Mystic, Connecticut, a charming coastal town known for its maritime history and picturesque scenery, is also home to a thriving wine culture. The region boasts several vineyards and wineries that offer visitors a chance to experience locally crafted wines in beautiful settings. Let’s explore some of the notable vineyards near Mystic, CT, and what they have to offer wine enthusiasts.
Jonathan Edwards Winery
Located in North Stonington, just a short drive from Mystic, Jonathan Edwards Winery is a must-visit destination for wine lovers. This 48-acre property combines “New England charm with Napa style,” offering visitors a unique wine tasting experience. The winery produces wines from both Connecticut-grown grapes and those sourced from California’s Napa and Sonoma Valleys.
The tasting room at Jonathan Edwards Winery is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., providing ample opportunity for visitors to sample their diverse wine selection. Complimentary tours are offered every 30 minutes, giving guests insight into the winemaking process. To complement the wine tasting experience, the winery offers a selection of local cheeses and snacks at the bar.
Stonington Vineyards, established in 1987, is one of the founding members of the Connecticut Wine Trail. This prestigious 58-acre property offers a classic New England winery experience.
Tasting Options
Wine tastings are available year-round from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visitors are welcome to bring their own food, making it an ideal spot for a picnic among the vines. Stonington Vineyards is particularly noted for its Cabernet Franc, which has been consistently well-received across vintages.
Saltwater Farm Vineyard offers a unique blend of coastal charm and cultural excellence. This 100-acre property boasts stunning views of the Connecticut coastline, making it a popular destination for wine enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
What sets Saltwater Farm Vineyard apart is its tasting room, which is housed in a beautifully restored World War II-era hangar. This distinctive setting combines New England traditions with a contemporary approach, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for wine tasting.
Visitors can enjoy Saltwater’s wines, including their Sauvignon Blanc, on the terrace overlooking the vineyard. The winery also offers local cheeses to complement their wine selection, enhancing the tasting experience.
Located in Ledyard, just north of Mystic, Maugle Sierra Vineyards offers a year-round wine tasting experience. This vineyard is known for its welcoming atmosphere and regular events, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Tasting Schedule
Maugle Sierra Vineyards offers wine tasting classes five days a week, from noon to 6 p.m., at a modest cost of $12 per person. The vineyard enhances the experience with live music on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons, creating a lively and enjoyable atmosphere for visitors.
Situated about 15 miles north of Mystic, Preston Ridge Vineyard offers a 60-acre winery with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. This vineyard has quickly become a popular destination for wine tasting and relaxation.
Preston Ridge Vineyard offers a wide variety of wines to suit different palates. Visitors can enjoy both indoor and outdoor seating areas, making it an ideal spot for a day trip from Mystic.
In addition to regular wine tastings, Preston Ridge Vineyard has become a sought-after venue for weddings and corporate events, capitalizing on its beautiful setting and proximity to Mystic.
These vineyards near Mystic are part of the larger Connecticut Wine Trail, which showcases the state’s burgeoning wine industry. The trail offers wine enthusiasts the opportunity to explore a diverse range of vineyards and wineries, each with its own unique character and wine offerings.
Spring and summer are particularly popular times to visit these vineyards, as the weather is ideal for outdoor tastings and picnics. However, many vineyards offer year-round experiences with indoor tasting rooms, fire pits, and heated outdoor areas for cooler months.
The wine industry near Mystic continues to evolve and grow. Local winemakers are experimenting with different grape varieties suited to the Connecticut climate, including Auxerrois, Chenin Blanc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. This innovation promises to bring even more diverse and exciting wines to the region in the coming years.
As the reputation of Connecticut wines grows, so does the appeal of Mystic as a wine tourism destination. The combination of coastal charm, historical significance, and quality wines makes the Mystic area a unique and attractive option for wine lovers looking to explore beyond traditional wine regions.
The vineyards near Mystic, CT, offer a delightful blend of New England charm and quality winemaking. From the Napa-inspired offerings at Jonathan Edwards Winery to the coastal views at Saltwater Farm Vineyard, each establishment provides a unique experience for visitors.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, the vineyards around Mystic offer something for everyone, making it a must-visit destination for those looking to explore the burgeoning wine scene of coastal Connecticut.
