Vintage in the Village - Wine Tasting Walk

Sip, Stroll & Support History

Sip wine, stroll through a historic riverside village, and step into charming heritage homes, all while supporting the preservation of New Brunswick’s rich past. That’s exactly what Vintage in the Village offers each fall in Gagetown, New Brunswick. This beloved wine-tasting walk is more than a scenic outing. It is a fundraiser for Queens County Heritage, with proceeds supporting the care and preservation of Gagetown’s treasured landmarks, including the Court House, the Sir Leonard Tilley House Museum, and Loomcrofters.

Save the Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025

Rain Date: Saturday, September 20
Tickets go on sale Wednesday, July 16 at 10 a.m.
Cost: $85 per ticket
Purchase in person at the Queens County Court House Museum or call (506) 488-2483.
Tickets always sell out quickly, so act fast!

A Toast to Tradition

Since 2009, Vintage in the Village has drawn both locals and visitors to celebrate community, heritage, and a shared love of wine. Participants follow a thoughtfully mapped route through the village, stopping at beautifully restored homes and historical landmarks where wine samples and tasty appetizers await. Each stop is hosted by Gagetown residents who generously open their doors to guests. The charm of the event lies in its unique, personal touches: warm smiles, lovingly prepared food, and the joy of reconnecting with old friends, or meeting new ones.

Wine a Little, Laugh a Lot

The day begins at the Court House, where participants check in, receive a wine glass, and are given a wristband. Then you’re off on a self-guided tour through streets filled with history, character, and hospitality. Along the way, there’s time to browse artisan shops, explore quiet corners, and enjoy conversations with fellow participants and local residents. At each location, you’ll be greeted with wine and hors d’oeuvres thoughtfully selected by the committee and prepared by hosts. And at the end of your tour, you will exchange your tasting glass for a handcrafted pottery goblet—a lasting memento of a wonderful day.

A Goblet to Remember

One of the most treasured traditions of Vintage in the Village is the unique pottery goblet each participant receives. Every year, a local potter is selected to create these functional works of art. Past artisans include Flo Greig, Peter Shackleton, David Eastwood, Nancy Blanchard-MacDonald, Liza McDonald, and Maja Padrov. No two goblets are the same. Each one tells a story of craftsmanship, creativity, and community, and becomes a meaningful keepsake for those who attend.

Heard It Through the Grapevine

In 2019, while visiting Gagetown a few weeks before the event, I heard a buzz of excitement about this wine-tasting walk. I was intrigued, only to find out tickets had already sold out. Fortunately, someone knew of a neighbour who could no longer attend, and I was able to buy her two tickets. My friend Laurie and I had the best time, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Most recently in 2024, I went with my friends Lucie and Julie, and we had an absolute blast. So, if you miss the initial sale, don’t give up. Watch the Vintage in the Village Facebook page closely, as resale tickets occasionally become available. Once you experience it, you’ll understand why demand is so high. It is not just about the wine, it is the warmth, the laughter, and the sense of community that make it unforgettable.

Something for Every Taste

The committee selects each year’s wines with care, working to offer a good range of flavours while staying within budget. Thanks to the expertise of a trusted sommelier, the lineup always includes something for every taste. Each host location is stocked by the committee with wine, two additional appetizers, cheese, crackers, napkins, and balloons to help guests find their stops. Last year, I had to laugh when I spotted some guests being chauffeured around by what locals now call the “Gagetown Ubers” (or GUBERs). With golf carts becoming more popular in the village, a few clever residents acted as designated drivers, ferrying happy ticket holders between stops. I think they’re onto something!

Behind the Scenes: A Labour of Love

When chatting with these GUBER riders, I discovered I was also meeting two of the driving forces behind the event: Colleen Henry and Jill Merritt-Coy. Colleen shared that it was this very event that inspired her to move to Gagetown. “We had been living outside Fredericton and attending events like Vintage in the Village with friends of ours who live here (who were on the committee). Each time we visited, we felt that strong sense of community that was so present in Gagetown, something we realized we were missing. That feeling of belonging was so powerful that we both sold our homes and moved right into the central part of the village. The rest, as they say, is history!”

Jill attended the first year as a ticket holder and was immediately hooked. “I was so impressed with the event that I soon became a board member of Queens County Heritage as the VP of Public Programming, and the event fell under my portfolio. I am no longer on the board, but I have remained the Chair of the Committee as I love the event so much. It is an event that takes little advertising, as our ticket holders continue to come back year after year. The committee members have become dear friends, and each meeting I look forward to collaborating and planning with them. My most memorable aspect of the event is the people I see every year. I have been organizing so long that I now recognize most names of our ticket holders. It is like ‘old home week’ every September during check-in.”

“The committee works year-round, always striving to improve the experience. The week leading up to the event is especially busy, with plenty of moving parts, but what keeps everyone going is a genuine love for the festival and its mission. Family, friends, and community members all step up, bringing the spirit of Gagetown to life. Over the years, thousands of dollars have been raised to support Queens County Heritage, including upkeep of historic buildings, new signage, repairs, and programming such as the Tilley Tea House & Tours. Our hope is that each visitor leaves with a glimpse of what makes Gagetown so special. This kind of event takes an enormous amount of community support and dedication, and we think it shines through in every detail.”

And it does, I couldn’t agree more!

Winding Down in Style

After the walking tour, the celebration continues back at the Court House with more food, music, and a silent auction filled with local goods and gift baskets. The festivities often carry on into the evening at local spots like The Old Boot Pub, where live music gets the place hopping.

In 2019, my friend Laurie and I stayed overnight in the village at a cozy local B&B. Last year, my friend Julie’s husband Tom kindly acted as our designated driver, getting us back to their cottage for the night. However you end the evening, plan ahead so you can relax and fully enjoy the experience. Now, each time I look at my treasured pottery goblets from past years, I am reminded of the laughter, the flavour, and the wonderful people who make Vintage in the Village what it is.

Why It Matters

Vintage in the Village is not just a fall outing, it is a celebration of everything that makes Gagetown extraordinary: its history, its creativity, its people, and its deep sense of care. By purchasing a ticket, you are not only treating yourself to a wonderful day, you are helping to preserve a vibrant piece of New Brunswick’s story for the future.

Come for the wine. Stay for the people. Leave with a heart—and a goblet—full.

Hope to see you in Gagetown this September.

Stay the Night

Find Gulliver's World Café & Guest Suites in a restored historic farmhouse at 17 River Run Lane in Gagetown, New Brunswick. Chef Thane Mallory and his wife, Nancy, welcome you to enjoy culinary flavours from around the world with down home Maritime hospitality, and a spectacular waterfront view. There are docking facilities for boaters, and accomodation for overnight stays. Enjoy this little slice of heaven and wake up on the water. Learn more about this Gagetown business here: Gulliver’s World Café & Guest Suites.

This post was sponsored by Vintage in the Village; however, all thoughts and opinions are my own. Follow Maritimes Maven on FaceBook, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn & Threads. Subscribe to be the first to receive my latest articles. Share articles you love with your social media community so they, too, will discover, There’s No Place Like Home!