saltworksTHE PLACE
Salt with an address.
At Down Island Farm in Vineyard Haven, a purpose-built solar evaporator turns Atlantic seawater into sea salt. Owner Heidi Feldman says the project began in 2010–11 and first went to market in 2013, after the team developed its solar process and completed the evaporator. [2]
THE METHOD
How the salt is made.
According to owner Heidi Feldman, Atlantic seawater is collected with a submerged intake, filtered and pumped into solar evaporator pools. Solar-powered fans move air over the surface and carry moisture out. Sunlight, daylight hours and humidity govern the pace: a batch can take roughly three weeks to three months before crystals are ready to harvest. Harvesting continues year-round. The crystals drain in piles in the evaporator before moving to the farm kitchen for grading and further draining in colanders. Some salt is blended with other ingredients; some is smoked over oak harvested on the farm. [2]
Process described by the operator; method categories are editorial groupings. Not independently inspected.
THE HARVEST
What is made here.
Other products sold by the brand
Herb and spice salt blends; Oak-smoked sea salt
Inputs from other places
Ingredients for blends are sourced separately; the producer says all salt used in its products is made on the farm.
PLAN A VISIT
No public tours
The producer discourages visits to the farm because the access road is rutted and traffic raises dust for neighbours. Buy through the official online shop or ask the producer for current stockists. Heidi Feldman also reports selling at the West Tisbury Farmers Market from June through October; confirm current market attendance directly. [2]
Reviewed 2026-10-07. Confirm current access directly before travelling.
What still needs checking
- Production details are supplied by the owner and have not been independently inspected.
- Confirm current stockists and farmers-market attendance directly with the producer.
