While I live in the desert in Arizona now, I am lucky to have a place to escape the heat in the summer and also to spend the holidays. Cape Cod is my second home, and my dad has lived there for seven years. From the Cape Cod National Seashore to the Brewster Flats, not to mention all of the delicious seafood options, I always enjoy my time here. And one place I can never get enough of is Truro Vineyards. As one of only two wineries on Cape Cod, it's my favorite place to spend an afternoon, no matter the weather or time of year.

Family owned-and-operated Truro Vineyards in Massachusetts has been run by the Roberts family since 2007, although it was first established in 1991. This winery grows Vinefera grapes which thrive in maritime regions. They use these grapes and other varieties grown in Massachusetts, New York, and California to make more than a dozen varietals annually.

In addition to the winery, there's a distillery on the property as well. South Hollow Spirits, as it's called, produces gin, whiskey, rum, and amaro, which is an Italian herbal liqueur. Not only can you have a wine tasting (or just a glass of wine) but you can order a cocktail here at Truro Vineyards, as well. If you have time, take a free tour of the winery, the vineyard, and the barrel room to learn all about the winemaking and distilling processes used here.

One of my favorite times I spent at Truro Vineyards was on a recent visit with my sister and some friends. We decided to come to the vineyard for a few hours one afternoon before heading off to Provincetown. My sister made the reservations and we were seated straight away.

A server came to our table and told us about the special drinks they had. One was a frozen whiskey drink which one of our friends ordered. I, on the other hand, prefer a nice refreshing sparking wine and asked if they could make me a mimosa. They obliged. Apparently, they can make bellinis, as well. My sister's go-to drink is the painkiller made with Twenty Boat Spiced Rum from South Hollow Spirits.

A QR code that we could scan to for order food from the Blackfish Restaurant’s Crush Pad Food Truck was on the table. Sure, it's a quick walk to the truck to place an order, but it sure was convenient this way! Enter your table number when you order ,and someone will deliver everything when it's ready. I didn't order food this time, but the menu usually has items like hamburgers, Kobe beef hot dogs, grilled cheese, soup, salads, and more. The food truck is certainly a great addition to the vineyard!

After we had our beverages and some food, we browsed through the vineyard's store, where you can buy bottles of wine or distilled liquor, t-shirts, hats, glassware, locally-made products, and so much more. This is one of my favorite places to shop for gifts on Cape Cod!

During the summer months, when people from all over New England vacation on the Cape, it's imperative to make a reservation, as the vineyard books up fast! However, walk-ins are occasionally available in the summer, although you'll have a better chance of getting a good seat in the off-season no matter what time you arrive. There's seating on both the lawn and at the covered pavilion in the back of the vineyard building. On nice days, we opt to reserve a table on the lawn.

Truro Vineyards is open year-round, so while I come here a couple of times each summer, I've also been here during the winter. Winter on the Cape is so serene without the hoards of tourists, so coming to Truro Vineyards at this time was such a relaxing experience. While the vineyard only has outdoor seating, there is a covered pavilion, complete with fire pits that will keep you warm as you indulge in a glass of wine or a cocktail. I have to say, I am excited to visit again this winter!

Fun and friends on a gorgeous afternoon at Truro Vineyards... what could be better?

Have you ever been to either of the wineries on Cape Cod? In addition to Truro Vineyards, there's Cape Cod Winery in East Falmouth. However, I haven't tried that one yet!

For location, hours, event, and reservation information, head to the official Truro Vineyards website. You can also follow the Truro Vineyards + South Hollow Spirits Facebook page for updates.

If you're planning on a Cape Cod getaway and would like to stay near the vineyard, book a stay at this Spacious, Updated Condo in Truro. It's just a five-minute walk from Truro Vineyards!