Our story begins in 1997, when the Ruggiero family settled upon sixty-five acres of rolling hills and hay fields on Wind Swept Hill Road in Wallingford, Connecticut as the future home of Paradise Hills Vineyard and Winery. Planting its first vineyard that year, Albert and Richard Ruggiero witnessed the start of their lifelong dream to own and operate a family vineyard and winery.

After fourteen years of operating solely as vineyard, supplying quality wine grapes to several Connecticut farm wineries, the Ruggiero’s opened their new winery and tasting room in 2011 for all to share some time in paradise. On any given day, visitors will find either Albert, Richard or their spouses Diana and Brenda in the tasting room, sharing stories and adventures over a glass of wine. The intimate Tuscan styled room has a hand crafted copper bar, decorative chandelier, and mahogany tables which provide a romantic setting to enjoy the countryside.

A Commitment to Excellence

At Paradise Hills wine is taken seriously! Albert and Richard bring 30 years of winemaking experience to the winery. The Ruggiero’s strive to produce the highest quality wines as possible and often consult with long time friend and Italian winemaker GW Cavaliere on new blends and techniques. Our commitment to excellence begins in the vineyard and culminates with each bottle of wine we produce.

A Look to the Future

With the opening of a new winery and tasting, Albert and Richard’s dream may be fulfilled, but the story, is not over! As Richard and Brenda’s two daughters, Margaret and Natalie prepared to take over the family business, their ideas, thoughts and talents are blended with their parents, making Paradise Hills Vineyard & Winery an ever changing experience and pleasure.

Come, relax and join us in Paradise.

Wine List

  • Casa Bianco
  • Sauvignon Blanc - limited edition
  • Washington Trail White
  • Vino Bianco Del Paradiso
  • Chardonnay
  • Cayuga White
  • Temptation
  • Washington Trail Rose
  • Casa Rosso
  • Washington Trail Red
  • TRIO
  • Riomonte
  • President’s Choice
  • Zinfandel - limited edition
  • Merlot - limited edition
  • Nostra Tradizione
  • Sapore Dolce

Awards

  • Silver 2016, Bronze 2015
    Finger Lakes International Wine Competition
    Chardonnay
  • Silver 2016
    Finger Lakes International Wine Competition
    Cayuga White
  • Bronze 2016, Bronze 2015
    Finger Lakes International Wine Competition
    Vino Bianco Del Paradiso
  • Bronze 2016
    Finger Lakes International Wine Competition
    Merlot
  • Silver 2016, Bronze 2015
    Finger Lakes International Wine Competition
    President’s Choice
  • Emerging Leader Award
    2016 Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce
    Margaret Ruggiero

Facts

Est. vineyard 1997; tasting room 2011.
9 planted acres; 65 total acres.
Family Owned & Operated.
Winemaker: Margaret Ruggiero.
Seating is first-come, first-served.
Groups larger than 8 must send us email in advance.
No Outside Beverages Allowed.
Annual Produced Cases: 1,200.
Grape varietals: Chardonnay, Cayuga, Chambourcin, Landot Noir, Seyval Blanc, Vignoles, Vidal.