Why Aren’t ALL the Wineries in Connecticut on the CT Wine Trail?

A lot of times people have the habit of saying that they were on the CT Wine Trail, when in fact, they were visiting a winery or vineyard that has no direct association with the CT Wine Trail. I’ve learned to say visit Connecticut’s wine country vs. Wine Trail so it doesn’t get too confusing.

It took me awhile to learn that there is a difference. After I did some research and had the great opportunity to write some articles on wineries on the CT Wine Trail, I did begin to hear of other wineries and couldn’t find them on the CT Wine Trail website, ctwine.com.

But then, in the early spring, the Passport to Connecticut Farm Wineries would be published and could be picked up at any participating winery. That’s when I learned about the over 20 wineries (and growing) that are in the Nutmeg State but NOT on the CT Wine Trail.

That’s why, when I give my wine talks I spend some time explaining this difference so that people will leave the event feeling like they have a better understanding of what it means for a winery or vineyard to be part of the CT Wine Trail versus those wineries who have made the decision not to join (or don’t meet the qualifications required to become a member.)

And because a vineyard or winery isn’t part of the CT Wine Trail, it most certainly does not mean they are “less” or you should not add them to your list of wineries to visit in Connecticut. But, it can be harder to find them, since they are not directly on the CT Wine Trail’s website.

However, shhh… I have a little secret. I’m working on a list of all the wineries and vineyards in Connecticut. Currently, the wineries that will be part of the Passport to Connecticut Farm Wineries has not been published yet, but I do have my sources and friends in the industry who are keeping me informed of all the wineries in the state – whether they are part of the CT Wine Trail, or the Passport program or neither. I intend to have this ready later this year and get everyone excited about visiting the over 40 wineries in Connecticut.

*The Passport to Connecticut Farm Wineries is a program of the Connecticut Farm Wine Development Council under the administrative authority of the Connecticut Department of Agriculture.