Exclusive Wine Tasting with Founding Winemaker Mark LaClair

A Close-Up Look at the Exclusive Wine Tasting with Founding Winemaker Mark LaClair

If you’re a wine lover exploring the White Mountains, this intimate tasting experience at Seven Birches Winery promises a special peek behind the scenes. Guided by the winery’s founding winemaker, Mark LaClair, this session offers a rare chance to sample library wines not available anywhere else—perfect for those eager to deepen their knowledge and enjoy some authentic, legacy wines.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the personalized interaction with Mark adds a layer of authenticity and education that larger tours simply can’t match. Second, tasting wines from the cellar’s private library turns a typical tasting into an exclusive event.

That said, it’s worth noting that this is a small-group, private session, so it might not suit travelers seeking a more relaxed, self-guided winery visit. But for those who love engaging with the craft of winemaking and asking detailed questions, it’s a real treat. It’s best suited for wine enthusiasts, curious travelers, or anyone looking for a memorable, educational outing in a cozy, private setting.

Key Points

• Exclusive access to library wines not available to the general public
• Personalized guidance from the founding winemaker, Mark LaClair
• Educational focus on grapes, origins, and winemaking techniques
• Intimate group setting enhances the experience and interaction
• Affordable luxury with a 10% discount on library wines
• Includes a brief walk through the winery’s cellar and equipment

An In-Depth Review of the Experience

The experience begins right at the charming Seven Birches Winery, located in the scenic White Mountains area. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, the winery’s setting offers a great starting point for anyone wanting to combine natural beauty with a deeper dive into wine culture.

Check-in and Meeting Point: You’ll gather at the main tasting room, where the tour is scheduled to start. Since this is a private activity with only your group, you won’t be sharing the space with strangers—making it more personal and relaxed. The session lasts about one hour and thirty minutes, the perfect length to savor the wines without feeling rushed.

The Walk Through the Cellar: Mark LaClair, the founding winemaker, kicks things off with a brief walk into the cellar. This part is more than just a quick peek—it’s a chance to see the heart of the winery in action, observe the equipment, and get a sense of the environment where the wines are born. For the curious, seeing the barrels and tanks up close offers insight into the delicate art and science of winemaking.

The Private Birch Room: After the cellar tour, you’ll step into the Birch Room—a cozy, private space set aside for this tasting. Here, Mark guides you through four select wines from the cellar library. These wines are no longer available for public tastings—they are part of the winery’s legacy and only sold to visitors participating in this exclusive experience.

Sampling and Education: As you taste, Mark shares personalized insights about each wine, focusing on grape varieties, their origins, and winemaking techniques. The tasting isn’t just about sipping; it’s an educational journey. You’ll learn what makes each wine unique—perhaps the subtle differences in grape blends or aging processes—and get answers to any of your burning wine questions.

The Library Wines: These are wines that have been carefully stored and curated. Their limited availability makes tasting them a unique event. Guests have noted how enlightening it is to sample legacy wines that are otherwise off-limits, giving a rare perspective on the winery’s craftsmanship.

Opportunity to Purchase: After the tasting, you can buy these exclusive wines at a 10% discount, making it a smart way to take home a piece of this experience. Keep in mind, though, that these library wines are only available for sale and not for general tasting.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour price of $64 per person is quite reasonable considering the exclusive nature of the experience. It includes a short walk around the winery, the private tasting of four library wines, and an educational discussion with Mark. You also get the chance to purchase the wines at a discount—a bonus for collectors or those wanting to deepen their wine cellar.

Snacks aren’t included but can be purchased on site if you want to complement your tasting. It’s important to note that this activity doesn’t include the larger “Meet the Winemakers Tour,” which is a separate offering.

The Practicalities

Timing and Group Size: The tour is scheduled for about 90 minutes, making it a manageable addition to a day of exploring the White Mountains. Since it’s a private, small-group activity, it lends itself to a more relaxed, flexible atmosphere—perfect if you prefer a more intimate setting over large, impersonal tours.

Location and Accessibility: Starting at 22 S Mountain Dr, Lincoln, NH, the experience is easy to reach for visitors staying in the area. Service animals are allowed, and most travelers should find it accessible, but it’s always wise to confirm if you have specific accessibility needs.

Reservation and Cancellation: Booking is straightforward with confirmation provided upon reservation. The tour offers a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, adding peace of mind for planning.

Why This Tour Is Worth Considering

While the price might seem modest for exclusive access to rare wines, the real value lies in the educational content and personal interaction. You won’t just be sipping wine; you’ll be engaging with a knowledgeable winemaker, asking questions, and learning about the craft in a relaxed, private setting.

Many reviewers highlight how Mark LaClair’s expert guidance elevates the experience. People appreciate the ability to ask detailed questions about winemaking, grape choices, and aging—something you don’t get on typical tasting room visits.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal if you’re a wine enthusiast eager to see the behind-the-scenes craftsmanship. It’s also perfect for those interested in rare or legacy wines, or anyone wanting a more personalized, educational outing during their trip. If you enjoy small-group experiences and value authentic connections with winemakers, you’ll find this tour rewarding.

It might not be the best fit for travelers looking for a casual, self-guided visit or who prefer a broader overview of the winery’s offerings. Since it’s a more exclusive, educational experience, it’s best suited for those who appreciate in-depth knowledge and storytelling.

Final Thoughts

This exclusive wine tasting at Seven Birches Winery offers a rare chance to explore legacy wines in a private, educational setting. Led by the passionate and knowledgeable Mark LaClair, this experience transforms a simple tasting into a memorable journey into the world of winemaking. The opportunity to sample wines from the cellar’s private library and ask detailed questions makes it a standout for enthusiasts seeking a meaningful connection to the craft.

The value is evident in the personalized guidance and the chance to purchase unique wines at a discount—an excellent perk for fans of small-scale, artisanal wines. The intimate size and flexible schedule make it accessible and enjoyable for most visitors, especially those who love a story behind their glass.

If you’re looking for a meaningful, behind-the-scenes experience that pairs education with authenticity, this tour is definitely worth considering for your White Mountains visit. It’s a delightful way to deepen your appreciation of wine and enjoy a personalized encounter with a talented winemaker.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all age groups?
While primarily focused on wine, most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. The experience is designed for adults, but it’s best to check specific accessibility needs in advance.

How long does the complete experience last?
It lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, including the cellar walk, private tasting, and educational discussion.

Can I buy the wines I taste?
Yes, you can purchase the library wines at a 10% discount during or after the tasting.

Is this a group activity?
No, it’s a private experience, so only your group participates—making it more personal and tailored.

What’s the main highlight of this tour?
Sampling rare, legacy wines from the cellar library that are unavailable to the general tasting room public.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made 24 hours before the scheduled start, providing flexibility for travelers.

Exploring a winery with a master winemaker in such an intimate setting isn’t a common experience, but it’s one that offers special insights and memories. For those curious about the art of winemaking and eager to taste wines that carry a story, this tour at Seven Birches Winery could be a highlight of your trip to the White Mountains.