If you love wine, the outdoors and beautiful scenic views, the Connecticut countryside offers picturesque landscapes, quaint towns and festivals. There is a lot to explore and only a short drive from New York, Massachusetts or Rhode Island. Here are a few vineyards and unique attractions to get you started.
Gouvela Vineyards, Wallingford
Rooted in Portuguese winemaking, Gouvela Vineyards earthed in nature is a hilltop estate with magnificent countryside views and lush vineyards. It is a place where memories are made and family gathers for celebrations. Enjoy Chocolate Epiphany Reserve—vintage velvety Port-style sweet chocolate dessert wine or Stone House Red—bold, smoky berry flavors with blends of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Zinfandel.
Rosedale Farm & Vineyard
100 years of harvesting the freshest fruits, vegetables and grapes—Rosedale Farm & Vineyard has the sweetest corn, juicy heirloom, grape, yellow and cherry tomatoes—and uses French hybrid grapes to yield creative and outstanding wines. Enjoy a sweet and chilled glass of Summer Red blending blueberries and Pinot Noir—or bright and elegant glass of Three Sisters Sauvignon Blanc with citrus blends of pineapple, lime and honeydew. And relax at this 1920 farm stand and winery with live music, vintage barn and scenic countryside.
White Silo Farm & Winery, Sherman
Quaint, rugged, charming and vineyard full of activities year round. From Asparagus, Rhubard, Beet, Blackberry, Raspberry, Quince and Heirloom Tomato Festivals—there is a festival throughout the summer months—and pop-up dinners with featured chefs. Recommend the lightly oaked Anita’s Estate Red—a medium body dry wine made from 100% Estate Marquette Grapes.
Saltwater Farm Vineyard, Stonington
Coastal Farmland, WWII Airplane Hanger and Estate Wines—Saltwater has a curated portfolio of wines rooted in French winemaking in the fresh coastal air of New England. Enjoy clean and vibrant 2019 Estate Chardonnay with a touch of citrus, crisp apple—rooted in Stonington’s refreshing summer salty air.
B.F. Cyde’s Cider Mill, Old Mystic
The last steam-powered cider mill in the U.S.—B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill has made hard cider and apple wines since 1881. The traditional mill has been in the family for 6 generations, still uses the original machinery making the sweetest cider and seasonal treats—kettle corn, local honey, maple syrup, jams, apple pies and apple cider donuts. Nostalgic and enjoyable this 19th century cider mill will take you back in time.
Thorncrest Farm & Milk House Chocolates, Goshen
Take a break from wine and enjoy gourmet chocolates. Thorncrest understands varieties of milk and approaches chocolate similarly to winemaking—like types of grapes make different wine, each cow creates uniquely flavored milk and a specific type of chocolate. So stop and enjoy amazing collection artisan chocolates in the picturesque Litchfield countryside. For wine, Miranda Vineyards and Sunset Meadows Vineyards are minutes away and offer sunset views.
Hopkins Vineyard, Warren
One of the most scenic vineyards overlooking Lake Waramuag, Hopkins Vineyards grows 11 varieties of red and white wines. Beside the stunning view, the tasting rooms offers a warm rustic atmosphere in the 19th Century hayloft barn. Enjoy award-winning wines, such as a Cabernet Franc Estate—hearty dry red in aged in oak barrels for 23 months or one of the many speciality items in the harvest shop.
Jones Family Farms, Shelton
Quaint, small-town ambiance with the historic barn, working farm grounds and full-bodied wines, Jones Family Farms offer more than exceptional wine with family experience and annual Harvest events. From berry and apple picking, pumpkin patches and Christmas trees—there is an event for all ages and glass of wine for adults.
Rosabianca, Northford
From Amali, Italy to the Connecticut’s countryside of Northford, Rosabianca captures the spirit of family and new beginnings with a quaint and relaxing tasting room in a rustic barn. You immediately feel at home with a glass of Vino Del Nonno “My Grandfather’s Wine”, full-bodied table wine, blended with varies grapes and aromas of figs, black cherries and raisins—soft smooth finish.
Hawk Ridge, Watertown One of largest tasting lodges in Connecticut, Hawk Ridge Winery in the scenic Litchfield Hills of Watertown; offering 20 different styles of wines and ports—red, white, rose, dry or sweet. Sit on an Adirondack chair and enjoy the view with the Nighthawk’s Watch Pinot Noir—with its soft tannins and raspberry, boysenberry and blackberry flavors. The winery offers a large wine tasting lodge, great outdoors and live music.
Jonathan Edwards Winery, North Stonington
Classic New England style farmhouse with scenic countryside and vineyards. Jonathan Edwards coastal-country approach to winemaking offers unique craft wines, farm-to-table ambiance and beautiful barn. Enjoy a refreshing crisp glass Pinot Gris with hints of fresh pear, apple and lemon—great for summer. The working farm and vineyard is a great place to gather with family and friends.
Stonington Vineyards, Stonington
Hand picked harvest and passion for winemaking—Stonington Vineyards scenic countryside estate and refreshingly balanced award-winning and local favorite Seaport White wine is perfect for exploring the coastline and enjoying the sun.
Litchfield Distillery, Litchfield
Not wine but spirits. Often overlooked in a rugged red cinderblock building on Bantam Road, Litchfield Distillery is a state-of-art facility that focuses on the early distill craft spirits of Northern Connecticut. It features 11 distinctive spirits of Bourbon, Vodka and Gin using locally farmed wheat, barley and corn. Stop into the tasting room for Batcher’s Straight Bourbon Whiskey, aged in charred barrels and infused with butterscotch notes and vanilla.
Mine Hill Distillery, Roxbury Landmark destination and Historic Preservation Award winner, Mine Hill is more than a distillery of classic Gin and Vodka—but celebrates the Industrial Revolution with its 1872 train station, 1860 cigar factory, mills and waterfalls. It offers a full-authentic experience in truly unique setting.
Return for future posts exploring Connecticut’s Historic Homes, Waterfall Hikes, Douro Valley Vineyards and the world beyond.