Chamard Vineyards was founded in 1983 by the William R. Chaney family. The first vines were planted in the spring of 1984, a 5.5 acre vineyard consisting primarily of Chardonnay with a small quantity of Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. From 1986 through 1992 the remaining acreage was prepared and planted, for a combined total of 20 acres.
In the summer of 1988, the winery was constructed and Chamard became a licensed farm winery. The first wine, a 1988 Chardonnay was released for sale in November of 1989. Occasionally these early vintages are released for purchase or tasting. The library archives the history of the Connecticut Wine Trail and demonstrates Chamard’s commitment to producing old-world-style wines that stand the test of time.
The winery building was constructed in 1988 and the classic New England design features finely crafted stonework using fieldstones from the property. The cellar incorporates wooden beams milled from trees that were originally cleared from the farmland. The winemaking process at Chamard incorporates traditional, hands-on care with an array of modern winemaking equipment.
The underground wine cellar and barrel aging rooms enjoy cool, stable temperatures throughout the year creating ideal winemaking conditions. A walk through the cellar shows how technology blends with time-honored winemaking traditions to create fine wines. Look out over the vineyards from the custom-built bar in the tasting room.
Chamard benefits from a unique micro-climate influenced greatly by Long Island Sound. Located two miles from the sound and six miles from the mouth of the Connecticut River, this maritime climate produces mild winter temperatures and a long, warm growing season, very similar to Central France or the Burgundy region.
The rich, stony soil, gently sloping land, and moderate climate provide an ideal environment for the growing of European Vinifera wine grapes. In 2005 Chamard was purchased by the Rothberg family who recognized its beauty and heritage. The Rothberg’s are committed to expanding the palette of wines and making Chamard Vineyards a premier Connecticut destination.
In the fall of 2012, we welcomed the addition of our Bistro featuring farm-to-table local gastronomy. Enjoy seasonally inspired dishes thoughtfully curated by our Executive Chef, Matthew Bouffard. Reservations are recommended.
*Please note: We do not allow outside food or beverages on the property.
Wine List
- 2019 Estate Reserve Chardonnay
- 2019 Estate Riesling
- 2020 Estate Rosé
- 2022 Estate Chardonnay
- Stone Cold Sparkling
- Stone Cold White
- Stone Cold Red
- 2020 Malbec
- 2017 Heritage Merlot
- 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon
- 2018 Petite Syrah
- 2018 Composition II
Awards
- Connecticut’s Best Wine
Connecticut Magazine
12 Consecutive Years - Gold Medal
Amenti del Vino 2012
2011 Cabernet Sauvignon - Silver Medal
Amenti del Vino 2012
2010 Estate Reserve Chardonnay - Silver Medal
Amenti del Vino 2012
2011 Syrah - Silver Medal
Amenti del Vino 2012
2011 Malbec - Silver Medal
Amenti del Vino 2012
2011 Cabernet Franc - Silver Medal
Amenti del Vine 2012
2011 Golden Chardonnay Port - Bronze Medal
Amenti del Vino 2012
2011 Carmenere - Silver Medal
Big E Wine Competition 2008
2002 Estate Reserve Merlot
Facts
Est. 1983.
40 Acres; 20 cultivated.
Annual Produced Cases: 5,000.
Owners: Drs. Jonathan and Bonnie Rothberg.
Winemakers: Kristen Parsons & Ray Ambrose.
No Outside Food or Beverages Allowed on the Property.
Open Wed-Sat 12-9; Sun 12-5. Closed Mon-Tues.
Grape Varietals: Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewurtztraminer, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot & Pinot Noir.