You're in the very suburban town of Lebanon, New Hampshire. You've got everything that you need at your fingertips but maybe you're looking to enjoy wine or sip a cocktail at a place with more of an urban edge. Drive 5 minutes over the state line to Putnam's in White River Junction, Vermont for that sommelier-staffed experience. Love the ambience and rigorous focus on elevated, quality ingredients, at Putnam's. They have a corkboard-covered 3-ring binder menu which is aptly named a Field Guide. Trust me, this name is earned by the Tasting Notes alone. The field guide is like a thesis for advanced Upper Valley sippers, Vermont or not. If you forgot your book or paper, just saddle up to the Putnam's Field Guide. You'll find an elaborate offering of editorial descriptions of beverages from wine to martinis (6 kinds) to beer and whiskey (one from Japan). Btw, it's rare to find a wine bar that doubles as a gorgeous coffeehouse serving pastries, espresso-based drinks, teas and breakfast sandwiches on weekends. I'm looking forward to enjoying them sometime if I'm back. The offering at Putnam's Vineyard rotates seasonally, so I will describe what was there on my visits. Visit their website for updated menu surprises. As for the evening and weekends Fall menu, they call their offering Picnic Food. It's a modest title for an extensive offering of appetizers and a few sandwiches. Think fancied-up olives, pretzels, Brazilian cheese puffs, a craft beer mix, 2 melty sammies with Vermont cheeses (1 with turkey, the other veggies), beet and chevre arancini, dips and a vast selection of desserts. Vermont cheeses, apricots, Marcona almonds, dried apricots and crostini are looking divine on the cheese board. Oh, and there's also Superbon Madrid potato chips with Osetra caviar and a mini spirit of Gaston Chiquet champagne. Just saying. There is also a weekend brunch menu with bagels and egg sandwiches. As for the wine, I recommend a flight at Putmam's. In the fall season, these flight offerings were named: the Bella Blanca Wine Flight, the Falling Leaves Mixed Wine Flight, Fireside Reds Red Wine Flight, The Forgotten Bunches Mixed Wine Flight and the almighty and an unforgettable Sparkler Flight. In this flight, I slowly savoured 3 wine sparklers at $25 total. (And no, I cannot spell savour without a "u.") These wine flights are a true value. And here are the wines in the sparkler flight: 1.) Cava 2021 by Avinyó 2.) Crémant de Bourgogne Sparkling Brut Rosé NV by Albert Bichot 3.) Lambrusco by Villa Castellazo ROTA The Cava is everything. All three were delightful and I showed up needing warm fuzzies on an evening where there was live music so the total experience was extra lovely. There is also a whiskey flight! The coffee and craft beverages selection for the fall/winter menu includes a nitro cold brew, a brown butter latte with Maldon sea salt and biscotti and a FROLA New Orleans style cold brew slushie with maple syrup and coconut cream. To any craft and coffee beverage you can add Vermont Ice Cream Coffee Liqueur or Whistle Pig Piggy Back Bourbon. Yes, please. If you are making a trip of it, catch the local bbq joint across the way from Putnam's at lunch and then visit the wine bar for drinks. Layer up, because I've been nippy there twice, and then linger over one delightful beverage after the next. Oh, and there is a charming wine shop at Putnam's with handmade gifts to peruse, as well. read more

Simply the coolest hot spot in this little nook of Vermont. Arriving on a Sunday night, the outside of this fabulous old depot building looks like it's abandoned. But oh the speakeasy that lies within! Follow it around to the "secret" entrance and you are welcomed in with an impressive industrial chic meets garden / exotic jungle atmosphere. Little nooks of seating areas with their own unique feel. Cannot overstate the oozing charm of this large space that manages to create cozy corners. Friendly service, generous cheese board, a gift shop selection of sassy souvenirs. There is only goodness to be found here in the vine/yard. One of best hidden gems we have ever discovered. read more

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Nice selection of snacks and nibbles to eat. The staff was friendly and inviting. It's the ambiance that sets it apart. Very cool vibe, relaxed, great music with fun atmosphere. read more

Putnam’s vine/yard - Friends from near and far - Wine Bars Near Me - Hartford, Vermont

This place is SO CUTE. The interior is decorated very tastefully and the vibes are adorable. We were here on a Friday morning for coffee and there was one or two other customers here. The maple latte I got was delicious and the barista even made latte art of a cat on it. So cute. Next time I'm in Vermont, I'd love to come back and do a wine tasting. read more

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I love this place. They really are the best addition to WRJ. From breakfast to dinner, they gave the drinks and snacks to keep you satisfied. I love the wine and the atmosphere here. The entire space is filled with light and beautiful plants. The service is always pleasant and prompt. I continue to come here again and again. I highly recommend visiting when in the Upper Valley., read more

Putnam’s vine/yard - Cappuccino and a warm chocolate chip cookie - Wine Bars Near Me - Hartford, Vermont

Really aesthetic cafe / wine bar. We went there to do some work in the late morning and tried the cucumber soda and beet lemon kombucha. The cucumber soda was pretty refreshing! Really enjoyed the decor and there weren't many people when we were there so the drinks came out pretty fast read more

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Amazing atmosphere, great and creative food options and the helpful staff recommended a wine pairing that was fantastic. Went back the next week for coffee, also delicious! read more

Putnam’s vine/yard - Winter latte - Wine Bars Near Me - Hartford, Vermont

Baskets of Montessori-style toys for kiddos, stunning vibe, the friendliest staff, and delish bevs! I've come for evening wine with the girls and I've also come for a quiet work sesh. The morning coffee was served with the cutest little cream cup and crystallized sugar stick! The sparkling wine flights are my fav. At Putnam's, the experience is in all the tiny, finishing touches. You feel valued and like every dollar is worth spent. read more

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Love the atmosphere here, very unique and private. So comfortable Great menu and staff . My fav is morning coffee and yummy muffins and other pastries Evenings of wine and nibbles can be expensive, but with the $$ read more

So cute! We came here for drinks and apps one evening and had great cheese and wine. We returned the next morning to grab coffee and breakfast. The staff is so nice. The pricing is right. The aesthetic is so so cute! read more

Putnam’s vine/yard - Honey Bee latte - Wine Bars Near Me - Hartford, Vermont

What a cute little place! It has great aesthetics, but also a laid-back vibe. You can work, read, catch up with a friend or go on a date here. The drinks are really creative as well. So glad a place like this exists in the upper valley :) read more

Truly one of my favorite places in the upper valley. This is a community-focused space for all times of the day. They boast incredible brunch vibes (featuring seasonal mimosas and now the best Bloody Mary's in New England) and phenomenal late night food and beverage with curated wine and cocktails, new chef inspired small bites and charcuterie boards, and a perfect atmosphere. My favorite addition in 2025 has been their first Fridays featuring local bands, and new exciting food (I had an oyster tower and lobster!) The staff, music, antiques, games, and plants all add to the hidden oasis that is Putnam's. Any time friends come to visit, I take them here and they're always in love. Despite going multiple times a week for working while sipping a coffee, or getting a drink with friends, because their creative team is always figuratively and literally cooking up something new, I am frequently pleasantly surprised by fun and thoughtful additions to their drink and food menu. They've even added a full cocktail bar and espresso bar so truly all bases are covered. All in all, thank you to Putnam's for existing and constantly pushing the envelope on what it means to be for the community! read more

The loveliest space and third place here in White River Junction. Every area within it (and outside on the porch!) is so charming, and filled with an impressive amount of plants which just give serotonin all around. You can't go wrong with the coffees or the cocktails, and the wine list is also great. Putnam's does a lot to offer an ever changing selection of food from different businesses who do fun pop ups, and their daily menu is also really good (especially the shakshuka) Looking for a place to meet up with friends to catch up? Putnam's. First date? Putnam's. Want to read a book by yourself in a nook? Putnam's! The staff are all so wonderful and welcoming too so it feels like a come as you are kind of spot. Can't recommend enough read more

This place is an oasis. The plants, lighting feels like you have disappeared to a new realm. Great wine and NA options. Snacks. Full coffee bar I didn't try and plenty of space to work. But Al's spaces for conversations and fun. read more

Putnam offers a great cozy, modern ambiance to enjoy light fare & drinks. There was plenty of seating inside and the noise level wasn't too bad despite it being filled with different parties of guests. They also offered baked goods from a local vendor on the side which was a nice way to grab some quick snacks while supporting local businesses. A lovely spot for a night out! read more

Putnam’s vine/yard - ows a table full of plants - Wine Bars Near Me - Hartford, Vermont

This is a hidden gem in the upper valley. It is aesthetically beautiful! The food, coffee, and drinks are all exceptional.

Putnam's a wonderful addition to the White River Junction downtown scene. It's a wine bar/tea bar/small bites and sweets place/pop-up food space/plant store and generally a lovely space. It's bright, warm, inviting, and filled with lots of green plants which is a welcome change during the winter. This is a great place to grab a tea with cookies and socialize or spend some quality alone time. They also offer tea and wine classes. The Brooklyn-ish hipster vibe is alive and well here though the space is welcoming to everyone. read more

I really liked this place! The staff were welcoming and accommodating of our large group. There were a lot of drink options, both alcoholic and not. The layout allows for both open and intimate experiences, and there are even games and puzzles to enjoy while chatting and sipping. The only bummer was that they were out of quite a few drinks my friends and I were hoping to order, but other than that, it was a great experience! read more

Great atmosphere, absolutely loved the plant speckled interior. So many great seating areas and such good service. My favorite eats were definitely the lemon crinkle cookie and the oatmeal chocolate chip cookie! I also enjoyed the mimosa flight :) Would love to see even more vegan options, especially snacks! And always so great when oat milk does not have an extra charge. I will definitely be back, and will bring all my earthy, plant-based friends read more

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