While summer and autumn are the perfect seasons for exploring local wineries in CT, this activity can be enjoyed any time of year!
The Connecticut Wine Trail passes right through the Greenwich area. Here, you’ll discover plenty of shopping, dining, Connecticut breweries, and hiking to add to your must-do list!
Here are just a few of the best wineries in CT for wine tours and learning more of the winemaking process.
These best of the best wineries in CT are just the beginning of what you’ll discover during your trip to New England.
Greenwich, CT, is the perfect place to start or end your vineyard explorations!
Our sophisticated, scenic town is under an hour away from New York City and within an hour of all of the best local vineyards in eastern Connecticut.
And for more things to do in Connecticut beyond the best wineries in CT, check out our free Connecticut Travel Guide!
Here Are 10 of the Best Wineries in CT
While it’s impossible to choose the best, this writer does have their particular group of favorites. Here are some of the best local wineries you’ll experience along the Connecticut Wine Trail!
Below is a guide to the best wineries in Connecticut, along a single driving tour.
All together, it would take a visitor 5 hours to drive from Greenwich to each other wineries and back to us at Stanton House Inn.
Be sure to allot more time, or break your trip-up into pieces, so you can enjoy tastings and the scenery of your tour of towns on your Connecticut day trips.
Map design by Stanton House Inn using resources from Flaticon
The Best Connecticut Wineries in Fairfield County
Much of Fairfield County is equated with the glitz and glamour associated with its other moniker of the Connecticut Gold Coast.
That said, there are still some beautiful rural and bucolic pockets of the county.
And three of the best wineries in all of Connecticut are tucked-away in two of these corners.
1) Jones Family Farm and Winery, Shelton
Hop on the scenic Merritt Parkway from Greenwich and stop in Shelton for a tasting at Jones Family Farm and Winery! In addition to delicious wine, you’ll find multiple working farms and an opportunity to buy Connecticut maple syrup. The Jones Family has worked this farm for over 150 years and their 19th-century dairy barn now serves as a tasting room.
Be prepared to make a reservation if you’d like to try a glass or bottle of wine. The farm also charges a $20 deposit for advanced bookings, which is credited to your final bill.
Some other major attractions throughout the year here include:
- October, when this local favorite sells pumpkins and squash. It’s one of the best things to do in the fall in CT!
- One of the most classic things to do in Connecticut in December is to harvest your own Christmas tree, something you can do here at Jones Family Farm.
- And year-round, taking one of their cooking classes is one of the most unique winery activities of which this writer can think
Jones Winery is just a 50 minute drive from Stanton House Inn in downtown Greenwich
The remaining top picks in Fairfield County are clustered around Danbury, Connecticut. Enjoying the bucolic scenery in that area is one of the best things to do in Danbury, CT
2) WHITE SILO FARM AND WINERY, SHERMAN
Just outside of Danbury, Connecticut, is White Silo Farm and Winery in Sherman
That’s about an hour drive from downtown Greenwich, or 50 minutes from Jones Family Farm.
Here, visitors can participate in wine tastings Friday through Sunday between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Their repertoire of wines centers around white wines and fruit wines, like rhubarb and raspberry.
This winery also offers tours of the surrounding farm!
This is the perfect place to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the scenery. After all, it’s just south of the stunning Litchfield Hills!
3) DIGRAZIA VINEYARDS & WINERY
In Brookfield, Connecticut, sits DiGrazia Vineyards & Winery
This family-owned winery has been in operation since 1978. The most famous wine (which you can ask for at your wine tasting) is Wild Blue, a blueberry wine to which they add brandy.
The Best Connecticut Wineries in Litchfield County
The scenic Litchfield Hills are just north of the Housatonic River from Danbury and Fairfield County.
And these picturesque hills and quaint villages are the destination for many a traveler exploring the best Connecticut Fall foliage driving routes
But anytime of year is a great time to visit, especially if you’re impartial to wine tastings.
4) HOPKINS VINEYARD, WARREN
Situated on a hill overlooking Lake Waramaug in Litchfield County, Hopkins Vineyard has been growing grapes since 1979. And it now features 30 acres of vines and a state-of-the-art winery.
There’s a reason why this place can so easily produce award winning wines.
This beautiful view is reason enough to visit. Head to the Hopkins Inn (no relation) for lunch, then walk next door to Hopkins Vineyard.
Or bring a picnic to enjoy on the grounds.
Hopkins Vineyard hosts a variety of fun events throughout the year, including Wine Festivals in May and September. Some regular appearances include live music and food trucks.
The vineyard also welcomes guests to the tasting room on weekends for wines by the glass, artisan cheese platters, and fine teas.
Some of the unique wines on order include their sweet wines:
- Night Owl
- Ice Wine
This wine tasting spot is only a 24-minute drive from White Silo.
5) SUNSET MEADOW VINEYARDS, GOSHEN
Another 22 minute drive up the road from Lake Waramaug brings you to Sunset Meadow Vineyards.
Sunset Meadow Vineyards in Goshen, CT, was originally a working farm purchased in 1996.
Today, 50 acres of vineyards lie on rich and fertile soil and produce a flavorful assortment of wines including robust reds and bright whites.
Be sure to check out the historic tasting room. It has been crafted using:
- Estate antiques
- And original hand-hewed beams
Added benefit is that it overlooks the picturesque Western Connecticut Highlands.
This is another ideal spot for a picnic to go with your tasting. Or better yet, visit when they’re hosting a food truck and enjoy the lively vibe.
And definitely try their wine slushies.
6) CONNECTICUT VALLEY WINERY, NEW HARTFORD
An hour and 15 minute drive or so up to Litchfield will get you to Connecticut Valley Winery
This small, Ferraro family-owned winery produces wine that has won plenty of awards. More than a few wine aficionados have argued that their wine is the best in the Northeast. And the vineyard itself is beautiful and worth a stroll, and the tastings are inexpensive.
Their sangria is highly recommended in the Connecticut summer months
Hawk Ridge Winery
Hawk Ridge Winery, a horse farm turned fully-functional farm and vineyard, is one of Connecticut’s fastest-growing wineries. The owners have currently set aside four acres for grapevines, with plans to expand to thirty acres. Hawk Ridge has a robust menu of shareables and sandwiches, beer, and, of course, wine if you’re looking to visit CT wineries with food.
On weekends, table reservations are available, but your entire party must arrive between noon and 1:00 p.m. This winery hosts live music as well as social events such as “paint & sip” projects and charcuterie-making classes.
The Best Wineries in Connecticut near New Haven
Thanks to the fertile soil of the Connecticut River Valley, several farms and wineries have sprung-up near New Haven.
Of the lengthy list of activities, attractions, and things to do in New Haven, heading-out to explore the vineyards and farms nearby is a must.
An hour south from the Connecticut Valley Winery will bring you to the first vienyard on this list.
Alternatively, break this Connecticut Wine Trail trip into two parts, and start your second day here.
The first winery is about an hour from downtown Greenwich, CT.
7) PARADISE HILLS VINEYARD, WALLINGFORD
Paradise Hills Vineyard, a beautiful spot in Wallingford, Connecticut, offers 65 acres of rolling hills and pastoral hay fields.
This family-owned farm and winery is only 45 minutes east of Greenwich. Visitors love tasting unique New England-grown varietals and attending live music shows!
Every now and then, Paradise Hills Vineyard hosts fun wine releases from their fabulous, but casual, wine tasting room.
Their frozen wine offering is one of the most unique vineyard experiences.
8) GOUVEIA VINEYARDS, WALLINGFORD
Gouveia Vineyards uses Connecticut-grown grapes and offers 32 acres of pristine vineyards in the rolling hills of Wallingford, Connecticut.
The hilltop tasting room is ideal for enjoying the views while sampling some vino
We recommend trying as many of Gouveia’s 11 award-winning wines as possible!
This winery is about an hour and 15 minutes away from Stanton House Inn.
9) BISHOP’S ORCHARDS WINERY, GUILFORD
Located in Guilford, CT, Bishop’s Orchards offers:
- Fruit wines
- Hard ciders
- And popular Connecticut Farm Wines
All highlight the orchard’s produce.
This winery is only a 26-minute drive southeast of the Wallingford wineries.
This includes apples, peaches, pears, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries.
Guests can experience a one-of-a-kind tasting year-round at the wine bar, located inside an original 1928 barn.
10) CHAMARD VINEYARDS, CLINTON
15 minutes east of Guilford, Chamard Vineyards in Clinton, CT is a must-see.
At just an hour and 15 minutes north of Greenwich, Chamard Vineyards makes for a great day trip. Here, you can enjoy wine tastings in a beautiful Connecticut vineyard as well as savor delicious food at the on-site bistro!
This Connecticut winery specializes in Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon varietals.
They also offer live music, picnics, and a farm to kitchen menu at their winery restaurant.
Which are the Best Connecticut Wineries with Restaurants?
While most of these are fantastic places for a picnic or farmers markets with options to mix and match, only a few offer dining on-site.
Our favorites on this list of wineries that serve food are:
- Chamard Vineyards
- Hopkins Vineyard
- White Silo Farm & Winery
What about CT wineries with live music?
Most wineries throughout Connecticut have live music at events.
Some of the wineries on this list that are better known for their live music include:
- Paradise Hills Vineyard & Winery
- White Silo Farm & Winery
- Hopkins Vineyard
- Stonington Vineyards (not on this list, more on that later)
What about the best Connecticut wineries on the other side of the state?
Connecticutians have a long history of being territorial. In Colonial times, Western Connecticutians looked down on people from Eastern Connecticut. Their name for them was Swamp Yankees.
Even today, people from one side don’t often go to the other side. Even our accents are different!
That’s a historical excuse for saying this writer doesn’t know a ton about the wineries on the eastern side of the state.
But the wineries around Mystic and Stonington are worth a visit as well, if you’re planning a day trip through Connecticut. Even if you’re not heading to historic villages along the Connecticut coast, you can swing-by a vineyard or two after gambling at Mohegan Sun.
But a winery or two is a perfect addition to a day spent exploring the various Mystic, Connecticut, attractions
11) Saltwater Farm Vineyard | Stonington
This lovely winery in New London County is housed in a beautifully restored World War II-era hangar, and its tasting room overlooks its picturesque vineyard.
Saltwater Farm Vineyard has a fascinating history and is a popular choice for local weddings and other high-end events.
This is one of the wineries in Connecticut that allows you to bring your own food yet does not offer wine tastings. Visitors are welcome to sample a glass of the incredible hand-crafted wine, beer, or cider while visiting Saltwater Farm vineyards, then purchase a bottle to take home and enjoy.
12) Taylor Brooke Winery | Woodstock
In Winham County, Taylor Brooke Winery is the birthplace of some of Connecticut’s finest wines. The staff is extremely friendly, and the atmosphere is relaxed and casual.
This winery offers tastings at a very reasonable price and also has a rewards program for avid wine connoisseurs.
13) Priam Vineyards | Colchester
This vegan-certified Connecticut winery offers wine tastings for individuals and groups, guided tours, and some of the most spectacular wines you’ve ever tasted.
Priam Vineyard is both vegan and solar-powered. They also avoid using pesticides in their beautiful vineyard in favor of bluebirds to keep their crops and guests healthier.
Some more highly-rated wineries around Mystic, CT, include:
- Stonington Vineyards in Stonington
- Jonathan Edwards Winery in North Stonington
- Maugle Sierra Vineyards in Ledyard
- Sunset Hill Vineyard in Lyme
About the Connecticut Wine Trail
If you’re a fan of scenic vineyards, then you don’t want to miss the Connecticut Wine Trail! This wine lover’s journey features 24 of the best wineries in Connecticut. Some of which are located near the guest rooms and suites at Stanton House Inn in Greenwich. Explore the trail and discover why it is worthy of a spot on your Connecticut trip itinerary.
Be sure to keep a Connecticut wineries map handy, to navigate.
The Connecticut Wine Trail is the perfect way to indulge in tasty local wines while experiencing some of the state’s most interesting places. Many of the wineries along the journey also offer tours, tastings, and events to make your adventure even more memorable. Don’t forget to pick up your CT Wine Trail passport from any of the wineries! This allows you to collect stamps from each location you visit, some of which will earn you free prizes.
It’s every wine lover’s dream come true!
CT wine trail map in hand, keep exploring our state by planning your trip around visiting:
- The most charming towns in Connecticut
- The most unique things to do in CT
- Our guide to the best adult birthday activities in Connecticut
- The most romantic restaurants across Connecticut
We hope you re-discover your love of Connecticut!
Updated and republished July 17, 2023
