Spend your second day exploring some of the vineyards in eastern Connecticut, starting with Chamard Vineyards in Clinton, Connecticut, 860-664-0299, located at exit 63 off I-95 along Connecticut's southern shore. Located less than two miles from Long Island Sound, the vineyard produces premium tables wines from classic European grapes. Varieties include Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. The tasting room is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. year round and stays open late until 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Free tours of the Chamard Vineyards wine-making facility are available daily at 1 p.m.
Make your next stop Stonington Vineyards in Stonington, Connecticut, 860-535-1222, at exit 91 off I-95. The winery is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with at least one winery tour each day at 2 p.m. Call ahead for a complete tour schedule. "Stonington Vineyards is a gorgeous site," Shea says. "It has a small staff who perform all steps of winemaking in one corner of their tasting building. Their tour is quite friendly and informative," she adds. Don't miss the adjoining art gallery featuring the works of local artists.
Nearby, you'll want to visit the Jonathan Edwards Winery in North Stonington, Connecticut, 860-535-0202, which you'll reach by taking exit 92 off I-95 and following directions from Route 2 West. A relatively new operation, this scenic vineyard is open for tastings at its wine bar Wednesdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and tours, which begin at 3 p.m., are conducted by the winemaker himself and occasionally include barrel tastings of wines in development. Some Jonathan Edwards wines are made in California with Napa Valley grapes, then transported to Connecticut for aging; the winery has also developed a line of estate Connecticut wines.
Your final stop takes you to the "Quiet Corner" in the northeastern part of the state. Sharpe Hill Vineyard in Pomfret, Connecticut, 860-974-3549, is accessible from Route 395 North exit 93 or from I-84 exit 69, then east on Route 74 and continuing east on Route 44. Taste wines in a historic setting from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday year round. Shea says, "This is a winery known to judges. Both their reds and whites have won many awards, and I found their Cabernet Franc in particular to be exceptional." She mentions, "The winemaker often is available to answer questions and is quite willing to do so at length."
According to Shea, "Sharpe Hill has a lovely garden patio for having a meal with your wines, indoor restaurant areas, or you can simply taste at the well-appointed bar. This winery is well worth a diversion on any foliage visit," she says.
Whether you plan a day trip or a weekend visit to Connecticut, a visit to just one or all 20 of Connecticut's fine wineries is the perfect way to revel in the bounty of the state's annual grape harvest, to drive along scenic roads that twist and curl through historic towns, and to gaze upon acres of autumn colors.
For more information about The Connecticut Wine Trail, call 860-267-1399. You can also print a free brochure, available online in .pdf format.
