Coastal Connecticut : Three Wineries to Visit for a Day of Winery Hopping
Connecticut isn't one of the first places that you think of when you think of wineries in the US. Napa. Sonoma. The Finger Lakes. But probably not Connecticut. We had a very pleasant Sunday visiting three wineries, though, on our recent trip to New England - Saltwater Farm Vineyard, Stonington Vineyard and Jonathan Edwards Vineyard.
Saltwater Farm Vineyard
A farm dating back to the late 1600's on Wequetequock Cove in Stonington, Connecticut is now one of the most popular vineyards to visit in the state.Housed in an old WWII-era private airport and on coastal Connecticut farmland, Saltwater Farm Vineyard is also one of the most unique vineyards you can visit.
"Located on the mezzanine level of an impeccably restored World War II airplane hangar, the tasting room overlooks acres of vineyard and a fully preserved and maintained 1800 ft grass landing strip dating back to the 1930's" is the description of Saltwater Farm from their website. You can enjoy tasting wine inside the hangar, savor a sip in the shade of a big old tree or walk the grounds with a glass and take it down to the cove. (We did all three) Cheese and charcuterie plates are available for purchase and there is live music on weekends.
But check the hours before you go as Saltwater Farm is a very popular spot for weddings. Ranked as one of the "Top 50 Most Romantic Wedding Venues in the US", the winery closes early, at 3pm, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays - and is booked solid for couples tying the knot.
Stonington Vineyards
Founded in 1987, Stonington Vineyards is known for it's Seaport White, an award winning Chardonnay. I like whites and was especially fond of the Seaport White - I can see why it's a favorite from the winery. Tours and tastings are held daily, with the exception of holidays and you are welcome to bring your own picnic to enjoy on the grounds. The day we were there for the tasting there were several groups picnicking and celebrating.
They also hold events such as a Winter Music series, Art Openings, Yoga in the Tasting Room and Food and Wine Pairings - this month they are holding a French Macaron and Wine Pairing.
Jonathan Edwards Winery
My favorite winery of the three was Jonathan Edwards Winery. Located in North Stonington, the namesake of this winery is the popular singer from the 1970's whose hits include "Sunshine" and "Shanty". It's tagline is "New England Charm. Napa Style." The winery started with the planting of grapes in Napa with the wish of starting a winery in Connecticut. In 2000, the owners purchased the former Crossroads Vineyard in Connecticut and the Jonathan Edwards Winery, a bicoastal winery, was started.
There is inside and outside seating, wine tours and tastings available along with wine, cheese and charcuterie.
On our visit, there was a lobster bake happening and planned for that evening. The winery was crowded and we enjoyed a glass of wine on the patio. I could've sat there for hours.
If you are in the Coastal Connecticut area and up for visiting a winery or two, these should make for a pleasant afternoon of winery hopping. In fact, I'd love to return.
Linking up with: My Corner of the World at Photographing New Zealand and Faraway Files at Oregon Girl Around the World!
Saltwater Farm Vineyard
A farm dating back to the late 1600's on Wequetequock Cove in Stonington, Connecticut is now one of the most popular vineyards to visit in the state.Housed in an old WWII-era private airport and on coastal Connecticut farmland, Saltwater Farm Vineyard is also one of the most unique vineyards you can visit.
"Located on the mezzanine level of an impeccably restored World War II airplane hangar, the tasting room overlooks acres of vineyard and a fully preserved and maintained 1800 ft grass landing strip dating back to the 1930's" is the description of Saltwater Farm from their website. You can enjoy tasting wine inside the hangar, savor a sip in the shade of a big old tree or walk the grounds with a glass and take it down to the cove. (We did all three) Cheese and charcuterie plates are available for purchase and there is live music on weekends.
But check the hours before you go as Saltwater Farm is a very popular spot for weddings. Ranked as one of the "Top 50 Most Romantic Wedding Venues in the US", the winery closes early, at 3pm, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays - and is booked solid for couples tying the knot.
Stonington Vineyards
Founded in 1987, Stonington Vineyards is known for it's Seaport White, an award winning Chardonnay. I like whites and was especially fond of the Seaport White - I can see why it's a favorite from the winery. Tours and tastings are held daily, with the exception of holidays and you are welcome to bring your own picnic to enjoy on the grounds. The day we were there for the tasting there were several groups picnicking and celebrating.
They also hold events such as a Winter Music series, Art Openings, Yoga in the Tasting Room and Food and Wine Pairings - this month they are holding a French Macaron and Wine Pairing.
Jonathan Edwards Winery
My favorite winery of the three was Jonathan Edwards Winery. Located in North Stonington, the namesake of this winery is the popular singer from the 1970's whose hits include "Sunshine" and "Shanty". It's tagline is "New England Charm. Napa Style." The winery started with the planting of grapes in Napa with the wish of starting a winery in Connecticut. In 2000, the owners purchased the former Crossroads Vineyard in Connecticut and the Jonathan Edwards Winery, a bicoastal winery, was started.
There is inside and outside seating, wine tours and tastings available along with wine, cheese and charcuterie.
On our visit, there was a lobster bake happening and planned for that evening. The winery was crowded and we enjoyed a glass of wine on the patio. I could've sat there for hours.
If you are in the Coastal Connecticut area and up for visiting a winery or two, these should make for a pleasant afternoon of winery hopping. In fact, I'd love to return.
Linking up with: My Corner of the World at Photographing New Zealand and Faraway Files at Oregon Girl Around the World!
We're moving to CT later this year, so I was super excited to learn t hat there are wineries there! This was a lovely read and makes me excited! #FarawayFiles
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the move! It's a lovely state and I am sure you will enjoy the Connecticut Wine Trail. Thanks for stopping by The Unpaved Road!
DeleteI'm so glad that you shared your tours of the wineries with us, they all look like SOOO much fun. The scenery is so fabulous in that part of the world :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for making 'My Corner of the World' a success this week!
My Corner of the World
I really enjoyed my day winery hopping - the scenery is definitely fabulous there. Thanks for the link-up, Betty, and for stopping by!
DeleteHi Jill! Thanks for linking with the FarawayFiles travel blog community this week. When I think wine, I think Oregon (but I may be a little bit biased!) I'm embarrassed to admit that Connecticut is one of the 7 states that I've yet to explore, but with charming little idyllic wineries by the coast I clearly need to correct that stat. I love the white clapboard look of the Edwards spot - so cute. Cheers to Connecticut wine! As they say in Scandinavia - skål!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting, Erin - and thanks for the link-up! I hope you make it to Connecticut someday- it's quite the charmer!
Delete