Following The Local Wine Trail

Connecticut may not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of wine, but there is a long tradition of vinification here, extending back to Colonial days. (Those are grape vines on the State Seal, after all.)

In the southeastern corner of the state, proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and Long Island Sound results in a long, consistent growing season, ideal for producing European grapes such as Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc. These wineries, six in New London County and one in Middlesex County, are all beneficiaries of that maritime microclimate, but each offers its own distinct atmosphere and experience.

Saltwater Farm Vineyard

This swath of Stonington has been farmland since the 1650s. Today, this age-old agricultural setting has a striking contemporary centerpiece. Saltwater Farm’s winery is located in a  two-story WWII-era airplane hangar, with an aluminum exterior and a spacious, modern tasting room and event space leading to an open deck. From here you can admire the view of grapes on the vine; the Vineyard covers more than 100 acres and grows six varieties. Silver Amtrak trains speed past in the distance. At the edges of the property are tidal marshes and the Sound. Outside and in, wine barrels function as tables where you can sample the vineyard’s five wines. This vineyard is new, opened in 2010, and the employees are friendly and helpful.

Stonington Vineyards

This cozy and unassuming vineyard, built in 1989, is best known for Chardonnays and blends. The tasting room doubles as an art gallery; the works lining the walls are done by artists from the region. Knowledgeable and laid-back staff members provide information and food pairing suggestions for each wine they pour. Stonington’s gift shop sells wine-friendly (and locally produced) gourmet foods, like crackers and cheese, as well as wine-themed gifts. Beyond the charming veranda and gazebo, the vines grow on 58 acres of sloping hills.

Jonathan Edwards Winery

Of all the vineyards listed here, Jonathan Edwards comes closest to being a “place to be seen.” It’s as though a bit of Fairfield County broke off and traveled East. When other wineries close by have a few visitors, preppy crowds are packing into this tasting room in North Stonington to sample the wines and enjoy views of the almost 50 acre grounds. Adjacent to the tasting room is a gift shop stocked with cute wine-related knick-knacks and accessories. Located in a beautiful white house on a hilltop, this winery looks like a scene from a painting. But though the setting is classic New England, Jonathan Edwards produces and sells not only Connecticut wines but California varieties as well, grown in Napa Valley and brought here to age.

Maugle Sierra Vineyards

Tucked away in the woods of Ledyard, Maugle Sierra feels intimate despite its 97 acres of land. The bright and comfortable tasting room resembles a rustic lodge, with a choice of indoor seating or outdoor tables with umbrellas. Outside is a pretty lawn and garden. At the bar, the owner chats with tourists while attentive employees pour flights of wine (you can also choose to taste only the dessert wines) from distinctive bottles. Unusual among Connecticut wineries, Maugle Sierra produces more red wines than white. And in addition to the standard oyster crackers, they offer a dark chocolate Kiss to accompany them, along with an explanation of how the tastes of wine and food interact.

Holmberg Orchards

This family business got its start when Swedish immigrants arrived in Gales Ferry in 1896 and began farming. Today, though Holmberg is a winery,  it’s primarily an orchard, where you can pick your own fruits and flowers. There’s also a farm market selling fruits, vegetables, baked goods, and locally made specialty and prepared foods. The market, housed in a just-so red building adorned with baskets of flowers hanging outside, contributes to the wholesome country atmosphere of this winery. Holmberg is also different from the other vineyards in this list because theirs are fruit wines, made from pears, blueberries, and peaches. They also produce hard ciders. Tastings are conducted in the Wine Barn in the orchard.

Priam Vineyards

Priam, the furthest North of the wineries on this list, is the first vineyard in New England to be completely solar-powered. The winemakers also practice sustainable agriculture on their 40 acres in Colchester, which have been certified as a natural bird and wildlife habitat. Their 14 wines are produced in the style of Northern France and Germany, which the climate and soil here resemble. There are several flights to choose from, and the tastings are conducted by easy-going staff. The owners are also on hand to talk with visitors. The bar is located in a pleasing, unpretentious barn, where regional art is on display, and which also features a sheltered outdoor seating area.

Chamard Vineyards

When you turn into the driveway of this Clinton vineyard, you could almost mistake it for a typical Connecticut mansion. The tasteful gate, the long drive, and the stately stone and wood house with matching interior would not look out of place in many area towns, except that here the driveway bisects neatly ordered and sweetly marked rows of grape vines and the building is a winery. Though most of this vineyard's 20 acres are devoted to Chardonnay, Chamard also grows other European grapes and produces several different wines. You can taste a selection of them inside, and there’s also an outdoor patio near a pond with a fountain, with calming views of more rows of vines beyond.

If you go:

Hours for tastings and tours vary by day and season. In addition, all the vineyards above offer a wide range of special events including concerts, classes, dinners, festivals, and exhibits. Please check the websites of the vineyards for hours, prices, directions, descriptions of wines, and additional information before you visit.

Saltwater Farm Vineyard, Stonington

www.saltwaterfarmvineyard.com

Stonington Vineyards, Stonington

www.stoningtonvineyards,com

Jonathan Edwards Winery, North Stonington

www.jedwardswinery.com

Maugle Sierra Vineyards, Ledyard

www.mauglesierravineyards.com

Holmberg Orchards, Gales Ferry

www.holmbergorchards.com

Priam Vineyards, Colchester

www.priamvineyards.com

Chamard Vineyards, Clinton

www.chamard.com