Updated Connecticut Wine Trail Brochure Released

The Connecticut Vineyard and Winery Association has released its updated 2006 Connecticut Wine Trail brochure.

Fifteen wineries encompass the Connecticut Wine Trail, which is a state-approved winery and vineyard awareness program that encourages people to explore and taste the high quality wines of Connecticut. Agriculture-oriented tourism generates thousands of dollars in state tax revenue and helps preserve hundreds of acres of farmland throughout Connecticut.

Because it would be nearly impossible to visit all the wineries in one day, the trail has been divided into two suggested trails, The East and The West. Drivers and passengers can plan to visit historic New England towns with horizons dotted with open meadows and tree-lined scenic roads, or enjoy the coastal towns where life intermingles with the rich history of these seaport towns.

The Connecticut Wine Trail was established in 1988 to increase the awareness of Connecticut’s wine, agricultural, and tourism industries. Visitors who follow the Connecticut Wine Trail, distinguished by blue highway signs, will travel through some of the state’s most scenic and historic towns while encouraging the sustainability of local agriculture and economies.

No matter where you are in the state, there is one or more wineries open for visitors within a 45-minute drive.

The 15 wineries that are part of the 2006 brochure are  Jones (Shelton), McLaughlin (Sandy Hook), DiGrazia (Brookfield), White Silo (Sherman) Hopkins (New Preston), Haight (Litchfield),  Jerram (New Hartford), Bishop (Guilford), Gouveia (Wallingford), Chamard (Clinton), Stonington (Stonington), Jonathan Edwards (North Stonington), Priam (Colchester), Heritage (Lisbon),  and Sharpe Hill (Pomfret).

Commercial wineries were permitted in Connecticut in 1978 with the passing of the Connecticut winery act. The Connecticut Wine Trail was established in 1988.

Because the state’s climate is surprisingly mild, Connecticut

Vineyards grow Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Riesling, Seval Blanc, Vidal Blanc, Cayuga, Saint Croix, Vignoles, and Foch grape varieties. Connecticut’s wineries produce a wide variety of wines ranging from dry, barrel fermented Chardonnays, Cabernet Francs, Dry Rieslings and Seyval Blanc to fruitier sweeter whites and reds and late harvest Vidals and Vignoles. Some wineries produce sparkling wines, ciders and wines made from pears and apples.

All the wineries on the wine trail have tasting rooms for visitors to sample their portfolio of wines. Reservations are not needed to taste wines, and all of the wineries give at least one tour per day. It is best to call each winery for their tour schedule as some do require reservations.

The wineries may charge for a wine tasting both for individuals and for groups. Groups are arranged by appointment and each winery should be called for pricing information. Farm wineries are permitted to sell wine on Sundays.

To request a free copy of the 2006 Connecticut Wine Trail Brochure call 860-267-1399 or visit CTWine.com.