Massachusetts
This New England state has two viticultural areas—the Southeastern New England AVA, which it shares with Rhode Island and Connecticut, and Martha’s Vineyard AVA. The area wineries make a number of wines from hybrids like Vidal Blanc, Seyval Blanc, Chancellor, cayuga, Maréchal Foch, and Aurora. Vitis vinifera varieties here include Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Riesling. Some grapes are also brought in from Long Island and California. fruit wines play an import role at some of the wineries. Westport River vineyard and winery, producer of sparkling wines, is probably the best known winery. Chicama Vineyards on Martha’s Vineyard was the first bonded winery in the state.
The New Wine Lovers Companion, 2nd Edition, by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Copyright © (1) 2003, 1995 by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Reprinted by arrangement with Barron's Educational Series, Inc.