Mirthwood Guide: Mastering Sour Grapes in the Game

Your adventure in Mirthwood begins with the intriguing quest, Sour Grapes. This quest is unique in that players only have one opportunity to uncover the truth behind the sour wine incident at the Vinter’s Vale Winery. The quest resembles a classic whodunnit, where every deduction leads to a final outcome, with no chance for correction if mistakes are made. To ensure a favorable conclusion, meticulous attention to the clues is essential.

Locating the Sour Grapes Quest in Mirthwood

The quest commences at Vinter’s Vale Winery, strategically positioned along the northern periphery of the Old Forest. To access the winery, exit your farm through the east gate, proceed across the north bridge that leads out from the Blue Meadows, and pass by landmarks such as the Abandoned Tower and the Old Forest Campsite until you reach your destination.

Vinters Vale Winery Mirthwood Map — Map of Vinter’s Vale Winery, courtesy of Prima Games

Initiate the quest by conversing with Godfrey, the winery owner. Godfrey is distressed as some of his prized wine has gone sour, and he suspects foul play by someone within his circle. Your mission is to interrogate the three primary suspects and gather evidence to identify the perpetrator.

Unraveling the Mystery of Sour Grapes

During your investigation, you will need to question three key individuals:

Emeric
Eloise
Bran

The suspects each possess vital pieces of information. Eloise is Godfrey’s wife, Bran is an employee at the winery, and Emeric is their son. Engage with each suspect, ensuring to explore every dialogue option, as their responses will provide crucial clues necessary for solving the case.

Mirthwood Emeric — Emeric from Mirthwood, courtesy of Prima Games

Eloise expresses concern over Godfrey’s obsession with his wine, while Bran alludes to Emeric frequently lingering around the wine. Emeric, in turn, vocalizes his feelings of neglect, noting that his father prioritizes wine over family.

Your next step involves exploring three significant areas on the winery grounds:

The hedge maze
The cabin
The wine barrels

Mirthwood Hedge Maze — The hedge maze at Vinter’s Vale Winery, courtesy of Prima Games

Start your investigation in the hedge maze located on the winery’s right side. Within its center, you’ll find a letter revealing a plan involving Elderberries intended to spoil the wine. Be sure to collect a Fabled Feather found in this area before proceeding!

Mirthwood Cabin — The cabin at the winery, courtesy of Prima Games

Next, visit the cabin situated on the right side, which Bran occupies while at work. Here, you will uncover a note detailing Bran’s satisfaction with his job and hinting at Godfrey’s frequent absenteeism.

Mirthwood Wine Barrels — The wine barrels under suspicion, courtesy of Prima Games

Finally, inspect the wine barrels located at the back of the winery. You will discover signs of tampering, substantiating Godfrey’s concerns that the wine was intentionally sabotaged, rather than the result of an accident or animal interference, as Eloise suggested.

Conclusions of the Sour Grapes Quest

With all clues assembled, you can confidently conclude that Emeric is the guilty party. Eloise bears no responsibility, believing the wolves to be the culprits, and Bran shows no signs of motive as he is content with his work.

Mirthwood Sour Grapes Solution — Solved! The outcome of the Sour Grapes quest, courtesy of Prima Games

Emeric, burdened by feelings of neglect, implied that perhaps if the wine suffered damage, his father would focus more on him. Now, return to Godfrey to reveal your findings—inform him that Emeric is responsible for the spoiled wine. Godfrey acknowledges his shortcomings as a father, paving the way towards a reconciliatory conclusion for the story. Successfully solving the case earns you +5 Renown.

For more tips and detailed guides, check out this source.