Description
Stonington Vineyards was established by Nick and Happy Smith in 1987, when purchasing 58 acres in the Stonington Uplands on which winegrapes had been planted earlier in the decade. The winery was constructed in 1988/89 incorporating the latest in winemaking technology and the traditional methods of barrel fermentation. From the start, Mike McAndrew has been the Winemaker, garnering the reputation for producing quality, European-style table wines that have won numerous awards over the years.
Stonington is best known for its barrel fermented Chardonnays and its proprietory blends Seaport White and Seaport Blush. We also produce, as varietals, Fumé Vidal Blanc, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.
Our vineyards are situated on south-sloping well-drained glacial soils. The proximity to the Atlantic Ocean provides us with a maritime microclimate not unlike Bordeaux with a long and relatively cool growing season.
The majority of our wines is sold from the winery tasting room with the balance to fine restaurants and wine shops throughout Connecticut and small volumes to Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Hours
Stonington Vineyards is open to the public seven days a week (yes-including Sunday) from 11am-5pm. A visit can be fun and educational for the whole family. You may picnic in the vineyards (if there isn't a wedding taking place), you bring the food and we'll supply the wine chilled..
We take pride in offering a real hands-on experience of a working farm winery. An educated consumer is our best customer. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff makes your visit to Stonington Vineyards interesting and informative.
Each day at 2pm we offer a comprehensive conducted tour of our winery taking you through each step in the wine making process. You can learn a lot and questions are welcomed. The tour is free and takes about 45 minutes.
Our tasting room is open daily 11am-5pm for the tasting and the purchase of our wines. Our courteous staff will offer you tastes and descriptions of each wine from dry to sweet. Select your favorites and make up a mixed case to get a case discount. We also carry wonderful gourmet food products from New England, whimsical T-shirts, wine accessories and ceramic tableware - all with a grape/wine theme. We have many styles of gift baskets for you to create that special gift to suit any occasion.