A trail for those with good taste; State program links wineries, cheese makers.

Byline: Alexandra Tilsley

BOLTON - Wine and cheese are essential to any after-hours function, but local farmers and state officials hope they will soon be essential to any Massachusetts vacation, too.

Savor Massachusetts, a new culinary tourism initiative from the Department of Agricultural Resources, kicked off this month at the Nashoba Valley Winery in Bolton. The initiative urges visitors to "Savor Massachusetts, one taste at a time."

Savor Massachusetts is intended to guide visitors through their Massachusetts culinary experience, while increasing the profitability of the industry. The program was developed by the DAR and the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism and is funded by grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The new project promotes the state's culinary attractions, including farm and brewery tours, culinary education opportunities, farm festivals, ethnic markets and wine and cheese trails.

"Savor Massachusetts is one of the first efforts to look at culinary tourism," DAR Commissioner Scott Soares said at the kickoff event. "We're celebrating a new aspect of tourism."

The event also marked the beginning of the first statewide wine and cheese trail. The trail links 11 cheese makers and 22 wineries and vineyards, highlighting the multitude of culinary experiences available throughout the state.

In Central Massachusetts alone, culinary connoisseurs can find cranberry-orange or wasabi goat cheese, sparkling apple wine, homemade mozzarella and hard cider. The Central Massachusetts region of the wine and cheese trail includes four cheese makers and three wineries.

Wineries represent a growing industry in Massachusetts, jumping from 29 to 34 in the past year and ranking as the fastest-growing agricultural sector in the state, according to the DAR. Even before the increase, state wineries generated more than $7.79 million in sales, bottling more than 235,690 gallons of wine. The 18 cheese makers in the state produce more than 75 varieties of cheese. Overall, Massachusetts ranks first in the country in the average value of direct market sales per farm and first in New England in direct sales from farms to consumers.

"The local farm to table industry is a vital part of the commonwealth's appeal, and a rising interest among visitors looking for fresh and unique experiences," said Betsy Wall, MOTT executive director.

Mr. Soares noted the new programs will be important as more people being taking "staycations," favoring trips close to home.

Lisa Simmons, director of communications for MOTT said, "International and domestic visitors are going to be very excited by this."

Local wine and cheese makers were present at the kickoff event, with samples of their culinary creations.

Craig Caesar, who was giving visitors samples of the wines produced by Westport Rivers in Westport, was excited by the wine and cheese trail, which is presented to visitors by a brochure.

"What's nice about the brochure is it covers the whole state," Mr. Caesar said. "We've had winery maps but never one that linked wine and cheese."

Westfield Farm in Hubbardston provided samples of its different goat cheeses - including a chocolate cheese - at the Savor Massachusetts event. Bob Stetson, the farm's proprietor, said the state approached him about becoming a part of the wine and cheese trail.

"It looked like fun," he said. "I think it will increase awareness and enthusiasm. In the way of tourism, I think there will be more day-trippers."

David Neilson of Coastal Vineyards in South Dartmouth, who described his winery as the "new kid on the block" said the initiative is fun and exciting.

Wine and cheese lovers can find more information - and locate the nearest farm - by visiting www.mass.gov/massgrown.

ART: PHOTOS

CUTLINE: (1) A file photo shows an apple wine from Obadiah McIntyre Farm Winery produced at Charlton Orchards in Charlton. (2) Local wine and cheese makers and guests mingle at the "Savor Massachusetts" kickoff event July 8 at Nashoba Valley Winery in Bolton.

PHOTOG: T&G Staff Photos/TOM RETTIG