Savor Mass Initiative

In case you missed the recent kickoff for the Savor Mass initiative wine and cheese trail, the http://masswinery.com/ launched its new brochure for those interested in touring Massachusetts' 33 wine and cheese producers. This is the hot new buzz for farmers to rethink their crops. The influx of cold-climate grape production has broadened the spectrum of wines produced throughout the United States. Virginia has swapped many of their tobacco plants for grapes and some of the best Sauvignon Blanc produced in the country is from Long Island's North Fork, with many of these wines more reasonably priced than Napa.

The Kickoff was held at Nashoba Valley Winery, Orchard and Restaurant promoting the many vineyards and artisan cheese makers that dot the region. Hardwick Vineyard & Winery in Hardwick, MA, one of the wineries listed for Central MA region is worth the trip for the scenery alone. Hardwick, a small town nestled on the western border of Worcester County feels a bit frozen in time.

The Samek family, who are the fourth owners of the Giles E. Warner farm, offer a selection of 6 wines ranging from a dry white and red to some sweet wines. You can find more information on their website at http://www.hardwickwinery.com/ or call (413) 967-7763. If you are looking for a road trip, consider combining it with the 247th Hardwick Community Fair, August 21st and 22nd or one of their Sunday afternoon Jazz Festivals, which run the first Sunday of the month. And don't forget to find the artisan cheeses along the way, with Crystal Brook Farm www.farmfresh.org/food/farm.php?farm=801 in Sterling being one of the many in the region.

(*Photo of the Mass Wine & Cheese Trails cover is from the MassWinery.com website)