Sunset Sips Sangria Tasting at Squamscott Vineyard & Winery
Where sangria meets the spirit of New England winemaking.
Sangria isn’t just a summer drink; it’s a state of mind. Fruity, refreshing, and sociable, it’s perfect for evenings with vineyard views. But this isn’t the overly sweet, spirits-heavy version often found at cookouts. At Squamscott Vineyard & Winery, we give sangria the Blue Heron twist: wine-forward, balanced, and locally inspired.
The History of Sangria: A Global Story in a Glass
Sangria originates from the Iberian Peninsula, with both Spain and Portugal claiming its origins. The name comes from the Spanish and Portuguese word for “blood” (sangre), referencing the deep-red color from mixing red wine with fruit and sometimes spices. But the concept of infusing wine with fruit, herbs, and sweeteners goes back much further, to Ancient Rome, when water was often unsafe to drink, and wine was mixed with herbs, honey, and spices to make it more palatable and antiseptic.
In Portugal, sangria is popular and often more wine-forward, using local reds or Vinho Verde for a crisp white variation. Portuguese versions skip spirits, focusing on local fruits like peaches or apples.
The American Take: Fruit-Forward & Flexible
Sangria gained traction in the U.S. after its 1964 World’s Fair debut, where Spanish vendors showcased it as a cultural icon. Since then, American versions range from light and fizzy to bold and boozy, often with creative mixes.
- Local wines
- Seasonal fruit
- Flavored sparkling water
- Herbs like mint, basil, or rosemary
Our Sunset Sips collection features a local, creative wine-first sangria that honors tradition and establishes its own New England identity.
Join us for Sunset Sips, an intimate tasting of four handcrafted sangrias made with our Blue Heron estate wines. Each features seasonal flavors, paired with bites, that complement its character. All sangrias include at least one gluten-free option.
Your Tasting Experience Includes:
- A flight of four sangrias from our “Sunset Sips” collection: Berry Breeze (red), Peach Porch Fizz (white), Garden Blush (rosé), and Coastal Crimson (cranberry)
- Eight small bites, two per sangria, served in individual portions. These aren’t average snacks; they’re wine-savvy pairings for summer, each clear, bright, and flavorful.
- Relax among the vines, enjoy the sunset, and experience the Seacoast’s unique small winery.
- Purchase wine by the glass or in bottles to take home.
About Squamscott Vineyard & Winery
Nestled in Newfields, NH, along the Squamscott River, Squamscott Vineyard & Winery produces Blue Heron Wines: estate-grown, terroir-driven wines from rocky New England soils. We cultivate cool climate varietals like Chambourcin, Traminette, Noiret, and Chancelor, hand-tended and crafted to reflect our land and purpose. Each bottle tells a story of terroir, varietals, history, and the winemakers.
Our mission is to give each glass a sense of place—be it a bold red, a flavorful rose, a crisp white, or a summer sangria.
Event Details
Location: Squamscott Vineyard & Winery – Quinn Court, Newfields, NH
Date: August 22, 2025
Time: 6:00 - 8:00
Tickets: $40/person
Ages: 21+ only
Space is limited. Seating is vineyard-side.
Bring a friend, sip something unexpected, and toast to summer the Blue Heron way.
