To get the most out of a visit to Connecticut's wine trail, bring a discerning palate and a GPS. The 23 member wineries, clustered into an eastern and western loop, are well off the beaten path, but it's the isolated rural settings, linked by country roads overhung with canopies of old trees, that make them so appealing. Here are two suggested weekend itineraries, one in the eastern half of the state and the other in the western hills.
With just 3 acres under cultivation, Taylor Brooke Winery produces some 15 wines. Its fruit-infused Rieslings, such as Summer Peach and Autumn Raspberry, are especially popular, 860-974-1263, www.taylorbrookewinery.com (less) With just 3 acres under cultivation, Taylor Brooke Winery produces some 15 wines. Its...(more)
Address: 848 Route 171 Woodstock, Conn.
Sharpe Hill Vineyard
At Sharpe Hill Winery, the focus is on a total wine and food experience, said Catherine Vollweiler, who has owned the winery with her husband, Steven, for 20 years. 860-974-3549, www.sharpehill.com (less) At Sharpe Hill Winery, the focus is on a total wine and food experience, said Catheri...(more)
Address: 108 Wade Road Pomfret, Conn.
Heritage Trail Winery & Cafe
Enjoy the final tasting of the day and supper at Heritage Trail Winery and Cafe in Lisbon. Television chef and author Harry Schwartz bought the property with his wife, Laura, two years ago, renovated the 1785 house, added a restaurant, and built an event pavilion in the vineyard. 860-376-0659, www.heritagetrail.com (less) Enjoy the final tasting of the day and supper at Heritage Trail Winery and Cafe in Li...(more)
Address: 291 North Burnham Highway Lisbon, Conn.
D'Alice Elizabeth Winery
For an inspirational story, it would be hard to top D'Alice Elizabeth Winery on the shores of Lake Amos in Preston. There Mary Lee and John Wilcox and their grandson, Blaze Faillaci, a business administration major at the University of Connecticut, produce 12 wines, including an old-vine zinfandel and a Sangiovese. 860-889-9463, www.daliceelizabeth.com (less) For an inspirational story, it would be hard to top D'Alice Elizabeth Winery on the s...(more)
Address: 6 Amos Road Preston, Conn.
Jonathan Edwards Winery
Jonathan Edwards Winery in North Stonington combines the tastes of California and Connecticut. While all the wines are made on site, the Napa wines begin the crush in California and finish here. 860-535-0202, www.jedwardswinery.com (less) Jonathan Edwards Winery in North Stonington combines the tastes of California and Con...(more)
Address: 74 Chester Maine Road North Stonington, Conn.
Saltwater Farm Vineyard
One of the most visually striking wineries is Saltwater Farm Vineyard in Stonington, housed in a 1930s airplane hangar with a vaulting roof, milled aluminum exterior, original wood sheathing, and massive timber trusses dominating the airy interior. 860-415-9072, www.saltwaterfarmvineyard.com (less) One of the most visually striking wineries is Saltwater Farm Vineyard in Stonington, ...(more)
Address: 349 Elm St. Stonington, Conn.
McLaughlin Vineyards
McLaughlin Vineyards in Sandy Hook takes full advantage of its gorgeous 162-acre site. In addition to tasting wine, visitors can search for bald eagles on the property's hiking trails in spring, see vintage baseball in summer, and watch maple sugaring in the fall. 203-426-1533, www.mclaughlinvineyards.com (less) McLaughlin Vineyards in Sandy Hook takes full advantage of its gorgeous 162-acre site...(more)
Address: 14 Albert's Hill Road Sandy Hook, Conn.
DiGrazia Vineyards
With Dr. Paul DiGrazia at the helm, it shouldn't be surprising that DiGrazia Vineyards specializes in antioxidant wines. Wild Blue ($25), a blueberry wine with brandy added, and Paragran ($19), a blend of pomegranate and pear, are highest in antioxidants. 203-775-1616, www.digrazia.com (less) With Dr. Paul DiGrazia at the helm, it shouldn't be surprising that DiGrazia Vineyard...(more)
Address: 131 Tower Road Brookfield, Conn.
White Silo Farm and Winery
White Silo in Sherman specializes in fruit wines: rhubarb, blackberry, raspberry, and black currant. 860-355-0271 www.whitesilowinery.com (less) White Silo in Sherman specializes in fruit wines: rhubarb, blackberry, raspberry, and...(more)
Address: 32 Route 37 East Sherman, Conn.
Hopkins Vineyard
Hopkins Vineyard in New Preston is a national bicentennial farm, meaning it has been in the same family for more than 200 years. 860-868-7954, www.hopkinsvineyard.com (less) Hopkins Vineyard in New Preston is a national bicentennial farm, meaning it has been ...(more)
Address: 25 Hopkins Road New Preston, Conn.
Haight-Brown Vineyard
Haight-Brown Vineyard in Litchfield is Connecticut's oldest winery, established in 1975. (cq) Haight-Brown ups the ante with a choice of wine and cheese pairings or wine and chocolate pairings. 860-567-4045, www.haightvineyards.com (less) Haight-Brown Vineyard in Litchfield is Connecticut's oldest winery, established in 19...(more)
Address: 29 Chestnut Hill Road Litchfield, Conn.
Jerram Winery
The tasting room at Jerram Winery in New Hartford is a sunny yellow former buttery decorated with movie posters reflecting the interests of owners Jim and Catherine Jerram. 860-379-8749, www.jerramwinery.com (less) The tasting room at Jerram Winery in New Hartford is a sunny yellow former buttery de...(more)
Address: 535 Town Hill Road (Route 219) New Hartford, Conn.
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