By Lissa Poirot
Did you know Connecticut has its own wine trail, with more than two dozen wineries just ripe for summertime sipping? If you’re in New England, Connecticut is small enough to hit all of its vineyards during a week-long vacation. But if you’re looking for a weekend getaway or just a Saturday in the sun, we suggest you try out any combination of these itineraries.
As the Berkshire Mountains occupy the northwest corner of the state, you can do a mountain tour of wineries, including Land of Nod in East Canaan, Jerram Winery, and Connecticut Valley Winery in New Hartford, Haight-Brown Vineyard in Litchfield, and Sunset Meadow Vineyard, and Miranda Vineyard in Goshen. In the rolling hills, you’ll find sweeter wines and wineries that also have berry farms to combine grapes and fruits for deliciously sweet vino.
Spend time along the Block Island Sound’s coastal towns and the winding country roads of eastern Connecticut near the Rhode Island border by visiting Bishop Orchards Winery in Guilford, Chamard Vineyards in Clinton, Saltwater Farm Vineyard and Stonington Vineyards in Stonington, Jonathan Edwards Winery in North Stonington, Mangle Sierra Vineyards in Leyard, Holmberg Orchards & Winery in Gales Ferry, and Preston Ridge Vineyard in Preston. The closer to the Sound, the more the grapes in this area are introduced to tidal marshes and saltwater, creating wines similar to those found along the European coast.
New Yorkers will find a tour of Connecticut’s western border vineyards easy for daytrips on the weekends. Visit Hopkins Vineyard in Warren, White Silo Farm & Winery in Sherman, DiGrazia Vineyard in Brookfield, Walker Road Vineyard in Woodbury, Jones Winery in Shelton and Savino Vineyards in Woodbridge. The small towns and farms dotting the state are filled with family-friendly vineyards with picnic areas, gardens, and intimate tasting rooms. Some vineyards, like Silo Farm, feature kitchens for indoor and outdoor dining.
Many of the wineries listed have special wine and food pairings, live music, and seasonal events. You can learn more about the special events, get a wine trail map, and discover more about each vineyard in Connecticut by visiting CT Wine Trail’s website.