Bob Dabrowski is living every wine-lover’s dream. He turned his passion for winemaking into the boutique vineyard Candia Vineyards.
Dabrowski first started personal winemaking in 1981 and decided to expand by opening Candia Vineyards in 1999. While the winery itself may look unassuming on the outside, the quality of the wines is anything but. Candia produces a wide selection ranging from well-known varietals such as cabernet and chardonnay to highly aromatic wines and specialty dessert wines, including award-winning ice wine. Candia boasts a number of awards, holding world-class medals for many of their products, and they are recognized by the Congressional Wine Caucus in Washington, D.C.
New Hampshire is home to a thriving wine-growing industry. The state has seen steady growth in the number of vineyards and wineries over the years, with the industry taking off in the early 2000s. New Hampshire currently boasts more than thirty wineries and over 200 acres of vineyards across the state. So what makes Candia unique?
Dabrowski says that the focus of Candia is on 100% grape wine that blends old-world styles using modern technology. He tends to the vineyards himself, which he describes as a challenging but fun job. He’s educated and passionate about his work, so visitors should expect a thoughtful experience, a bit of wine, and a bunch of knowledge.
Reviews of Candia wines include sentiments such as being “blown away by the flavor and complexity of every wine” and “going out of my way to stop by and purchase a case of the La Crescent” to 100% grape wines that were “pretty remarkable,” and a “range was unusually deep.”
Pick up your wines at New Hampshire Liquor & Wine Outlet. A few of the options include a peppery noiret—which Candia was the first to grow in New Hampshire—a sweet dessert wine called Black Ice made from juice that is frozen post-harvest, and Diamond for an aged feel.
Candia Vineyards Wines:
Candia Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
Candia Vineyards Ice Storm Vault Reserve White
