You Should Visit Connecticut’s Vineyards in the Fall
Jones Winery in October
As the leaves start to change, there’s a crisp feeling in the air and you crave cozy things like big fluffy blankets, fires in the fireplace and some hot mulled cider; that’s autumn in New England.
In addition to enjoying those apples, donuts and pumpkins, one of the great things to do this time of year is to spend time at the Nutmeg State’s vineyards. Here are a few reasons why you need to visit vineyards in Connecticut this fall.
Seasonal Cocktails
During the colder months, many vineyards change up their offerings to include a specialty drink, perhaps a new wine slushie flavor (think pumpkin spice or apple cider) at Hawk Ridge Winery or R. Dee Winery or include a mulled wine option at Sunset Meadow Vineyards to keep you warm and cozy when the temperatures drop. You’ll find that many wineries are also including ciders such as Valor Wines which serves Apple Theory Cidery ciders or Arrigoni Winery & Cider Co as well as local beer varieties – including seasonal flavors – to provide even more choices when you visit. If you are unsure about the latest offerings, check the winery’s website or social media pages.
Attend a Fall Festival
One of the best things about autumn in Connecticut is that many wineries hold fall festivals. These can include vendors, food trucks, specialty food offerings or drinks and often times live music. It can get busy, and some wineries will require you purchase a ticket, but if you bring some chairs, a blanket and a picnic (where applicable, check with each winery before you attend) you can make a day of it!
Leaf Peeping
If you are new to the New England region, we are known for our fall foliage. And starting in late September through the end of October, the vineyards and wineries in Connecticut, while beautiful all year round, really show their true colors (yes, pun intended) during this time of year. So take a road trip to your favorite winery or vineyard and get a bottle or a glass and sip while taking in the breathtaking views.
Cozy Fires
Fire pit at Hopkins Vineyard
When the temperatures drop, all you want to do is get warm and cozy. Well, many vineyards in the Nutmeg State have fireplaces in their tasting rooms or are setting up fire pits to help you feel toasty while you sip your favorite wine or hot cider. Whether you sit inside by a fireplace at Paradise Hills Vineyard, Walker Road Vineyards or Saltwater Farm Vineyard, or at an outside fire pit at Aquila’s Nest Vineyards or Hopkins Vineyard, you can sip wine, listen to music and enjoy some views and conversation.
Participate in Harvest
One of the best things I ever did was attend a harvest. While it was a warm day when I participated, it really gave me a new appreciation for all of the hard work that goes into this ONE step in the winemaking process. I made new friends, got some exercise and helped a small business continue to do what they do so well – make amazing wine for all those who visit! You are usually provided with sheers and are asked to bring garden gloves and wear comfy clothes that you don’t mind getting a little dirty. But, you are also rewarded for your efforts with wine and sometimes food. Many wineries and vineyards ask for volunteers every year – sometimes they can pick dates that you register for and other times, it’s more of a last minute decision so you might need to be flexible in when you join a harvest. However, no matter which vineyard or winery you help out at, it is GREATLY appreciated. Please consider giving some of your time and join a harvest this season! If you want to see when a CT Wine Trail vineyard or winery is hosting their harvest, go to ctwine.com or visit the particular winery’s webpage or social media directly. For those vineyards or wineries that are NOT on the CT Wine Trail, you can also check their individual websites or visit CT Wine Country to find a particular licensed farm winery in Connecticut.
Please remember there are over 45 farm wineries in Connecticut and I’ve only mentioned a handful of some of them, so do check out the above wine websites, the websites of any of the wineries in the state or follow my social media channel, @thenutmegnose, to find out about the upcoming events and happenings with Connecticut’s wineries.
I hope this has inspired you to take a trip through the Nutmeg State’s wine country this fall and enjoy all the amazing sights, sounds and sips it has to offer! Cheers!