Visiting Connecticut Wineries?
Intro and Quick Facts
Connecticut wineries are spread all over the state. You can find at least one winery within 45 minutes from where you decide to stay. Let me give you some state facts before I get into the winery info.
Connecticut was covered by a glacier 11,000 years ago. After this glacier retreated, it left behind many lakes and pools that total 146 square miles. A great forest grew after the retreat of the glacier and is now abundant with wildlife.
Connecticut’s climate is one of the best ones in new England for growing grapes. July highs reach 70s while January temperatures are around 20s. Heat spikes and winter freezes are not uncommon. Rain and snow combined account for about 48” of precipitation annually.
Connecticut can be divided into four parts: the eastern hill country, the Connecticut River Valley, the western hill country, and the southern coast.
Windsor, the first English colony in Connecticut, was established in 1633. It was intended to be a trading outpost.
The Connecticut coast is sometimes referred to as the Gold Coast of Connecticut because of its many seaports and its attractive beaches.
The first of Connecticut wineries was established in 1978, seems like yesterday. Many followed shortly after. In 1988, the state approved it’s official wine trail, which is split in two: eastern and western trail. It makes sense to take 2 separate occasions to explore each of the trails, but you can fit it all in a two-day weekend if you make it a goal. There are 19 wineries to visit, most of which offer free tasting.
Connecticut wineries produce a wide variety of wines ranging from dry, barrel fermented Chardonnays, Cabernet Francs, Dry Rieslings and Seyval Blanc. To fruitier sweeter whites and reds and late harvest Vidals and Vignoles. Some wineries produce sparkling wines, ciders and wines made from pears and apples.
Overview of Connecticut Wineries
The state’s wineries make wine from their own crops of grapes, fruit and berries. There are many award winning varieties, so make sure you try some other kinds besides your standard choice.
Autumn is the perfect time to spend a day or a weekend following the Connecticut Wine Trail for a sampling of some of New England's most delectable wines and an added bonus - glimpses of some of the most beautiful countryside in the Northeast.
Listing of Connecticut Wineries
Bishop's Orchards Winery - has a superb reputation and flavor of Bishop's Sweet Apple Cider and aged it into wine with a fresh, fruity bouquet. Also offers wine made from peaches, pears and raspberries, honey and spices. www.bishopsorchards.com
Chamard Vineyards – 2 miles from Long Island Sound. Offers premium tables wines from classic European grapes: Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Chamard has won best Connecticut wine for the last ten years. 115 Cow Hill Road, Clinton. Free tasting and tours Wed through Sat 11 A.M to 4 P.M. year round. (203) 664-0299, www.chamard.com
DiGrazia Vineyard - produces premium wines of quality and unique variety since 1978. Over 15 wines are offered, ranging from dry to sweet, made from grapes, fruit and honey. Try their Anastasia's Blush and Autumn Spice pumpkin wine.
131 Tower Road, Brookfield, CT 06804. May 1 through Dec. 31, weekdays, noon to 5 P.M.; weekends, 11 A.M. to 5 P.M.; Jan. 1 through April 30, Saturday and Sunday, noon to 5 P.M. Free tastings and tour. (203) 775-1616, www.digrazia.com
Gouveia Vineyards - this jem among Connecticut wineries offers fine wines, spectacular views and hospitality to help you unwind and relax. Perfect for a picnic. 1339 Whirlwind Hill Road, Wallingford, CT 06492, Phone: (203) 265-5526, www.gouveiavineyards.com
Haight Vineyard – the oldest winery in Connecticut. Their 25 acres of vineyards produces 6000 cases of wine a year. Wines produced include Chardonnay, Merlot, Riesling, Covertside White, Barely Blush, Picnic Red, and an old New England tradition Honey Nut Apple. Year round, Monday through Saturday, 10:30 A.M. to 5 P.M.; Sundays, noon to 5 P.M. Free tours and wine-tasting every hour. 29 Chestnut Hill Road, Litchfield, CT 06759, 860-567-4045, www.haightvineyards.com. Also check Haight Vinyard and Wine Education Center, Coogan Boulevard, off Interstate 95, Olde Mystick Village, Mystic. Museum-style winery with free self-guided tours and tastings. Mon-Sat, 10 A.M. to 6 P.M.; Sunday, noon to 5 P.M. (203) 572-1978
Heritage Trail Vineyards - A "boutique" size winery, tours of the winemaking areas are given by request, and guests may tour the vineyards independently. The grounds in season provide an exceptional site for picnicking. Small private events may be held indoors in the historic house year round. 291 North Burnham Highway, Lisbon, CT 06351, 860-376-0659, www.heritagetrail.com
Hopkins Vineyard - Sample many unique offerings at Hopkins Vineyard. May 1 through Dec. 31, weekdays, 10 A.M. to 5 P.M.; weekends, 10 A.M. to 6 P.M.; Jan. 2 through April 30, Friday through Sunday, 10 A.M. to 5 P.M 25 Hopkins Road, Warren, CT 06777, 860-868-7954, www.hopkinsvineyard.com
Jerram Winery - this farm winery is one of the newest Connecticut wineries. Located in the historic Town Hill section of New Hartford, the site of the original town settlement dating to the early 1700's. Because of the elevation, the vineyards enjoy a relatively long growing season that enables the vines to produce well-matured grapes necessary for the production of high quality wines. 535 Town Hill Road, New Hartford, CT 06057, 860-379-8749, www.jerramwinery.com
Jonathan Edwards Winery - relatively new operation. Jonathan Edwards wines are made in California with Napa Valley grapes, then transported to Connecticut for aging. Tours are complimentary and often given by Jonathan himself on Wed-Fri at 2pm, weekends at 2pm and 4pm. 74 Chester Maine Road, North Stonington, CT 06359, 860-535-0202, www.jedwardswinery.com
Jones Family Vineyard – family operated vineyard and famous berry harvests allow the winery to create a wonderful selection of traditional grape wines and specialty fruit wines. 606 Walnut Tree Hill Road, Shelton, CT 06484, 203-929-8425, www.jonesfamilyfarms.com
McLaughlin Vineyards - year-round farm dedicated to the production of quality wines and maple syrup in a natural environment. Located in Southern Connecticut, the 160 acre historic operation includes 15 acres of vineyards, a 2500 case winery, hiking trails, wine education seminars, a sugar house, sugar maple trees, and even a 50 acre wildlife and bald eagle sanctuary. 14 Albert’s Hill Road, Sandy Hook, Connecticut 06482, 203-426-1533, www.mclaughlinvineyards.com
Priam Vineyard - 40 acre farm has 25 acres of grapes in production, with a breathtaking 35 mile view of the New England countryside. One of the most scenic Connecticut wineries. 11 Shailor Hill Road, Colchester, CT 06415, 860-267-8520, www.priamvineyards.com
Sharpe Hill Vineyard - awarded over 185 medals in international tastings. Located in the town of Pomfret, just minutes from scenic Route 169 and from the Putnam Antiques District. Has a garden patio for having a meal with your wines, indoor restaurant areas, and a great wine bar. 108 Wade Road, Pomfret, CT 06258, 860-974-3549, www.sharpehill.com
Stonington Vineyards - best known for its barrel fermented Chardonnays and its proprietory blends Seaport White and Triad Rose. We also produce, as varietals, Vidal Blanc and Cabernet Franc. 523 Taugwonk Road, Stonington, CT 06378, Exit 91 off Interstate 95, Taugwonk Road, Stonington. Open daily, 11 A.M. to 5 P.M. 860-535-1222, www.stoningtonvineyards.com. Don't miss the adjoining art gallery featuring the works of local artists.
Land of Nod Vineyard and Winery – the milestone of the Litchfield County. The farm has been designated a Connecticut “Farm of Distinction,” thanks to the fact that the farm is one that has been in continuous ownership by the same family for more than 200 years. 99 Lower Road, East Canaan, CT 06024, 860-824-5225
White Silo Winery - small specialty winery. All of our wine is produced from our own farm grown fruit. Experience the charm of an earlier era by touring the old barn where the winery is located. Visit the fermentation, bottling, and corking rooms where the classical art of wine making has been preserved. 32 Route 37, East Sherman, CT 06784, www.whitesilowinery.com
Holmberg Orchard and Winery, CT Valley Winery and Taylor Brook Winery - offer a choice of 3 samples for free. Explore their wonderful selection of wines and related items.
Best Wine Picks
These 4 are the most popular wines from Connecticut wineries. But since everyone has their own taste, I dare you try some funky flavored wines before you settle on these.
1. Sharpe Hill Vineyard Red Seraph
2. Chamard Estate Reserve Chardonnay
3. Sharpe Hill Vineyard Chardonnay
4. Sharpe Hill Vineyard Ballet of Angels
Connecticut Wineries' Tours
You can either book a guided tour yourself
here,
or design your own itinerary by exploring the map of
Connecticut Wineries.
There is usually an annual wine festival where Connecticut wineries show off their best wines. The dates for this year are not yet set. Please check with the visitor centre for details before you go.
Attractions
Besides Connecticut wineries, there are many more places to see:
Three Lighthouses
A Connecticut Castle
Connecticut's Women's Heritage Trail
Covered Bridges of Connecticut
Down By the Old Cider Mill
The Mashantucket Pequot Museum
A Museum for Munchkins
Quassy Amusement Park a Survivor Among "Trolley Parks"
Visit a Sugar House
Walk with the Dinosaurs - Dinosaur State Park
Barnum Museum
Connecticut River Museum
Danbury Railway Museum
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat
Lyman Orchards
Maritime Aquarium
The Mark Twain House
Mystic Seaport
New Britain Museum of American Art
New England Air Museum
Peabody Museum of Natural History
Science Center of Connecticut
Stamford Museum and Nature Center
Wadsworth Atheneum
Ever thought of yourself as a Wine Personality? Check out what your wine personality is by taking a quiz here.
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