Restaurant Features Vineyard Wine Shop WIne Wine Trail Highlight Homepage Guide To Connecticut Vineyards To Visit in Summer 2024 April Guilbault July 12, 2024 Rose All Day. Wine o’clock. Wine not? And remember, Sip Happens! Ah, the battlecries of the summer season! From day trips to special gatherings (any bridesmaids out there?), a bucolic, rambling vineyard is the perfect place to while away sun-drenched hours, maybe learn a little something, nibble a little something (wine and charcuterie go hand-in-hand, after all), and sip a whole lot of somethings. Those somethings are local, delightful and flavorful, handcrafted with skill and dedication, and finished off with a wine barrel full of love. A little note for your summer ramblings and sipping: Entries with asterisks (*) are participating wineries/vineyards on the CT Wine Trail. Pet-friendliness is also noted.Start here….get your Passport to CT Farm Winerieswww.ctwine.comIf you are 21 or older, get the 2024 Passport App or pick up a printed passport book (both free) for your summer exploring! Collect stamps at the 38 participating CT wineries across the state that get you to different tiers of rewards and be entered into the drawings for over 100 prizes, valued at more than $10k (total)Maugle Sierra Vineyards-Ledyard www.mauglesierravineyards.comNestled in Coastal New England, Maugle Sierra Vineyards is dedicated to producing premium Connecticut and New England grown wines. With 11 acres in grape production, it is a must see for visitors. Come to the winery! Enjoy wine flights, purchase wine by the glass, bottle, or case. Picnicking with friends on their wine patio or Rendezvous overlook is encouraged with copious wine purchase. Offering a great venue for your events, happy hours both Thursday and Friday, along with live music on Saturdays and Sundays. Tranquility Vineyard and Winery-Middlebury www.tranquillityvineyard.comTranquillity Vineyard & Winery is located on Lake Quassapaug in Middlebury, CT on the remaining forty-four acres of the original 300 acre historic J H Whittemore Tranquillity Farm, which was founded in 1892. The Yimoyines family are honored to have been chosen by the Whittemore heirs to steward this exquisite property to preserve it for future generations to enjoy. Join them and experience the beautiful sunsets and tranquil surroundings that led to their name. They have plenty of outdoor seating (no reservations required!) that is divided into two areas, Adirondack seating and Umbrella Table seating. Adirondack seating is offered on a first come first served basis. If you would like to guarantee seating, you can book an umbrella table in advance of your visit for $25 for 2hrs. Tranquility Vineyard has a very intimate indoor tasting room that accommodates up to 12 people. Reservations are required indoors as space is limited.Worthington Vineyards and Winery-Somers www.worthingtonwinery.comWorthington Vineyards & Winery is not only a farm winery where one can enjoy a glass or bottle of wine, but also a private park where friends can gather to relax, meditate, or enjoy some light afternoon entertainment and recreation. When you visit Worthington, you will encounter a truly unique experience found nowhere else in New England. From the natural beauty of the beaver-created pond to the numerous patios, walking paths, and picnic areas, all surrounding the centerpiece of the farm – the stunning covered bridge. Each season offers a unique experience of beauty and harmony with nature. Spend an afternoon enjoying a picnic lunch, walking through the trails, or celebrating your memorable event. Worthington procures only the finest grapes from estate grown, local, and out-of-state farms to produce premium quality wines. It is with special care that their winemakers nurture the “must”, the sweet juice, seeds, stems, and skins from the freshly pressed grapes that yields the balanced and palate satisfying wines which they offer. Their wines are engineered by Certified Professional Engineer Karen Murdoch to provide the exact aroma, flavor and highly satisfying character to which their customers are accustomed. Try each of their wines in a tasting flight, then take a pick of your choice to enjoy out in their picnic areas or patios!*Aquila’s Nest Vineyard-Newtownwww.aquilasnestvineyards.comTheir nine wines are named for women from Mediterranean history and mythology (ie. Queen of Illyria Red Blend) and you can enjoy these wines by the glass, the bottle, or even in slushy form. Maybe sip and relax in their Fairy Gazebo, or at The Forbidden Fireplace? They serve flights, with or without snacks, and their love of the constellations, women empowerment and experiential, memory-making events make this a very special vineyard. Dogs are welcome, outdoors only, and must be leashed.Arrigoni Winery & Cider Co.-Portlandwww.arrigoniwinery.comBring your friends and chill on a Summer’s Day; whether in their tasting room, the covered outdoor pavilion or their patio with a view of their vineyard, you will enjoy wines (they have over thirty specialty wines), craft beers, and made-to-order food. Check their website for their calendar of entertainment, there’s plenty going on! No pets allowed in reserved seating areas.Bethlehem Vineyard and Winery-Bethlehemwww.bethlehemvineyard.comFor almost two decades, Bethlehem Vineyards has been creating wines that speak to the spirit of the holidays, as they were the first small farm winery in the town of Bethlehem, also fondly referred to as Christmas Town. Enjoy wines such as their Le Creche, Santa’s Helper, Old St. Nicholas among other non-holiday vinos.B.F Clyde’s Cider Mill-Mysticwww.clydescidermill.comThe last steam-powered cider mill in the U.S. is right under our noses in charming Mystic and is run by 4th, 5th and 6th generation family members. While they also make cider to go with your cider donuts and hard-cider, try their apple wines, which are aged in oak whiskey barrels and have a smoother mouthfeel and are more shelf-stable than hard cider (Closed for the season, re-opens on Sept. 1st, 2024).*Bishop’s Orchards-Guilfordwww.bishopsorchards.comSpecialty fruit wines made on-site from fruits they grow, such as their peaches, pears, strawberries, raspberries and blueberries. They have wine and hard cider tastings every day at their farm market and from May-October they do weekend tastings in the Little Red Barn. They also stock Connecticut Farm Wines.Brignole Vineyards-East Granbywww.brignolevineyards.comFor 15 years, this family-owned and operated winery in the heart of East Granby has been a hub for locals and experience seeking wine-lovers alike. They are open 7 days a week with tastings, food trucks, local beers, music and festivities. Check their website for special and ticketed events such as Jukebox Bingo, a Farmers’ Market and Wheels and Wine Car Show.Cassidy Hill Vineyard-Coventrywww.cassidyhillvineyard.comA log cabin tasting room, a porch on which to perch, and over a dozen wines to choose from. You are even welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages to have a sweet, summertime picnic. Bonus: Call or go online to order wine-to-go. There you go! Pets and children not permitted on Friday evenings. Dog-friendly-keep on a leash, please.*Chamard Vineyards-Clintonwww.chamard.comMix a farm, a winery and a bistro and you get the French-inspired Chamard Vineyards. For over thirty years, Chamard has been producing wines-10,000 cases annually- and tending their vines in the European tradition, that is to say, by hand. Visit the tasting room to explore their creations or enjoy a memorable lunch or dinner in their bistro, which you can book online. *Connecticut Valley Winery-New Hartfordwww.ctvalleywinery.comGuess who won a (record-breaking) 25 medals at the Big E Northeast Gold Wine Competition? Yep, you got it! They also took home awards for their Black Bear Port and Best Small Winery in the Northeast. We think you might want to head here this summer and sample their wines which range from Chianti and Cabernet Franc to Spumonte Muscato and their aforementioned Port.*Gouveia Vineyards-Wallingfordwww.gouveiavineyards.comFrom Portugal to Wallingford! Joe Gouveia was born and raised in Portugal and moved to New Haven when he was fifteen. He established his vineyard so he could share his Portuguese heritage and create a space for family and friends to escape the hustle and bustle of life for a while. Gouveia offers nine whites, eight reds (including port, of course) and a fabulous harvest festival which you shouldn’t miss. Dog friendly, leashes required.*Hawk Ridge Winery-Watertownwww.hawkridgewinery.netAcres of grapevines to flood Instagram with, a sprawling lawn where you can picnic, set- ups of corn hole games, live music every weekend and a long menu of white, red, rose, port and dessert wines to enjoy. They also offer flights, wine slushies and wine seltzers-check their website for the Slushie of the Month. YUM. Summer never tasted so good. Dog friendly on lawn and in tent area. *Heartstone Farm & Winery-Columbiawww.heartstonewinery.comFamily-owned-and-operated since 2017, this winery encourages you to uncork, sip and stay a while, as you take in the beauty of their 56 acres. Bring a picnic, enjoy the food trucks, toe-tapping live music and sample some of the best wines in the state from their Petite Syrah and Corot Noir to Blueberry and Strawberry wines. Handicapped accessible. Dog friendly, leash required.*Holmberg Orchards-Gales Ferrywww.holmbergorchards.comOn this 150 acre farm that has been run by five generations of Holmbergs stands their antique (although it looks new) Wine and Cider barn. The farm grows Pinot Blanc and Gewürztraminer varietals, along with 35 types of apples and other fruits for their wines and ciders. Belly up to their American Chestnut wood bar for a sample, maybe even a cooling wine slushie? Open August-October.*Hopkins Vineyard-Warrenwww.hopkinsvineyard.comSince 1979, this vineyard overlooking beautiful Lake Waramaug has produced award-winning whites, reds and sparkling wines. They are the only vineyard in the state that is environmentally influenced by an inland lake and with its high elevation and SW exposure, giving the grapes the opportunity to ripen slowly and steadily accumulate sugar. The result? More than a dozen wines that you are sure to love.Independence Vineyard-Lebanonwww.independencevineyard.comPursue your happiness this summer with a trip to Independence Vineyard, which sits on the historic Lebanon town green. They offer nine different wines-red, white, blush, and fruit-and encourage you to bring a picnic, relax and proclaim your Independence from the rush of the week.*Jerram Winery-New Hartfordwww.jerramwinery.comThis farm winery affords visitors a chance to learn about the wine making process and the philosophy, all the while enjoying the pastoral setting of their vineyard. Jerram Winery offers almost a dozen wines, which include several award-winners. See their website for full descriptions of all you can try and buy.*Jonathan Edwards Winery-North Stoningtonwww.jedwardswinery.comTheir tasting room is open daily and features wine by the glass and bottle, self-guided flights, craft beers for those not indulging in a grape-focused tipple, as well as welcoming-on-a-hot-day Frozé (note: that wine tastings on the weekends require a reservation). They also have curated charcuterie and cheese so that your picnic on these beautiful grounds will make for a great day off or special occasion. Bonus: You can order their wine online and pick them up at the tasting room.*Jones Family Farms & Winery-Sheltonwww.jonesfamilyfarms.comSince 1999, Jones Winery has been nurturing their vines to make great wines and they now have twenty for you to enjoy. Their Sunshine White is the perfect summer sipping wine which garnered several awards at the 2022 Big E. This summer, plan a trip to their historic tasting room and winery to enjoy live music on Fridays and Sundays, have a light bite, and soak up the atmosphere of CT farm that strives to showcase the best the state has to offer. ADA service dogs welcome.*Kingdom of the Hawk-North Stoningtonwww.kingdomofthehawk.comRustic yet polished, cozy yet sleek-this barn where you can sip your stresses away is fully reimagined and unlike any in the area. With expansive views of the vineyards from their wall-sized windows, a stone fireplace to gather around (in cooler weather, of course), and a deck on which to linger and take in the scenery with wine in hand, you have all the components of a stressless afternoon. Their tasting room offers wine by the glass and bottle, along with CT craft beers. Bring a picnic, make it a day!*Land of Nod Winery-East Canaanwww.landofnodwinery.comA dozen varieties of grape and fruit wines-from their Ice Box Red or Rosé to Peach Wine and Chocolate Raspberry. Family run and located on 200 acres, this Bicentennial Farm (one owned by the same family for 200 years) now has been producing wines since 1994. Wine tastings are offered daily in their shop that also sells unique items from yarn, procured from their sheep, local maple syrup, and more.Lost Acres Vineyard-Granbywww.lostacresvineyard.comA pleasure for the senses…partake in a glass of any of their five wines, peruse their ever-changing art exhibits from award-winning area artists inside the barn/tasting room, and listen to the sweet sounds of local musicians on Friday and Sundays. Wine-friendly cheese and antipasto plates are also available or you are welcome to bring a picnic. Does life get any better?*Paradise Hills Vineyards-Wallingford www.paradisehillsvineyard.comSince 1997, this Italian-American family-owned-and-operated vineyard and winery has been creating handcrafted and full-bodied wines. Committed to sustainable farming, the Ruggiero family wants you to enjoy this farm-to-glass experience and all it has to offer. Bring a picnic, relish a flight of wines, listen to live music on Friday nights and Sunday afternoons. p.s.-They even have a book club for wine lovers: “Read Between the Wines”! Pets welcome outside.*Preston Ridge Vineyard, Prestonwww.prestonridgevineyard.comSituated on 60 acres just fifteen miles from Long Island Sound, Preston Ridge Vineyard affords you breathtaking views of the Connecticut countryside. Whether planning a vineyard wedding, a corporate event, or just savoring a day trip, Preston Ridge Vineyard will provide you a luxurious and memorable experience. The tasting room and over a dozen wines await. Pets on leashes welcome in picnic area and lower outside barrel room level.*Priam Vineyards-Colchesterwww.priam-vineyards.comWith new ownership comes new energy for this decades old winery and vineyard! They have fourteen award-winning wines under their belt which they serve at their tasting bar, tasting room, and wine patio year round. Feast on a flight-they aren’t just for beer drinkers anymore. Open Wednesday-Sunday, Priam has a full roster of events from food trucks to live music, Bridal shows, and concert series. Rosabianca Vineyards-Northfordwww.rosabiancavineyards.comOpen Friday-Sunday, this rustic Italian winery that began as a dream imagined while on the Amalfi Coast shores, now is a winery based on the spirit of family and good wine shared together. Over a dozen red, white, Rosé, and red blends can be enjoyed in their homey tasting room or on their verdant patio. Check website for monthly events schedule.Rosedale Farms and Vineyard-Simsburywww.rosedale1920.comFifteen handcrafted wines made on site, a huge farmstead and bakery, chef-to-farm dinners and a festival series-so much to do and experience! New is their Rosedale Wine Club which gets you 3 bottles of wine at each pickup, two complimentary glasses of wine, vineyard and winery tours and access to their new releases. *Salt Water Farm Vineyard-Stoningtonwww.saltwaterfarmvineyard.comOpen every Wednesday-Sunday, they have live music, a raw bar and food truck (3-5pm on Sundays). Their tasting room is situated in an oh-so-cool restored WWll-era airplane hangar and overlooks a preserved and maintained 1800ft grass landing strip dating back to the 1930s.Tasting room is by glass or bottle, pleasing nibbles available for purchase, or you can bring your own picnic.Savino Vineyards-Woodbridgewww.savinovineyards.net“Good wine makes good cheer”, says Savino Vineyards. Well, you got that right! Their tasting room is open Saturday and Sunday, with wine by the glass, bottle, or flights available for your enjoyment of their nine different wines. Bring a picnic or grab a charcuterie/antipasto to snack on with your glass of vino.*Sharpe Hill Vineyard-Pomfretwww.sharpehill.comGarnering over 350 awards for excellence at national and international competitions, Sharpe Hill Vineyard-a gem in the Quiet Corner of Connecticut- is a feast for the palate. Their tasting room is open Friday-Sunday and their fourteen wines are available for purchase. Wine flights, 6-wine sampler and gourmet cheese boxes will introduce you to the flavors of this accomplished winery.Stappa Vineyard-Orangewww.stappavineyard.comThree sisters and their parents’ dream inspired this winery and it has been full steam ahead since they opened in 2020. With a menu of a dozen wines, craft beers, flights and Frosé, charcuterie boxes and plenty of events during the summer months, a stop at Stappa should be on your calendar.Staehly Farm and Winery-East Haddamwww.staehlys.comFruit wines abound at Staehly Farm Winery; Sweet Apple, Midnight Blueberry, Orchard Cherry, Pomodoro (first tomato wine avail in the United States-who knew?), Rhubarb and Peach, your taste buds are in for a new adventure with (all!) these competition winners. If you are loving these, join their Wine Club or give a membership as a gift.*Stonington Vineyards-Stoningtonwww.stoningtonvineyards.comThis vineyard is one of the founding members of the CT Wine Trail and known for their barrel fermented Chardonnay, along with their proprietary blends Seaport White and Triad Rose. Not to leave the Riesling and Cab lovers out of the equation, they have those too! Tastings are offered daily year-round, check Instagram @stoningtonvineyards for current events. Tours available, pets are welcome in certain areas, picnicking encouraged!Sunset Hill Vineyard-Lymewww.sunsethillvineyard.comGrowing three kinds of grapes on this family-run boutique vineyard which go on to produce their Zinfandel, Pino Grigio, Orange Wine and more, you’ll enjoy your time at Sunset Hill. Meet the makers, tour the vineyard, and soak up all there is to love about a vineyard and the wine-making process.*Sunset Meadow Vineyards-Goshenwww.sunsetmeadowvineyards.comSunsets and wine-what a delightful combination, no? Their tasting room is open year round, with (limited) indoor seating but lots of outdoor seating to take in the views! Choose any five wines to taste and glasses, bottles, and wine slushies are also available (yum). They have food trucks on site, but feel free to bring a picnic and plenty of friends! Pets are welcome, but must be leashed.*Taylor Brooke Winery-Woodstockwww.taylorbrookewinery.comYou’ve been to wine tastings and heard about Wine Clubs, but how about an Adopt-A-Vine program? You purchase a vine and then have the pleasure of taking home a bottle from each season for 3 consecutive years. What a great gift idea! If you are more into instant gratification, head to their tasting room for flights, slushies, and cocktails. Try their Vines and Vibes Yoga, too! ADA service dogs welcome.The Vineyard at Hillyland-Windhamwww.thevineyardathillyland.comA “modern rural setting” is the place to sample wines from this family-owned business in bucolic Scotland, CT. Wines made from grapes grown on this site of a 19th century dairy farm, they take pride in their history and have thus named their wines after local farms which played important roles in the region. Sampling their seven wines and summery slushies will make for a fun afternoon in…Scotland.*Walker Road Vineyards-Woodburywww.walkerroadvineyards.comFor your summer bucket list: Yoga at the Vineyard. Downward dog followed by Tipping Glass pose, shall we say. Not a yogini? Maybe their art shows or play previews will spark your interest! Or you could simply head to their tasting room for flights or glasses, linger on their covered decks and picnic area and take in the vista. Dogs allowed in picnic area only and must be leashed.*White Silo Farm & Winery-Shermanwww.whitesilowinery.comTheir wines-Farm White, red, Rosé, sangria, sparkling and fruit wines with flavors of black currant, semi-sweet raspberry or rhubarb and more-will pair deliciously with their upcoming events to make for a fun and fabulously flavorful summer! See their website for full listing of events.
