Berkshire Mountains Distillery and discover how they make their spirits. Taste the finished goods at the end of the tour and visit the greenhouse and gardens, where the focus is on growing spirit-centric herbs. Their award-winning spirits include Berkshire Bourbon, Greylock Gin, New England Corn Whiskey and more. This craft distillery has been earning accolades since its founding in 2007. Located at 356 South Main Street in Sheffield, BMD runs tours on Fridays and Saturdays every hour from noon to 4 PM.
Big Elm Brewing, Sheffield
Established in 2012, Big Elm Brewing turns out craft beers and ales that have been building a following far beyond their 65 Silver Street location in Sheffield. Already big in Berkshire County, Big Elm now distributes their beer throughout the state. You can get up close and personal at the source with Saturday tours, and there’s even a Tap Room where you can fill a growler. Their beers include Belgian ales, American ales, English-style amber ales and lagers. All of their recipes are unique and handcrafted. Their Tap Room is open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 12 to 6 PM.
Furnace Brook Winery at Hilltop Orchards, Richmond
The Furnace Brook Winery at Hilltop Orchards features tours, wines, and even a place to spend the night. Their Garden Gables Inn is nestled on five acres of grounds and gardens just minutes from Lenox Village and Tanglewood. Purchase some of the finest wines made right in the Berkshires at its Farm Winery Store. Offerings range from whites, reds, sparkling wines, and some unique hard ciders, and every category includes award winners from the Big E Northeast Wine Competition. For a fun August outing, check out their full-moon hike and bonfire with winetasting in August.
Les Trois Emme Vineyard and Winery, New Marlborough
A stop at Les Trois Emme at 8 Knight Road in New Marlborough, just 6 miles from Great Barrington, includes a tour of the facilities and a tasting of its wines afterward with complimentary hors d’oeuvres. Stroll the grounds outside with a glass of wine or bring a picnic lunch and sit in the gazebo that overlooks picturesque views. Special events include Bruce Gregori strumming on the guitar on the front lawn on August 5 and appetizers and wine at the Fountain on August 5. Gather round the fountain and enjoy wine, good food and the company of friends.
