CT Wine Trail By: Danielle Clavette

     Recently, I have come to join my Mother in one of her favorite hobbies, wine tasting. She has always been a big fan of the experience since her trip to Napa Valley. Almost every weekend she takes a day trip to a different winery. I never really found this to be a very appealing pastime, but now that I am twenty-one and can actually taste the wine, I have begun to join her. There are many wineries throughout Connecticut. It is easy to find the site map on the CT Wine Trail’s Website. The trail is divided into two sections, the East and West. So far I have only joined her for four of the trips, including Chamber Vineyards in Clinton, Gouviea Vineyards in Wallingford, Jonathan Edwards Winery in North Stonington, and Stonington Vineyards in Stonington. Each was beautiful and unique in its own way and offered a different experience.


     My favorite part of the experience is being able to see how the wine is made and being greeted with kindness and hospitality by the winery staff. They will take you through each and every aspect of the wine making process and answer any questions you may have. Sometimes you can even have the chance to meet the owner who is usually also the creator of the wines. I find it interesting to talk to them about how they became the owner of the vineyard and to hear about their passion for wine making and tasting. Each bottle is particularly different in its own way with different tastes and aromas.

     Most people would not think of Connecticut as the best spot for wine tasting, but it actually has one of New England’s best climates for grape growing. Connecticut also has great views and landscapes for an outdoor wine tasting. Different wines are very complementary to different foods. If you do decide to have lunch at one of the vineyards, it can be pricey but definitely worth it. The wine staff will assist you in finding the perfect bottle to complement your meal. If you end up enjoying the bottle, you can purchase another to take home. Some of the vineyards offer a free bottle with your tour.

     I really enjoyed the Jonathan Edwards Winery in North Stonington. It was a beautiful 4-acre vineyard with views of Long Island Sound. The tour was very informative and we were able to have a picnic afterward. The vineyard offered a variety of wines from California and Connecticut. The tour allows you to taste each and compare how they differ. In the main building of the winery there was art painted by a local artist of Westerly, Rhode Island. It made for great atmosphere and was like being in a small gallery.

     I have enjoyed each and every experience of the tours I have done so far. It is very interesting to me to be able to see the process of wine making. Now I really enjoy having a glass of wine because I have a better understanding of what went into it. My new hobby has also given me a chance to spend time with my Mom and gives us something we both can relate to. Maybe someday I’ll be able go to Napa Valley myself.