Interview with Neviana Zhgaba, Founder and Owner of Aquila’s Nest Vineyard
This past Halloween, October 31, 2020, I made an appointment to visit one of the newest vineyards in the Nutmeg State, Aquila’s Nest Vineyard in Newtown, CT. I had been direct messaging with Neviana Zhgaba, the co-founder and co-owner of the winery, for a few months prior to their opening weekend (which was the end of October), checking out their website and I was very excited to finally visit this unique property!
It did not disappoint! Inside there are so many colorful photos and vivid pictures that describe the values and story of the vineyard, along with the wonderful wine flights and food pairings. Despite having to wear a mask and only being able to stay at a table indoors for the hour reservation, the outdoors is beautiful as well with scenic views of the landscape in Fairfield County, lots of seating and fire pits to keep warm and cozy when the temps got chilly in the evening.
And, before I left for the day, Neviana and I took a picture together which was so fun! I look forward to visiting again in the Spring! See below the photo for my interview with Neviana.
L to R: Neviana Zhgaba, Founder and Owner of Aquila’s Nest Vineyard and me, posing at the vineyard on opening weekend in October 2020.
During my “CT Wine Talks with the Nutmeg Nose,” I often get asked about the difference between wineries that are on the CT Wine Trail and wineries that are not. One key difference is that wineries on the CT Wine Trail have to apply to become part of the Trail.
Aquila’s Nest Vineyard has recently been inducted to the CT Wine Trail. I had the chance to ask Neviana about this journey.
1) Did you have to apply for this induction? Or did someone from the CT Wine Trail approach you?
I had to apply for the induction.
2) Is it a long process? Start to finish, how long did it take?
It took us three months
3) What are some of the requirements to qualify to be included on the CT Wine Trail?
The document that Neviana sent me was six pages long and has 14+ requirements for wineries to follow and maintain in order to be eligible to be considered for membership by the CVWA Board of Directors and to maintain membership. Some of these include: maintaining certain licenses, having 750 cases of wine produced annually at the start of your membership and then having 1000 cases by year three, in addition to being open on weekends from May 1 to November 1. The list continues on but they are very straightforward for the winery to review and decide if membership is something they want to apply for.
4) What do you think this induction will mean for Aquila’s Nest going forward?
Exposure to more wine lovers across the state.
5) What are you proudest about this accomplishment?
We are proud that we have built a space where our patrons can enjoy high quality wines, a clean and safe environment, creative wine tasting experiences, and beautiful scenery views.
6) Any advice for other CT wineries that may be considering joining the CT Wine Trail?
Our advice is to check the requirements that need to be met in advance, as some may take long to implement.
I know there are many details on your website about you and your husband Ardian’s journey to build Aquila’s Nest but I wondered if you could share a brief synopsis on:
1) What made you want to take the risk and grow this vineyard?
We fell in love with the property and we wanted to share our love of the winemaking lifestyle with the local community
2) How it has changed you, and your family, now that you have been open for almost four months?
It’s a very different experience than just working on the land. It’s a joy to create opportunities for people to enjoy relaxing and safe experiences during the pandemic.
3) Is it everything you hoped for?
Given that we opened during the pandemic, we had set our expectations low, and it turned out to be more than we had hoped for.
4) What may be different from what you might have expected?
The community was very supportive of all the changes we had to implement almost weekly to comply with the ever changing regulations due to Covid.
5) What’s your favorite thing(s) about owning and operating a vineyard?
Making people happy.
6) What are some of the goals (that you feel comfortable sharing) for the future of your vineyard?
We are hoping to expand the parking and the main road, host many music, and art events, as well as establish ourselves as an events venue destination.
7) Finally, what is one reason (or maybe a few) you would tell someone who hasn’t had the Aquila’s Nest experience yet about why they should visit?
You’d be surprised by the quality of our wines, inspired by all the art features, and relaxed by the beautiful scenery.
Thank you so much for your time and your help, Neviana and for sharing your vineyard journey with us. To learn details about the entire story of Aquila’s Nest Vineyard, visit their website at: