Why This Scenic Connecticut Town Could Soon Be The Next Napa Valley
By Megan Shute|Published October 27, 2018
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
Wine lovers, this one is for you. Did you know that the United States produces more than 800 millions gallons of wine each year, ranking behind only France, Italy, and Spain in total production? While more than 80 percent of that wine is harvested in California’s Napa Valley, Connecticut is surprisingly home to some of the country’s best wineries. In fact, according to The Street, there is one Connecticut town that just might become the next Napa Valley.
Though much more densely populated than Napa Valley, the wineries you’ll find in and around Hartford, Connecticut will make your wine dreams come true. From Chardonnay, Riesling, Vidal Blanc, and Seyval Blanc to Cabernet Franc, Merlot, St. Croix, and Foch grapes, a variety of decadent wines are made at Hartford area wineries. With nearly 20 wineries and vineyards found within an hour of the city, it’s easy to see how Hartford could quickly become America’s next wine town. Here are a few of our favorites:
Spanning 15 gorgeous acres, Brignole Vineyards is a family-owned business that serves up delicious wines and plenty of New England charm. What more could you ask for?
So much more than just a winery, the entire family will love Rosedale Farms & Vineyards. Adults will love sipping any of Rosedale’s award-winning wines on the beautiful patio, while kids will enjoy seasonal fall activities.
Visit Lost Acres Vineyard to sample a selection of fine, handcrafted wines. During your $7 wine tasting, enjoy a cheese or antipasto plate from their farm kitchen or bring your own picnic. While their wines are divine, the live entertainment is what really makes Lost Acres stand out in a crowd.
With some of the best panoramic views around, Gouveia Vineyards is situated on the top of a scenic hill and offers a variety of wines as well as vineyard tours.
Offering a variety of scrumptious and award-winning wines, Connecticut Valley Winery is one of the area’s most highly-rated. With plenty of rustic charm, you’ll feel right at home as you sip your worries away.
Paradise Hills Vineyard & Winery is a family-owned wine estate with a relaxed, Tuscan-inspired tasting room and plenty of outdoor space for a wine-focused picnic.
Hidden at the end of a winding road, Chamard Vineyards is a must-visit for wonderful wines and a mouthwatering meal at their farm-to-table bistro specializing in French-American cuisine.
There’s little better way to wile away an afternoon than with a wine-centric picnic at Priam Vineyards. Sample a variety of delicious wines at a tasting March through December.
Sharpe Hill Vineyard boasts both small town roots and more than 400 wine awards! Visit year-round for a a $15 tasting that includes samples of all classic and limited production wines as well a souvenir glass!
Serving up white, red, and fruit infused wine as well as brandy, Taylor Brooke Winery is one of the area's most unique. Purchase wine by the glass or the bottle to either take home or enjoy on their cozy patio, pavilion, or picnic table overlooking the vineyard.
Featuring breathtaking views of the Connecticut countryside, the 60-acre Preston Ridge Vineyard produces wines as beautiful as the land the grapes are grown on. With a luxurious yet comfortable atmosphere and live music on the weekends, there's no better place to sample wine.
So, Connecticut wine lovers, how many of these amazing vineyards have you visited? Share your opinions and experiences with us in the comments below, and then click here to discover a winery that is housed in a former airport.
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