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Aaronap Cellars is celebrating the completion of its 2026 grape harvest, bringing in more than 66,000 pounds of grapes from its Massachusetts vineyards while preparing to introduce new wines and kick off the winter farmers market season.
The winery harvested a total of 66,014 pounds of grapes—approximately 33 tons—from its Chace Hill Vineyard in Lancaster and Coastal Vineyard in South Dartmouth. The season brought a mix of challenges and successes, including unpredictable rainfall, early frosts, freezing temperatures and an unusually warm start to November.
Despite the changing conditions, the harvest produced record yields for several grape varieties, including Itasca and Arandell at Chace Hill Vineyard, while other varieties experienced historically low yields. Sugar levels also varied significantly between the Lancaster and South Dartmouth vineyards.
"It's been a harvest with lows and highs—literally," said Noel, CEO and winemaker of Aaronap Cellars. "But through it all, we followed the flavors and can't wait to share the new wines over the next couple of years."
The 2026 harvest will contribute to future vintages of popular Aaronap Cellars wines, along with new wine styles and grape varieties.
2020 Chace Hill Red Makes Its Debut
As the winery looks ahead to future releases, Aaronap Cellars is also introducing the latest vintage of its flagship estate wine, the 2020 Chace Hill Red, available beginning November 14 at its winter farmers markets.
Produced from grapes grown at the winery's Chace Hill Vineyard in Lancaster, the wine is a field blend of 90% Marquette and 10% Arandell grapes. The vineyard, acquired in 2017, is situated along the hillsides near Wachusett Reservoir within the newly approved Nashoba Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA).
The vineyard's summer sunshine, consistent breezes and glacial till soils provide favorable growing conditions for these cold-hardy grape varieties.
Handpicked and gently fermented, the 2020 Chace Hill Red is a dry, bold red wine featuring aromas of earthy black cherry, blackberry, blueberry and spicy mocha.
The wine pairs well with wood-fired pizza, grilled burgers, braised short ribs, mushroom risotto and hearty pasta dishes.
Priced at $27 per bottle, the 2020 vintage holds special significance for the winery, with Noel describing it as potentially the best Chace Hill Red produced to date.
Winter Farmers Markets Begin November 14
With the harvest complete, Aaronap Cellars is transitioning into its winter farmers market season, continuing to connect consumers with locally produced Massachusetts wines.
The winery will participate in several winter markets and special events throughout the region, joining local farms, food producers and artisans offering seasonal products.
Upcoming appearances include:
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Saturday, November 14 – Chelmsford Winter Farmers Market: 10 a.m.–1 p.m., Weston Nurseries, 160 Pine Hill Road, Chelmsford.
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Saturday, November 14 – Hudson Winter Farmers Market: 10 a.m.–1 p.m., Hudson Town Hall, 78 Main Street, Hudson.
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Sunday, November 15 – Hopkinton Farmers Market: 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Hopkinton Center for the Arts, 98 Hayden Rowe Street, Hopkinton.
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Sunday, November 15 – The Chocolate Expo: 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Bally's Twin River Lincoln Event Center, 100 Twin River Road, Lincoln, Rhode Island.
The Chocolate Expo will feature more than 60 vendors showcasing chocolates, sweets, specialty foods and other treats, including wines from Aaronap Cellars.
Complimentary wine samples will be available at the winery's farmers market appearances, along with volume discounts for customers looking to stock up for the winter season.
Supporting Local Agriculture Year-Round
Aaronap Cellars emphasizes the importance of winter farmers markets in supporting Massachusetts agriculture and maintaining access to locally produced foods and beverages throughout the colder months.
The winery expressed appreciation for the nurseries, garden centers and community venues that provide space for these seasonal markets, allowing farmers and artisans to continue connecting with customers beyond the traditional growing season.
Customers can also purchase wines online for winery or farmers market pickup, or arrange direct shipping where available.
For more information about Aaronap Cellars, its wines, upcoming market appearances or its Aaronap Angels Wine Club, visit www.aaronapcellars.com.
About Aaronap Cellars
Aaronap Cellars is a Massachusetts winery producing wines from locally grown grapes, including those cultivated at its Chace Hill Vineyard in Lancaster and Coastal Vineyard in South Dartmouth. The winery focuses on showcasing the distinctive characteristics of Massachusetts-grown grapes through a diverse selection of wines while supporting local agriculture and regional farmers markets.
