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Connecticut is a traveler’s dream with luscious forests in Cornwall, breathtaking waterfalls in Kent, and much more to offer.
It is known for its colorful Autumn foliage, with the glistening berries and beautiful amber leaves falling, giving it a spectacular look. A glass of wine with this view is just what we need to forget all our troubles.
However, Connecticut has often been overlooked when it comes to delectable wine-making, as it is assumed that good wine can only be made in a sunny Mediterranean climate. However, this cannot be further from the truth and you will find some great wine festivals in the state.
In this article, we will take a look at the top wine festivals in Connecticut as well as the history of wine in the region.
History of Wine in Connecticut
Wine culture in Connecticut can be dated back to the 1600s when the English Puritans brought good Claret wine across the Atlantic to Connecticut.
Through the centuries, wine started substituting other alcoholic beverages, however, in 1978, grape and wine production started to shoot up after the state’s Farm Winery Act.
The Haight-Brown Vineyard in the scenic Litchfield was the first winery in Connecticut to open its gates in 1975 and it is functioning and delivering exceptional wines to this day.
How Many Wineries Are Present In Connecticut Today?
At present, there are about 56 wineries and three American Viticultural Areas (AVA); the Western Connecticut Highlands AVA, Southeastern New England AVA, as well as the new Eastern Connecticut Highlands AVA, despite the small size of the state.
Climatic variations across the state and agricultural land by the Connecticut River Valley enable this all-rounder state to produce rich wines which would have you talking its praises.
What types of Wines are made in Connecticut?
The locals of the land put their heart and soul into producing award-winning wines. The Connecticut wine trail has a selection of wines in top-notch wineries that treat their customers to a pleasant time.
The wine trails yield several types of fresh grapes like Riesling, Chardonnay, Saint-Croix, Cabernet Franc, and Vidal, which are rich in flavor. Sweet, fermented fruit and dry wines can be found in this state, enough to leave a weary traveler or local satisfied.
If you are looking for a trip with your friends to treat yourself to some delicious wine or just a romantic trip for two in a beautiful state, the wineries in this region promise an unforgettable time.
Nothing beats the joy and the unique experience that wine festivals in this state offers. You can indulge in top-quality fruits and grapes in a range of wines made by experienced vintners and also learn how different wines are made.
Another bonus is that you also get to try new food, meet new people in this picturesque state, and take a break from the real world. So, take your calendar out, and mark the dates as I take you through the upcoming festivals!
Top Wine Festivals in Connecticut
- 9th Annual Quince Festival
- Greenwich Wine + Food Festival 10th Anniversary Celebrity Chef Gala
- 10th Annual Latino Winemakers Wine Tasting & 50th Anniversary Fiesta
- Sun Wine & Food Fest
- 13th Annual Beer and Wine Tasting Festival
Quince Festival
- Where is the festival?
White Silo Farm & Winery, 32 Rt. 37 East, Sherman, CT 06784, United States - When is the festival?
Saturday, November 5, 2022, 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM - Ticket Pricing: $25
This will be the ninth annual quince festival, which will be held at the boutique winery, White Silo Farm & Winery. This would allow you to get reacquainted and appreciate the beauty of nature in the fields overlooking this beautiful winery.
Furthermore, included in your ticket are also four food items, which would pair wonderfully with the wine. You would also be provided an exciting tour to learn more about the winery.
The hummingbirds will also be performing, bringing together an incredible event; combining food, wine, and music. So don’t forget to purchase tickets for yourself and your loved ones, for this event is right around the corner.
Greenwich Wine + Food Festival 10th Anniversary Celebrity Chef Gala
- Where is the festival?
The festival is at Abigail Kirsch at The Loading Dock, 375 Fairfield Ave, Stamford, CT 06902, United States - When is the festival?
The festival starts on Friday, October 7, 2022, 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM - Ticket Pricing: To be announced
This will be an event with limited tickets, so heads up everyone, trust me, you don’t want to miss this one and regret it later! This event is being held in Connecticut to celebrate the lifetime achievement of the world-renowned chef, Jacques Pépin.
Guests will get an opportunity to purchase tables and indulge with top chefs as they prepare four-course meals inspired by the signature dishes of Pépin.
This one-of-a-kind event is not only a dream of every foodie but also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be catered by top chefs and celebrate the honorable Pépin.
This event will have many programs, lots of delicious wine, and, of course, some music to dance along to. The tickets will be available soon, so be on the lookout, as I am sure this event will be too much fun to miss!
10th Annual Latino Winemakers Wine Tasting & 50th Anniversary Fiesta
- Where is the festival?
Farms Country Club, 180 Cheshire Road, Wallingford, CT 06492, United States - When is the festival?
Thursday, September 29, 2022, 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM EDT - Ticket Pricing: $75 if purchased in advance or $85 at the door.
This event is organized by the Spanish Community of Wallingford (SCOW) in Connecticut. SCOW aims to share Latino culture and celebrate its 50th anniversary by including a selection of top-quality wines from South America, showcasing the craftsmanship of top-notch Latino winemakers.
A variety of wines from Spain and the wine capital of the United States – California, will also be served. A range of options of delicious foods and desserts will be available to indulge in, with a fun-filled event full of music, beautiful dance performances, and more. So do not forget to buy your tickets!
Sun Wine & Food Fest
- Where is the festival?
Mohegan Sun, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd, Uncasville, CT 06382, United States - When is the festival?
To be announced for 2023 - Ticket Pricing: To be announced for 2023
This four-day festival would only allow people 21 or above to join in on the fun with good food, impeccable wine, and a very good time. After consecutive successful events annually, Mohegan Sun remains one of the top destinations for a great wine festival experience.
It brings forth a variety of delicious wines, whether it is dry or sweet, whatever you may prefer. Premier Chefs from top-notch restaurants in Connecticut presents the magic of their cooking, and you can experience it all in just one night. Being a foodie myself, I can easily say that this is any foodie’s fantasy.
If this has not got you sold on the event, let me add that a celebrity chef will also be present, teaching you how to cook their signature dishes all day, so you can carry more than just beautiful memories from this night.
There will also be music and dancing, so as the wine starts to hit, you get to hit the dance floor!
13th annual Beer and Wine Tasting Festival
- Where is the festival?
Aqua Turf Club, 556 Mulberry St, Plantsville, CT 06479, United States - When is the festival?
To be announced for 2023 - Ticket Pricing: To be announced for 2023
This event is organized by the Calvanese Foundation and co-sponsored by Worldwide Wine & Spirits during the summer. The best thing about this event is that in addition to the wines, you get to treat yourself to spirits too.
The selection of wines includes Camus, Orin Swift, Prisoner, Awesome, Belle, and Glos. This event is guaranteed to be a success, with its reputation for providing the most fun-filled wine events.
If you want the true feel of this event, however, you can purchase the $100 premium ticket. This will get you a private tasting room where you will get to enjoy the premium wine and spirit collection and indulge in the hors d’oeuvres between 6-8 pm.
There will also be carefully selected music that goes well with the food and wine. You will have the opportunity to indulge in some delicious food, as local food vendors will be available throughout.
All in all, this event is something you cannot pass on! The date for 2023 is yet to be announced so keep an eye out!
