If you love wine and beautiful scenic views, this list is for you. 7 vineyards, each with their own unique attractions, architecture, natural landscapes and festivals. So whether you prefer the quant countryside of Connecticut or rolling lush hills of Napa, California, these vineyards are worth exploring and wines worth tasting. Includes two extra stops for Artisan Chocolates and Distilled Craft Spirits.
Frog's Leap
A dream and leaps above the rest— beautiful vineyard, tranquil gardens and organically farmed grapes. Frog’s Leap is what all vineyards should inspire to be—perfectly balanced. Enjoy a transparent view of Rutherford Bench from a farmhouse porch or in the ambiance of the Barrel Cellar with glass of Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon; structured with lush flavors of mocha, black fruit and dusty aromas—yet clean velvety texture and classic. If not for the wine, visit for the tranquil experience with nature.
Inglenook
Rich in heritage and grandeur of legacy of winemaking, Inglenook takes you back in time, draws you in with a historic water storage tank house and estate drive flanked by trees and vineyards. The château nestled within the Mayacamas foothills was build in 1887 creating a sense of nostalgia of time past and relived. The rustic stone Bistro reminiscent of European café with gardens and courtyard fountain offers the perfect spot for a glass of 1882 Cabernet Sauvignon—savory, sweet scents of cassis, vanilla flow and cedar blackberry. Both the wine and relaxing environment flowing seamlessly creating a peaceful experience.
Artesa
Mediterranean inspired hilltop estate in Los Carneros with magnificent panoramic countryside views, open courtyards with infinity pools and rolling lush vineyards. Artesa is a winery earthed in nature, architecture, rich culture and luxury. Enjoy Mount Veeder with fresh smooth glass of Albarino Los Carneros with a hint of lime and honey—perfect for summer.
Hopkins
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
Quaint, small-town ambiance with the historic barn, working farm grounds and full-bodied wines, Jones Family 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.
Hawk Ridge
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.
Peju Province
The iconic Province Tower with copper roof and hand-crafted wooden doors is most unique tasting room in Napa. Enjoy Persephone vineyard, beautiful gardens and inspiring contemporary art gallery over a glass of The Experiment—Cabernet Sauvignon with sweet tobacco, cocoa nibs and layered with ripe black berries, cherries and raspberries. Peju combines the art of winemaking with fine arts and architecture.
Thorncrest Farm & Milk House Chocolates
Take a break from wine and enjoy gourmet chocolates at Thorncrest in Goshen. 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.
Litchfield Distillery
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.