Spending a Perfect Day With Connecticut Winery Tours
Touring wineries and vineyards is an excellent way to spend a day in Connecticut, whether getting together with family and friends or hosting an important business client. Although there are numerous destinations worth consideration, three wineries in particular stand out: Hopkins Vineyard and Inn, Haight Brown Vineyard, and DiGrazia Vineyard.
Hopkins Vineyard and Inn
This 19th century country inn sits high above the northern shore of the beautiful Lake Warmaug, offering stunning views. Dating back to 1847, the Hopkins Vineyard and Inn has welcomed travelers from near and far.
You will not only enjoy magnificent views but also gain access to the lake through the Hopkins Inn beach just a short distance away. There, you can relax on the sandy shoreline or head to the inn, where Adirondack chairs are provided on the lawn.
The Hopkins Vineyard and Inn has been owned by Franz and Beth Schober for almost 40 years. Working alongside his parents since 1991 is son Toby Fossland, who was raised at the inn. There are 12 guestrooms in all, as well as two apartments that are open all year round.
The restaurant services contemporary Austrian cuisine that is representative of the Schobers’ heritage. You can enjoy your meal in a Victorian dining room or outdoors on the flagstone terrace. During the cooler season, a warm fire burns in the Tavern Room. No dinner would be complete without a delicious glass or bottle of wine from grapes grown in the vineyard.
Haight Brown Vineyard
Established in 1975 by Sherman Haight, this vineyard became the first in the state of Connecticut to successful produce fine wine grapes, including Riesling and Chardonnay. Originally called Haight Vineyard, just one year later, a much larger Tudor-style winery was constructed atop Chestnut Hill.
The Haight Brown Vineyard was purchased by Amy Senew Brown in 2007. To preserve the vineyard’s long and successful history, it was renamed the Haight Brown Vineyard. Today, more than 20 acres are owned and leased for this establishment’s vineyards and winery.
The current capacity for the vineyard is roughly 35 tons a year. Hybrids and vinifera are produced, including Marechal Foch, Chardonelle, Marquette, Chardonnay, Dechaunoc, and Seyval Blanc. Tasting of these wines, as well as cheeses and chocolates, is available at the winery when open, but it is on a first-come, first-served basis.
DiGrazia Vineyard
The Degrassi Vineyard is a small local family-owned and operated winery and vineyard. For wine tastings and picnics, this is an ideal choice. You will enjoy a nice variety of wines, including red, white, spicy, subtle, sweet, dry, full-bodied, and light-bodied. When visiting this vineyard, you can bring your own food for a picnic outside.
In addition to an outdoor picnic, the Degrassi Vineyard features a wonderful tasting room and guided tours. The owners maintain two vineyards, one located in Brookfield in Connecticut and the other one in Amenia, New York.
Professional Transportation
The best and most efficient way to reach any one of these three vineyards is by hiring Kee Limousine! Our winery tours are popular alternatives to having one person in your group as a designated driver. Relax and leave the driving to us, and enjoy your day! To book your tour call us today at 860-355-4509.
