LaBelle Winery Celebrates Back-to-Back Wins in 2025 NH Union Leader Readers’ Choice Awards

Amherst, New Hampshire — LaBelle Winery is honored to announce that it has won multiple top placements in the Union Leader’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards.

The winery’s executive chef, Justin Bernatchez, has been named best New Hampshire chef by readers across the state for the second year in a row, a reflection of his talent and his leadership at Americus Restaurant at LaBelle Winery in Derry and The Bistro at LaBelle Winery in Amherst. Bernatchez’s cuisine is also featured at LaBelle’s weddings and private events.

“Justin’s creativity, discipline, and care for the guest experience come through in every dish,” said Amy LaBelle, co-owner and winemaker at LaBelle Winery. “To have him recognized two years in a row by the people of New Hampshire is a testament to the incredible work he and our culinary team deliver every day.”

“I’m humbled to be voted best New Hampshire chef for a second year,” said Bernatchez. “This recognition means so much because it comes from our community. I share it with our entire team, who makes everything we do possible.”

LaBelle Winery’s placements in the Union Leader’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards include:

First Place:

• Best New Hampshire chef
• Best New Hampshire vineyard/winery
• Best New Hampshire wine bar

Second Place:

• Best New Hampshire banquet/event facility
• Best New Hampshire wedding venue

These results build on LaBelle’s strong showing in the Union Leader’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards. In addition to Bernatchez’s award, LaBelle Winery also won first place in the best New Hampshire wine bar category and received second place for best New Hampshire vineyard/winery and best New Hampshire banquet/event facility.

“These awards are incredibly meaningful to us because they reflect the experiences of our guests,” added LaBelle. “We’re grateful to everyone who voted and to those who continue to support our mission to deliver unforgettable experiences.”

About LaBelle Winery:

LaBelle Winery has provided guests with award-winning wines since its founding in 2005. Since 2012, when its flagship facility opened in Amherst, the winery has offered outstanding cuisine, entertainment and venues for private events and weddings. LaBelle’s Amherst location is home to the winery’s production facility, The Bistro restaurant, a tasting room and wine and gift shop.

LaBelle’s Derry location opened in 2021. The Derry property is home to Americus restaurant, golf and mini-golf courses, an event center and a market offering prepared food and beverages. A tasting room and a sparkling wine production facility opened in Derry in May 2022.

Along with award-winning wines, LaBelle has created a gourmet culinary product line called The Winemaker’s Kitchen. Products are currently available at both of the winery’s locations.

LaBelle Winery Amherst is located at 345 Route 101 in Amherst, New Hampshire.

LaBelle Winery Derry is located at 14 Route 111, Derry, New Hampshire.

Visit LaBelleWinery.com for directions and hours of operation.

For questions or media inquiries email michelle@labellewinery.com