Vaccinium corymbosum L. (Ericaceae)
- Latin for blueberry

Although grapes grow throughout the world, the winter weather in western Massachusetts is severe by any standard. Vinifera grapes, i.e. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, etc. cannot grow at our elevation (1,370' above sea level).  French hybrid grapes, i.e. Seyval Blanc or Vidal Blanc, may grow but we haven't tried. But blueberries grow here in abundance. They grow wild and are also cultivated within a five mile radius around the winery. Blueberry wine can be made in a variety of product styles. The wine can be made dry or sweet, still or effervescent, light or strong, and all of it is delicious.

Blueberries are indigenous to North America. They have been a part of the American tradition since the pilgrims. The Native Americans associated the blueberry, or "starberry" (just look at the star design on the bottom of one) with the Great Spirit. It was thought that "starberries" were sent to Earth to end a period of famine. Wild blues were eaten fresh in Summer and dried or made into a paste for medicine, food, teas, juice, syrup and dye in the Winter.

We don't know for a fact, but we can hope that blueberries were served at the first Thanksgiving at the other end of Massachusetts. We like to think they may have served blueberry wine.

At Thanksgiving, drink Blueberry Wine...
An American Wine For An American Tradition.

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Research has shown that blueberries are loaded with cell-protecting antioxidants called anthocyanins. Of the forty fruits and vegetables tested, blueberries had the highest antioxidant capacity. Antioxidants have the potential to prevent cancer and can slow the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, possibly helping to fend off heart attacks. 

(May 1998, HEALTH, pp.12-13)

So, why shouldn't blueberry wine have similar beneficial effects on your health? Click here for the latest research on how drinking our blueberry wine may be good for you!