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Our Guide to Wineries in Connecticut

May 11, 2021 1:24 pm

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The warm Spring and Summer months are some of best times for wine tastings. Since the grapes are still growing, wine enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike can witness firsthand how the grapes are grown and harvested, while socializing and enjoying the great outdoors. 

Connecticut is home to dozens of picturesque vineyards and wineries that offer colorful landscapes, wine tastings, picnics, events, and more. Here is a list of some of our favorite wineries and vineyards, all near one of our relaxing Delamar locations.

Gouveia Vineyards – Wallingford

Located high on 140 acres, the winery showcases 360-degree panoramic views of sun-kissed woodlands, open fields and over 22 acres of vineyards. The winery sells meat & cheese and fruit & cheese platters along with sandwiches to go with your wine. But patrons are also encouraged to bring their own meals for a scenic picnic with a glass of one of their 11 award-winning wines.

Crystal Ridge Winery – South Glastonbury

With panoramic views of Hartford skyline to the north and Meriden hillsides to the west, this family-owned vineyard + winery offers visitors a cozy tasting room to enjoy top-quality wines and breathtaking views. 

Crystal Ridge has approximately 10,000 vines and offers about a dozen different wines, including several estate varieties like Chardonnay, a Vignoles, Sangiovese, and a Cabernet Franc.

Jones Winery – Shelton

Snuggled in the stunning White Hills of Shelton, this winery is part of the Jones Family Farms that have been in the Jones Family for over 6 generations.

The Tasting Room is located in a renovated 19th-century historic dairy barn. Guests to the winery get to taste six to seven of the winery’s distinctive wines, learn about Connecticut winemaking and the farm’s history in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. The farm also hosts cooking classes, winery events, and other farm events year-round. 

Aquila’s Nest Vineyards – Sandy Hook

Although it’s relatively new, this family-owned winery, tasting room, and event venue provides visitors with delicious drinks, spectacular views, and a space to make connections. The winery and tasting room are located on a hilltop inside a brushed-steel, barn-like building, with breathtaking views of Northern Fairfield County. 

Up until 2019 Aquila’s Nest has planted 8 grape varieties in the 7.5-acre vineyard of the 40-acre farm, including Chambourcin, Marquette, Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Cayuga White, Baco Noir, Traminette, and Valvin Muscat.

Priam Vineyards – Colchester

This completely solar-powered winery and sustainable vineyard is in the Salmon River Watershed. The winery produces twelve international award-winning wines that are estate-grown, blended, and bottled. The 40-acre farm has 12,000 grapevines in production, with a breathtaking 35-mile view of the New England countryside.

The winery tasting bar, tasting room, and wine patio are open all year round. You can stop by during business hours for tastings and self-guided tours of the vineyard or book a group tasting and guided tour. 

Paradise Hills Vineyard & Winery – Wallingford

Settled on sixty-five acres of rolling hills and hayfields, this family-owned winery provides a fun place to enjoy the company of family and friends while overlooking their stunning vineyards.

The boutique Tuscan-style wine tasting room features a handcrafted copper bar, decorative chandeliers, and mahogany tables, providing a beautiful setting to relax and enjoy the Connecticut countryside while sipping on a glass of wine.

Connecticut Valley Winery – New Hartford

Experience the charm of a small, family-owned winery while being surrounded by picturesque Litchfield County. The winery features a selection of award-winning wines ranging from reds to whites and specialty wines. 

Be sure to bring some snacks or lunch to enjoy with your wine while sitting out on the patio surrounded by lush vines laden with grapes.

DiGrazia Vineyards & Winery – Brookfield

Founded in 1978, DiGrazia Vineyards grow premium French Hybrid grape varieties exclusively on over 45 acres of land. The winery over 15 wines, ranging from dry to sweet, using estate-grown grapes and local fruits. 

Visitors to the winery and vineyards can enjoy a winery tour, wine tasting, and a picnic area on the patio.

Hawk Ridge Winery – Watertown

With over 58 acres of farmland overlooking the scenic Litchfield Hills, Hawk Ridge grows 8 varietals of grapevines that are used in 11 of their 20 plus different wines. 

Visitors can sit out on their large deck, or an Adirondack chair on our expansive lawn, enjoy live music and sip on the wine of their choosing. Whether you prefer dry or sweet, red, white or rosé, you’re bound to find a wine you like at Hawk Ridge. 

Sunset Meadow Vineyards – Goshen

Located in scenic Litchfield Hills, this family-owned sustainably farmed vineyard operates on over 160 acres of land producing 15 varieties of grapes. 

The winery—located inside an 1800s German Bank Barn—has been featured in the New York Times and Wall Street Journal and has won Gold Medals for 7 different wines. 

Enjoy the Best of Summer at Delamar

With three convenient and dog-friendly locations throughout Connecticut, DELAMAR is the perfect place to unwind and recharge after a day of wine tastings. 

L’escale and Artisan Restaurant have been named Wine Spectator Awarded Wine list, with Artisan being honored with the 2020 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Our Executive Chef Frederic Kieffer artfully creates menus with locally and seasonally inspired dishes, perfect to accompany any of our extensive wine offerings. The sommeliers at each of our restaurants can help choose the perfect bottle to pair with our carefully crafted dishes. Raise a glass and celebrate good friends and family!

Winter Wine Pairings You Will Love

December 21, 2020 9:00 am

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Every season has wines which we are more drawn towards and that isn’t a coincidence. During the winter months, we tend to lean towards red wines. Here’s why you like to cozy up to the fire with a full-bodied red and what to pair it with.

What are the Winter Wines?

During the winter, wines have different qualities than the wines that we drink during the other seasons. Winter wines generally are:

Why Do We Prefer Heavier Wines in the Winter?

Red wine has a way of warming the soul—even in those bitter winter months. That’s because full-bodied reds and whites tend to have a higher alcohol percentage. So you’re not imagining it when you think your wine is warming you up… it is. We also tend to eat heartier foods in the wintertime, such as meats, broths and stews. These richer wines we pair with our foods cut through the savory flavors. So, the wines that we drink have the same qualities as the food that we eat.

What Makes a Wine Deeper in Color?

Tannins come from the skin, stems, and seeds of the grapes when making wine. When there are more tannins in a wine, it not only has a higher alcohol content but a deeper color. Because there are more parts of the grape being used, winter wines tend to be darker and less fruity.

Winter Wines Pairings

1) Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon, one of the world’s most recognized red wine grape varietals, is perfect for both beginner and the most seasoned red wine drinkers. We recommend that you pair this wine with grilled steaks and other red meat dishes, as well as sharp and aged cheeses, potatoes, and holiday roasts.  

2) Pinot Noir

Pinot noir is one of the more versatile and food-friendly red wines that can be matched with a whole range of dishes. The wine consists of earthy and fruit flavors consisting of cherries, raspberries and mushrooms. We recommend pairing this wine with dishes consisting of truffles, meaty fish such as salmon and tuna, and sharp cheddar. 

3) Sangiovese

Sangiovese is a dry red wine with high acidity, a strongly fruity aroma and flavors consisting of cherry, plum, and red currant. This high acidity allows it to pair very well with pizza, pasta with meat, gnocchi, roasted veggies, and lamb chops.

4) Shiraz/Syrah

This wine is made in warm climates and boasts of fruity notes, but with a lingering peppery finish. This varietal pairs well with spicy and international cuisine (Thai, Indian, etc.). We recommend pairing it with BBQ Pork, grilled lamb, stewed tomatoes, and chocolate cakes. 

5) Champagne

We can’t have a winter wine list without mentioning Champagne. Champagne is a French sparkling wine typically made from a blend of three grapes: chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot meunier. There’s no better drink to have in hand than a glass of bubbly to ring in the new year. It also pairs really well with a wide variety of holiday dishes, including oysters, steak, caviar and fruit deserts.

Enjoy the Best of the Winter Season at Delamar

With three convenient and dog-friendly locations throughout Connecticut, DELAMAR is the perfect place to unwind and recharge.

Artisan Restaurant is a proud winner of the 2020 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Our restaurants include artfully curated menus with locally and seasonally inspired dishes, as well as an exhaustive wine menu. Our sommeliers can help choose the perfect bottle for your palate at each of our restaurants.