When you need a break this fall, but you don’t have the luxury of time, consider a chauffeured day trip to the vineyards of Litchfield County. These five CT Wine Trail wineries welcome visitors on the weekend, with varying schedules during the week. At each property, guests are invited to bring a picnic style lunch, which can be purchased on route. But our top three picks offer on site dining.
1. Hawk Ridge Winery, Watertown, CT
Hawk Ridge Winery is set on 58 acres of rolling farmland, cultivating grapes like: Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Seyval Blanc, Riesling, and various fruit wines. The onsite kitchen is staffed by three, serving: sandwiches, appetizers, pretzels, flatbreads, and personal pizzas. They also offer paint and sip crafting classes, yoga, and live music. Open seven days a week.
2. Hopkins Vineyards, Warren, CT
This 100 acre property has 30 acres of planted vineyard. The tasting room offers views of Lake Waramaug. Varietals include: Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Lemberger, Dornfelder, Coret Noir, Traminette, Cayuga White, Seyval Blanc, and Vidal Blanc. Food is available next door at the highly rated Hopkins Inn, operating since 1847.
3. Sunset Meadow, Goshen, CT
Sunset Meadow is a 170 acre property, with 50 acres producing 15 varieties of grapes: Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cab Franc. Food trucks vary by weekend. Local meats, cheeses and crackers are available for sale.
4. Walker Road Vineyards, Woodbury, CT
This small winery features an updated barn tasting room and covered deck area where you can try one of their signature blends, growing: Saint Croix, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese, Marquette Seyval Blanc, Traminette, and Sauvignon Blanc. Outside food is permitted. Cheese is available.
5. Land of Nod Winery, East Canaan, CT
Located in the foothills of the Berkshires, Land of Nod is a 200-acre farm, with 7 acres of vines, on the Blackberry River. The winery offers 12 labels, red and white blends ranging from dry to semi sweet, and fruit wines. The property has a large lawn for picnics by the vineyards.
We do hope you enjoy the fall season.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve your transportation needs.
