The "Winter Wine Trail" was started in
2009 by a group of farm wineries to show off the beauty of the Litchfield Hills
in the winter and to remind consumers that Connecticut wineries in the hills
are open year-round.
The customers are given a
"Trail Card" that lists the six participating wineries and upon
visiting each winery the card is then stamped. Once stamped by all six
wineries, completed cards are then handed into the wineries and entered into a
drawing for prizes. The drawing will take place early April 2014.
The participating wineries for this
season are:
DiGrazia Vineyards located on 131 Tower Road in Brookfield was founded in 1978 with the planting of a forty-five acre vineyard.
The winery was founded in 1984, with an initial release of four brands of wine.
Over 15 wines are offered, ranging from dry to sweet, using estate grown grapes,
local fruit and honey. DiGrazia Vineyards grows premium French Hybrid grape
varieties exclusively.
Haight-Brown Vineyard is located on 29 Chestnut Hill Rd. in
Litchfield. More than two decades ago, Haight Vineyard planted Chardonnay
and Riesling on the slopes of the Litchfield Hills, near the historic town of
Litchfield. In 1978, the State Legislature passed a Farm Winery Act and Haight
Vineyard became Connecticut's first established winery. The Haight-Brown
Vineyard and Winery is situated on ten pastoral acres, representative of a New
England farm winery. The Tasting Room includes a custom built wine bar for
tasting each of the nine vintages, guided by the knowledge of educated and
friendly staff, an upstairs patio and downstairs terrace for sipping wine on
lazy summer days, and two stone fireplaces for lingering during chilly
ones.
Hopkins Vineyard is located on 25 Hopkins Rd. in New
Preston and is set on the northern shore of Lake Waramaug. Hopkins Vineyard is a
family-owned Connecticut Century Farm, that proudly maintains a tradition of making
fine wines of award-winning quality. In 1787 Elijah Hopkins, returning from the
Revolutionary War, chose this rich and fertile site on Lake Waramaug to settle
his family and start the Hopkins Farm. The unique location of Hopkins Vineyard
makes it the only vineyard in Connecticut with a microclimate influenced by an
inland lake; this allows an extended growing season and successful growing of
grape varieties, which ordinarily would not thrive, in our northeastern
climate. Classic grape varieties are grown on 30 acres adjacent to the winery.
Jerram Winery is located on
535 Town Hill Rd. in New Hartford and is a small vineyard that was planted in
1982. The conversion of an old horse barn and an impossible dream led to the
opening of the winery in 1998. Located in the historic Town Hill section
of New Hartford at an elevation of 1000 feet, the vineyards enjoy a longer
growing season that enables the vines to produce well-matured grapes and wines
of complexity and enjoyment. The winery is situated among vineyards and
gardens with patios and decks for guests to relax and enjoy a glass of wine
with a picnic lunch. Tasting and tours are available. Currently, eleven wines
are in production, both white and red ranging from very dry to sweet; pure varietals
and a variety of blends.
Miranda Vineyard is located on 42 Ives Rd. in
Goshen and was planted in 2001. Miranda was first opened to the
public May of 2007. Its bright and airy tasting room and large exterior deck
make an excellent place to sit, relax, have a glass of wine and enjoy the
company of good friends. The Vineyard is two hours from New York City and only
an hour from the Hartford area. A visit to the area with its famous autumn
foliage, historic sights and many wineries makes a great day trip or romantic
weekend getaway. Vintner, Manny Miranda, has taken Old World techniques passed
down through his family for generations and perfected them by applying the
latest modern technological advances. The results are handcrafted, small batch
wines for the discerning connoisseur.
Sunset Meadow Vineyards is located on 599 Old Middle Street in
Goshen several miles from the center of Litchfield. Originally a working farm purchased in 1996 by George and Judy
Motel, Sunset Meadow Farm, as it was known, raised beef cattle and hay. In 2003
Sunset Meadow Vineyards was established. Overlooking the captivating
sunsets of the Litchfield Hills, the vineyards lie on 50 acres of rich and
fertile soil that has a long tradition of agriculture dating back to the
1800's. The vines here are hand pruned, hand harvested and maintained
with extreme precision. Visitors can take a step into the past while enjoying
the warm and friendly atmosphere of the historic tasting room. The winery is
located inside a 1800s German Bank Barn that has been used to support the properties
numerous agricultural operations over the years.
Each winery is required to be open
from December through March, with their hours posted on the trail card.
Prizes for this year's wine trail
includes:
An overnight stay and breakfast for two at the Interlaken Country
Inn and Resort, www.interlakeninn.com located
in scenic Lakeville Connecticut
A 5 hour, 6 passenger limo tour to
wineries by Gateway Limousines, www.gatewaylimos.com located
in Waterbury, CT
Two tickets to a concert at Infinity Hall, www.infinityhall.com in Norfolk
CT.
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