New England Sweetwater Farm & Distillery sits on 136 Main Street in Winchester, New Hampshire, operating as both a working farm and craft distillery. Founded by Dan and Cindy Dillingham, this family operation combines agricultural roots with small-batch spirit production in a converted farm building that maintains its rustic New England character. The Dillinghams transitioned from traditional farming to distilling as a way to add value to their grain crops while creating a unique agritourism destination in the Monadnock region.
The distillery focuses on farm-to-bottle production, using grains grown on their own property when possible and sourcing additional ingredients locally. Dan handles the distilling operations while Cindy manages the business side and visitor experiences. Their approach emphasizes transparency in production methods and connecting visitors directly with the agricultural origins of their spirits. The operation remains deliberately small-scale, allowing them to maintain quality control and personal involvement in every batch.
Visitors find themselves in an authentic working environment where the line between farm and distillery blurs naturally. The tasting room occupies a converted barn space with exposed beams and farm-style décor that feels genuine rather than manufactured. You can often see the Dillinghams themselves during visits, and they’re happy to discuss both the farming and distilling processes. The experience feels more like visiting knowledgeable neighbors than touring a commercial facility, which either appeals to people seeking authenticity or disappoints those expecting polished production values.