New Family-Owned Winery Set to Open in Enfield

ENFIELD, CT — For four years, the Powder Hollow Brewery has served craft beers to thirsty patrons from its location in the former Springborn building at 504 Hazard Ave. in Enfield. Soon, wine lovers will be able to partake in the spirit as well, as a new winery owned by the sister of brewery owner Michael McManus is set to open in the same building.

Michele McAuliffe, who graduated from Enrico Fermi High School, and her husband Mark are set to officially open R Dee Winery on Saturday, Sept. 29. The family-owned and operated winery is named after her grandfather, Richard Dee Allbright.

"He is the one who introduced winemaking as a whole to our family," she said in a recent blog post on threadsandvino.net. "We hope to one day own our own vineyard, but for now, we import our grapes from family-owned farms and vineyards that grow those grapes the best."

McAuliffe said the winery will begin operating with six different wines: three whites (Take Time - Niagara, The Falls - White Table Blend and Riesling), two reds (Slainte - Petit Sirah and Strength in Numbers - Malbec) and a rose (Fairytale Rose). Guests may enjoy a traditional tasting, get a wine flight, a glass of wine or purchase a bottle. A wine club called "Uncorked" will be offered.

Food will not be served at the winery tasting room initially, but patrons are welcome to bring in their own food.

The winery will be open Fridays from 4 to 10 p.m., Saturdays from noon to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m.

More information can be found at rdwinery.com.

Photos courtesy of Michele McAuliffe

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