Exclusive Wine Tasting with Founding Winemaker Mark LaClair

If you’re exploring the White Mountains and have a soft spot for good wine, the Exclusive Wine Tasting with Mark LaClair at Seven Birches Winery promises a rare peek into a private collection of wines. This isn’t your typical tasting — it’s an intimate, educational journey led by the winery’s founding winemaker himself. For wine enthusiasts eager to learn about the nuances of grape varieties and the stories behind legacy wines, this experience offers much more than just a sip or two.

What immediately draws travelers to this tour is the personalized interaction with Mark LaClair, the person responsible for crafting these unique wines. Add to that the chance to sample wines from the cellar library—wines not available to the general public—and you’re looking at a truly special outing. On the flip side, the price point of $64 per person might seem steep for some, especially considering the exclusive nature of the tasting, but for those passionate about wine, it’s a small investment in knowledge and experience.

This tour will appeal most to enthusiasts eager for expert insights and those curious about legacy wines. If you’re after a large group experience or something more casual, this might not be your ideal choice. But for those looking for a private, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the artistry of winemaking, it’s a rewarding stop.

Key Points

• Intimate setting with personalized guidance from the founding winemaker.
• Access to the cellar library, featuring wines not available elsewhere.
• Educational focus on grape varieties, wine origins, and winemaking techniques.
• Opportunity to purchase library wines at a 10% discount.
• A mix of walking and tasting, offering a behind-the-scenes view of the winery’s operations.
• Ideal for wine lovers seeking a deeper understanding beyond the tasting room.

An Inside Look at the Experience

The experience begins with a brief walk through the winery’s cellar, giving you a chance to see the equipment and perhaps catch a whiff of fermenting grapes or aging wine. This peek behind the curtain sets the tone for the personalized exploration ahead. The cellar walk isn’t lengthy but offers enough context to appreciate the meticulous work involved in winemaking.

Once inside the Birch Room, a private space off the main tasting room, Mark LaClair takes center stage. His approachable style and wealth of knowledge make the session engaging, whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a curious beginner. He shares stories of the winery’s history, the origins of each grape variety, and specifics about the legacy wines from their library.

What Makes the Library Wines Special?

The library wines are what truly set this experience apart. These are vintage or special reserve bottles, no longer available for general tasting or even for sale in the tasting room, making this a rare opportunity. Sampling these wines allows you to taste a piece of the winery’s history. Mark’s insights help you appreciate the subtle differences that aging and vintage variation can bring, rather than just tasting a wine you could buy at the store.

The Tasting Itself

You’ll savor four different wines from the library, each carefully selected beforehand. The tasting is structured to educate: Mark discusses grape varieties, origins, and winemaking techniques, helping you understand what makes each wine unique. The session’s size allows for questions — no question is too simple or too complex — and Mark’s approachable style encourages curiosity.

Educational Value

If you’ve ever wondered about what makes a particular grape special or how climate influences flavor, this is where you’ll get answers. Past participants appreciated the knowledgeable guidance — one reviewer called the guide “very educational as much as it was entertaining.” Expect to learn about legacy wines, the importance of aging, and perhaps pick up some tips for your own wine tasting adventures.

Purchasing Opportunities

After the tasting, you’ll have the chance to buy wines from the library at a 10% discount. While the wines are no longer available for tasting to the public, they are still for sale. This isn’t just a souvenir; it’s an opportunity to bring home a piece of the winery’s history, perhaps for a special occasion or simply to enjoy later.

Practicalities and Logistics

The tour costs $64 per person, which covers the sampling of four wines, a brief walk-through of the winery, and the personalized discussion. The entire experience lasts approximately 90 minutes, making it a manageable and relaxed activity in your itinerary.

The session is designed to be very small — just your group and Mark — which enhances the opportunity for meaningful conversation. This private setup is perfect for those who want an up-close and personal experience rather than a busy, group-oriented tasting.

The activity is accessible to most travelers, including those with service animals, and confirmation is immediate upon booking. Since it’s a private experience, cancellations are free if made more than 24 hours in advance, giving you peace of mind.

What’s Not Included

Snacks are available for purchase if you need a little something to nibble, but they’re not included in the tasting fee. If you’re interested in a broader look at the winery, there’s a separate “Meet the Winemakers” tour available, but this specific experience is focused solely on Mark LaClair’s library wines and direct conversation.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This exclusive tasting is best suited for travelers who appreciate the art of winemaking and enjoy learning in a relaxed, private setting. If you’re a pinot noir fanatic, a wine geek, or simply someone eager to ask questions and expand your knowledge, you’ll find this experience highly valuable. It’s also perfect for those interested in legacy wines and the stories they carry.

While the price might be a barrier for casual drinkers, for passionate oenophiles, it’s worth considering the educational content, personal interaction, and access to rare wines. The small-group nature ensures a more intimate and engaging experience than larger tastings, making it a memorable highlight of your trip.

For travelers wanting a deeper connection to the local winemaking scene, this experience offers both tangible and intangible rewards — a chance to taste rare wines and to speak directly with the person who crafted them.

FAQ

Is this a group or private experience?
This is a private activity, so only your group will participate, providing a more personalized experience.

How long does the tour last?
The whole experience takes about 90 minutes, including the walk-through and tasting.

What wines will I taste?
You’ll sample four wines from the winery’s library, which are no longer available to the general public.

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

Are snacks included?
Snacks are not included but are available for purchase if desired.

Is the experience suitable for most travelers?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothing is fine; there’s no special dress code.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

To sum it up, this Exclusive Wine Tasting with Mark LaClair provides a rare, educational, and personal look into a private collection of wines. It’s ideal for those who want to go beyond the usual tasting room experience, seeking insights directly from the winemaker and a taste of history. If you’re in the White Mountains and wine is your thing, this tour offers genuine value, memorable stories, and a chance to bring home a special bottle or two.