Come take a trip on the Connecticut Wine Trail!

Experience Connecticut's Grape Escape. Cheers! Welcome to one of the most exciting and fastest growing wine regions in the United States. A tremendous variety of wine styles and stunning scenery are to be enjoyed as you meander throughout our beautiful state. The Connecticut Vineyard and Winery Association's blue wine trail signs will help guide you to the 25 wineries comprising the Connecticut Wine Trail.

Our cool-climate growing region allows for intricate and refined flavor development. Whether you are looking for robust barrel aged reds, crisp and bright whites or local fruit wines, Connecticut delivers.

Although the range of wines statewide is almost limitless, commonly grown varietals include Cabernet Franc and St. Croix for reds and Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Seyval Blanc for whites.

Should your trip start in the Litchfield Hills, the Connecticut or Housatonic River Valleys, the Quiet Corner or along the coast, visitors are sure to notice the distinct differences that make each growing region unique.

Despite the geographic variability, a common theme of dedicated farmers, passionate winemakers and timeless New England charm await regardless of where your trip takes you.

The Connecticut wine trail is a state approved winery and vineyard awareness program complete with special directional signs, brochures and special events. No matter where you are in Connecticut there is one or more wineries opened for visitors within a 45 minute drive.

When did the wineries start?

Commercial wineries were permitted in Connecticut in 1978 with the passing of the Connecticut winery act. The Connecticut wine trail was established in 1988.

How many wineries can I visit?

The wine trail is made up of 24 wineries: Jones, McLaughlin, DiGrazia, White Silo Winery, Hopkins, Miranda, Sunset Meadow, Connecticut Valley, Haight-Brown, Land of Nod, Jerram Winery, Gouveia Vineyards, Bishops, Chamard, Maugle Sierra, Stonington, Jonathan Edwards, Priam Vineyards, Rosedale, Holmberg, Paradise Hills, Saltwater Farm, Taylor Brooke, and Sharpe Hill. The trail is divided into two sections, East and West. To fully enjoy the Wine Trail, we suggest planning a few weekends to experience all that each winery has to offer.

Do grapes really grow in Connecticut?

Connecticut is surprisingly mild. Connecticut vineyards grow: Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Riesling, Seval Blanc, Vidal Blanc, Cayuga, Saint Croix, Vignoles, and Foch. Connecticut's 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, peaches, raspberries and blueberries. All the wineries on the wine trail have tasting rooms for visitors to sample their portfolio of wines. You do not need to make any reservations to taste wines. Most vineyards offer tours and it is best to call each winery for their schedule as some do require reservations.

How much does it cost to visit the wineries?

The wineries may charge for a wine tasting both for individuals and for groups. Reservations are not necessary, but large groups are strongly encouraged to call ahead. Each winery should be called for pricing information. Farm wineries are permitted to sell wine on Sundays.

Here are the upcoming events on the CT Wine Trail calendar:

Wednesday, April 16

Sip & Savor Series at Jones Winery

Sip & Savor Series: New York City. A light-hearted yet knowledgeable discussion on the pairing of foods and wines. April 16th from 6:30-8:30pm. Registration required. Call (203)929-8425. Jones Winery is located at 606 Walnut Tree Hill Road, Shelton.

Thursday, April 17

Sunset Meadow Vineyards now open on Thursdays. Located at 599 Old Middle St. in Goshen. Open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Venue:

Sunset Meadow Vineyards

Phone:

(860) 201-4654

Chocolate and Wine Pairing at Sunset Meadow Vineyards

Now you have the option to choose a chocolate and wine pairing at SMV. Taste five wines perfectly paired with five delectable, locally made chocolates for only $15.

Friday, April 18

Easter Basket Special at Sunset Meadow Vineyards

Visit our gift shop for special deals on Easter Wine Baskets at Sunset Meadow Vineyards on April 18 & 19.

Live Music Fridays at Preston Ridge Vineyard

Enjoy live music on Fridays at Preston Ridge Vineyard, 100 Miller Road, Preston, from 5pm-8pm in our tasting room. Bring food & friends to enjoy some amazing music, great wine and an incredible sunset view. For more information, call (860)383-4278.
April 18 – Guido Falivene
April 25 – Dave Sobol

Live Music at Gouveia Vineyards

Live music every Friday night at Gouveia Vineyards, 1339 Whirlwind Hill Road, Wallingford, from 5:30-8:30pm.\
April 18 – Joe Cadena
April 25 – Eaves/Mary DeVita

For more information, visit www.gouveiavineyards.com or call (203)265-5526.

Live Entertainment at Paradise Hills Vineyard

Live Entertainment on Friday evenings from 5:30-8:30pm at Paradise Hills Vineyard, 15 Windswept Hill Road, Wallingford. Call (203) 284-0123.
April 18 -Carrie Ashton
April 25 – The Choos

Great Music, Fine Wines and Sunsets at Maugle Sierra Vineyards

Enjoy live music at Maugle Sierra Vineyards, 825 Colonel Ledyard Highway, Ledyard, on Friday evenings from 6-9pm. For more information, call (860) 464-2987.
April 18 – The Cartells Trio
April 25 – The Jan Jungden Trio

Saturday, April 19

Bunny Brunch Mimosas at Bishop's Orchards Winery

With only one Tasting Day this weekend, we are sampling the perfect Mimosas for an Easter Morning Brunch. With only two main ingredients, our Sachem's Twilight Sparkling Peach Wine pair deliciously with an orange or even a mango orange juice.
April 19th. Call 8552BISHOP. We are located at 1355 Boston Post Road, Guilford.

Friday, April 25

Taylor Brooke Winery opens for the Season

Taylor Brooke Winery, 848 Connecticut 171, Woodstock, opens for the season on Friday, April 25. Call (860)974-1263 for more information.
Regular hours: Fridays, 11am-6pm, and Saturdays and Sundays 11am-5pm.

For more information, go to http://www.ctwine.com/.

 

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Submitted by Bethel, CT

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