LaBelle Winery Tweaks Plans for Distillery In Amherst

AMHERST, N.H. — LaBelle Winery is moving forward with plans to open a distillery and tasting room in Amherst. According to the Union Leader, Ken Clinton of Meridian Land Services said, if approved, the distillery would be constructed on property located close to the current winery — not on property across the street as originally planned.

He stressed the importance of being able to speak with all of the abutters before a formal site plan application is submitted to the planning board, which he hopes will take place in July.

A design review will likely occur in June, according to Clinton. Recently, the planning board approved a lot line adjustment converting three parcels into two parcels on property along Camp Road behind the winery — not the original site eyed for the expansion on Route 101.

LaBelle Winery has been exploring the possibility of utilizing property owned by Friends of Young Judeau, Inc., on Camp Road to move forward with some of its expansion project.

Clinton explained this week that the main gravel parking lot currently used at the winery will be reconfigured to construct an access lane. The existing overflow gravel parking lot will be enlarged to the south and paved, he said, acknowledging that there will be more traffic once the distillery is in operation.

To read the full story, visit the Union Leader here.