What is the wine trail?

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.

Is there really a trail?

Unlike Dorothy from the Wizard of OZ, there is no yellow brick road, but rather a colorful brochure and blue highway signs to direct visitors to the state’s wineries.

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.