Nick and Angel are ready to welcome guests to Nasketucket Bay Vineyard, 237 New Boston Road, Fairhaven, Mass. Submitted photo.
Written by Tim Garcia, Special to the Neighb News
Walking the grounds brings a warm satisfying feeling entering the Nasketucket Bay Vineyard at 237 New Boston Road in Fairhaven. Happily greeting the beautiful landscape of Nicholas Christy’s vision which holds an air of benign affability. There’s no place like it throughout the Town of Fairhaven.
Since 2016, Nick has transformed the 52.4 acres into a fruitful oasis of greenery and biodiversity. What you’d expect to see is the vineyard growing distinct plots of grapes, while the winery produces and bottles flavorful white and red wines. What’s not expected is the real spirit and soul of Nasketucket Bay Vineyard and Nick’s true vision. The peaceful environment. Robust animal welfare. Unique architecture. And, the wonderful people. Speaking with Nick about those visions and where they came from: “I made wine with my grandfather. He was from Italy so his wealth of knowledge was always fun. When older, I always kept an interest in it, making small batches here and there. Owning a landscaping company had been my focus for twenty plus years, but when buying this property and walking around I felt a sense of peace here. I felt connected learning the history of milking farms throughout Fairhaven and this place used to be one. It’s humbling being connected to such a historic town.”
Nick quickly thought it’d be fun planting some vines, several different types from aramelo which are aromatic and have a high potential of productivity, to brianna that are a relatively new little-known hybrid that requires full sun exposure. Perfect for an open space.
Acres of rows of vines producing bountiful grapes, along with a barrel roof winery, a fully refurbished milking barn turned into a complete wine tasting venue, outdoor patio, and a giant wooden boat still give this place a vast open space and natural feel.
A natural feel is why Nick is very careful what he puts into the ground. “We are an all natural vineyard, meaning there’s no chemicals anywhere. The soil is already fantastic and we maintain it with things that only nature deems healthy, because what we put in the ground is ultimately created into the wine. Taking proper care of these grounds makes a much better product, in my opinion.”
This is seen by how the grounds and the biodiversity is taken care of. Fairhaven Sustainability Committee promotes “No Mow May” every year, while Nick dedicates a few acres of land which he never mows, ever. This allows the early season pollinators to grow and live, such as bees. Bees help combat the monocultural nature by pollinating canopy crops, fruits, and wild flowers scattered throughout the grounds.
“We needed to learn how to work well with all things living here.”
All that has been seen, they do this well at Nasketucket Bay Vineyard. People will come for the wine and the scenery, but will return for the culture and environment. Turkeys taking a morning stroll, Monarch butterflies gently floating, sparrows singing.
Nasketucket Bay Vineyard opens April 6th with a ticketed event. After this weekend it is open to the public Thursday thru Sunday till late Fall with food, plenty of wine, and music. For more information go to www.peacelovevino.net for all upcoming events and hours of operation.
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