Featured photo by @capecodwinery on Instagram
If you grew up going to Cape Cod, you know there’s truly nothing like it.
The gorgeous sea scapes and sandy beaches are so picturesque, it’s like something out of a movie. I know for me, the second I drive over either the Bourne Bride or Sagamore Bridge, I feel at peace with all of the beauty around me.
Even though it can be filled with tourists (especially during the summer months), the natural beauty of the island is unmatched.
While tons of people visit the Cape for its beautiful beaches, plenty of others visit for the numerous other attractions there as well. There are golf courses, amusement parks, markets, craft breweries (Cape Cod beer is THE best), and, my favorite: wineries and wine tastings.
There’s no better way to spend a wonderful day on the Cape than with a glass of wine in hand, enjoying the cool ocean breeze.
Now, a lot of people assume that there are lots of wineries on the Cape as is, because of the well known island Martha’s Vineyard. But surprisingly, there aren’t any vineyards on the island itself. Vineyards on the rest of the Cape, however, that’s a different story.
What’s the difference between a winery and a vineyard?
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There are a few main differences between the two.
A vineyard is simply a grape farm. It’s where grapevines are located, individuals participate in wine grape growing, and millions of grapes are produced. More often than not, these grapes are used to make delicious wine. They can also be used to produce other grape based products such as raisins and non alcoholic grape juice.
A winery, however, doesn’t necessarily have to grow their own grapes on site. A lot of the time, what winery locations do is purchase their grapes from local vineyards, and make their own delicious wine out of the grapes from local farms and other vineyards.
The two aren’t mutually exclusive. A winery can be located on a vineyard, but it also doesn’t have to be. Similarly, a vineyard can be used exclusively for harvesting grapes and nothing else.
Can wines be made with anything other than grapes?
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You bet!
In fact, most of the wineries on this list contain fun, unique wines made with various other fruits.
Cape Cod Winery features a delicious blueberry wine, while First Crush Winery plays around with different fruits such as golden delicious apples and cranberries.
The different varieties of wine that can be found at every one of these vineyards make them must-see spots when visiting Cape Cod.
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Do any of these places offer food?
Most of these places offer light snacks and appetizers, and some may even serve full meals.
If you’re hungry for something specific, we’ve got you covered. I wrote a whole article on the 21 best spots to enjoy a pizza on the Cape.
From Sicilian style pizza, to Neapolitan, to coal fired, there’s something for everyone at these → great pizza restaurants in Cape Cod.
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Where are the best wineries on Cape Cod?
While there aren’t many directly on Cape Cod (only three to be exact), there are a few more in the surrounding area.
America’s hometown, Plymouth, features two local wineries, while the island of Nantucket has its very own vineyard, owned and operated by the same restaurant group as the famous Cisco Brewers.
Plymouth Bay Winery is centrally located to Plymouth’s main strip, as is 1620 Winery and Bar, while Nantucket Vineyard is located just minutes away from the beach. If you’re in any of these areas and craving wine, these great places are the way to go.
Any and every one of these places are top notch in quality, wine selection, and taste for whatever you decide to indulge in.
However, today we’re here to talk about the award-winning wineries that serve the best wines directly on Cape Cod (assuming Cape Cod begins right after Bourne Bridge, that is).
Here are all of the best Cape Cod wineries!
Cape Cod Winery
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If you’re looking for a gorgeous, picturesque spot that’s enjoyable all year, well, you’ve come to the right place.
Cape Cod Winery is one of the best spots to enjoy a glass of one of their extraordinary wines right on their beautiful property.
Open year round, this beautiful place located in East Falmouth, MA is home to dozens of signature wines. From blueberry wine, to cranberry wine, to fresh roses, reds, and whites, there’s never a boring option.
Cape Cod Winery has been family owned and operated by the Orlandella family for about years, turning the former strawberry farm turned potato and dairy farm from the early 1900s into a beautiful ocean themed oasis and wine bar, featuring special events, live music, and a fire pit just three miles from the ocean.
Whether it be in the heat of summer or any of the winter months, you have to stop by for a glass of wine!
Truro Vineyards of Cape Cod
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If you’ve ever been to North Truro, you know there’s truly nowhere else like it.
The towns on outer Cape Cod are breathtakingly magical, from their dramatic sand dunes, intense waves, and rugged nature. To me, Truro is one of the most beautiful places in all of Massachusetts.
So, it makes sense that it’s home to an extraordinary family owned winery, on land rich with history.
Their free winery tours offer wonderful views of their vineyard, winery, and barrel room. Through a vineyard tour, you can learn all about the art of grape growing, and enjoy a tasty meal from Blackfish Restaurant’s Crush Pad Food Truck.
You can also enjoy their delicious takes on the famous classics, such as sauvignon blanc, pinot Grigio, and other premium wines they make directly on site.
This 200 year old farm is the perfect place for wine lovers to spend the afternoon enjoying the beautiful scenery while enjoying dozens of different wines.
First Crush Winery
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From their unique community COOP to their stunning tasting room and proud local owner, this great place was voted “Best Tasting Room” for a reason.
This place is the talk of the town and highlight of all things Cape Cod. The fine wines here have received numerous accolades, such as artisan awards and features in major motion pictures.
And it’s really no surprise.
This is a perfect example of a winery not growing their own grapes on site, but investing in the best of the best natural ingredients. Their remarkable fruit comes from the finest vineyards from places like Napa Valley in Northern California, and is delivered to the winery in four days.
You can’t get much better than that!
In addition to classic (and delicious) reds and whites, they also feature two different kinds of cranberry wines from locally grown Cape Cod cranberries.
This is a Harwich classic, and a stop you don’t want to miss on your Cape Cod winery tour!
