Gala Celebration Launches Hill-Stead Labeled Wines

It was a glamorous, fun and delicious night on the hill as the Hill-Stead Ambassadors, a new volunteer group focused on developing entrepreneurial opportunities t0 attract a younger audience to the museum, hosted a  roaring '20s-themed launch of the new private-label Hill-Stead wines.

“A Prohibition Peek” gave the public a chance to sample the wines and place orders. Guests also had the opportunity for a private tour of the museum and the newly restored wine cellar. Hors d’oeuvres prepared by the new Market at Hartford 21, and live music by MAJK Jazz, added to enjoyment.

Guests loved seeing the beautiful works of art in “a new light” at night during the open house and were grateful to have the chance to see the newly restored wine cellar. 

Jonathan Edwards Winery of North Stonington created three new exclusive wines, with labels showcasing Impressionist artworks on view solely at the museum. 

The wines are a Napa Valley Chardonnay, a Napa Valley Merlot, and a red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah from Lodi, CA. Reproductions of renowned paintings from the Alfred Atmore Pope Collection by Edgar Degas and James McNeill Whistler adorn the labels for the new wines.

“We hope that the combination of great works of art from Hill-Stead Museum and great wines by Jonathan Edwards Winery will create a valuable product worth enjoying and collecting for years to come,” said Sue Sturtevant, Hill-Stead’s executive director. “Just imagine a dinner table or a wedding reception graced with Degas’ Dancers in Pink on every wine bottle,” she added. “What we’re unveiling is a unique way to share the breathtaking art inside the museum with the outside world.”

The winery is also excited about the partnership, said Mark Scherer, director of sales and distribution at Jonathan Edwards.

“This is a first for our winery and we’re very excited about it,” Scherer said. “Hill-Stead is a National Historic Landmark, and the art in its collection can’t be seen anywhere else in the world. We couldn’t be more pleased to pair our wines with such an esteemed institution.”

Jonathan Edwards Winery has been handcrafting wines in North Stonington for 10 years. In addition to its Connecticut vineyards, the winery has been contracting with vineyards in California to produce world-class wines at its Connecticut vineyard. Grapes for all Hill-Stead wines were harvested and fermented by Jonathan Edwards Winery in California before being brought to Connecticut for aging and bottling.

The new private label collection and Ambassador-sponsored launch event also played integral roles in the restoration of Hill-Stead’s original wine cellar.
 
“An event built on our new partnership gives us the perfect opportunity to showcase Hill-Stead’s newly refurbished wine cellar,” said Emma Simon, president of the Ambassadors group. “We’re honored to introduce the space and increase awareness of a little-known part of the house that, up to now, has rarely been seen by visitors.”

But when the Popes were living there, it was an important space.

“For a household that did as much entertaining as Hill-Stead, the basement wine cellar would have seen much activity on a near-daily basis,” said Melanie Anderson Bourbeau, the museum’s curator. “It was an integral space to a period of time and a way of life.” Aside from the event on April 15, the wine cellar will be available for viewing on select occasions.

Those who attended were unanimously impressed with the wine and the event.

Jane Dalal, chairman of the Stanley-Whitman House Board of Directors said, "This was a wonderful event to bring new people to Hill-Stead, and what a great idea to showcase a local winery and Connecticut wines! This fits right in with Hill-Stead's history as a working farm."

Local artist Sarah Paolucci agreed. “I thought the wine was fantastic and the music was great too. What a great venue for wine tasting! I hope they do more of it. And even though I didn't dress in period clothing, I loved all the flappers and gangsters! It was such a fun event.”

Mem Legros, Director of Entrepreneurial Initiatives said: “It’s time to open the doors to all people to enjoy Hill-Stead in the four seasons and at different times of day. The wine launch was an event coordinated by the new Ambassadors group of young people who are having fun, making friends and are fundraising on behalf of their favorite museum.”

Wines can be ordered through Hill-Stead Museum, and will be shipped directly from the winery. For all inquiries, please contact Mem Legros at legrosm@hillstead.org.