How to Enjoy Vineyards in Connecticut

By eHow Travel Editor

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Connecticut has many beautiful wineries offering a wide variety of wines in stunning surroundings. Take the Connecticut Wine Trail to discover all that the state's wineries have to offer, from Shelton to Pomfret. The trail will take you through some of Connecticut's most scenic towns and countryside. Read on to learn more.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step1

Decide which part of the trail you'd like to start at first. The western trail starts in Shelton and ends in New Hartford, and features 7 stops in the towns of Sandy Hook, Brookfield, Sherman, New Preston and Litchfield. The eastern trail starts in Wallingford and ends in Pomfret with stops in Guilford, Clinton, Stonington, North Stonington, Lisbon and Colchester.

Step2

Plan on spending one day each on the western and eastern trails. You could feasibly do both in one day, but it's recommended to take your time and enjoy each winery. To fully enjoy the offerings of each winery, plan on spending four days or so on the trip.

Step3

Pack a map, a picnic lunch, some walking shoes, a camera and a notebook so you can write down the names of the wines you like as you taste them.

Step4

Check the visiting hours of each winery to ensure that you'll be able to see them all within the time you have available (see Resources below).

Step5

Download a copy of the Connecticut Wine Trail brochure (see Resources below). This brochure offers detailed information about each winery as well as directions. It also contains a map and recommendations for nearby restaurants.

Step6

Call each vineyard or visit their websites ahead of time to find out about any special activities they have available for guests. Many vineyards offer carriage rides, horseback rides and special behind-the-scenes tours.

Step7

Give yourself some time each day to sprawl out on a picnic blanket with your picnic lunch (or take-out from a nearby restaurant) and a newly purchased bottle of wine. Most wineries will allow you to picnic in their vineyard. It's a great way to experience the beautiful sights and sounds of the area.