We're Number One!

We’re number one! It’s always nice to be a leader and despite our nation’s recent economic downturn we have gained the distinction of again being a world leader. As of 2011 the United States has surpassed France as the world’s leading consumer of wine. I attribute our increased consumption of “the fruit of the vine” in part to the growth of the wine industry in America. While admittedly imports are increasing dramatically, small local vineyards, of which our home state of Connecticut has a growing number, are providing a variety of different wines for every taste. Since the end of World War II the production of table wine in the U.S. has increased from 27 million gallons in 1946 to 678 million gallons in 2010 and much of this increase can be attributed to small, local wineries.

Connecticut residents have an exciting selection of vineyards to choose from right here within our own state. In fact, as of last count, there are 24 vineyards and farms selling a wide variety of locally made wines and offering tastings to the public, all within a pleasant weekend’s drive.

One of our favorites is located close by the shore of Lake Lillinonah on Tower Road in nearby Brookfield. The DiGrazia Vineyard is one of the oldest in the state. When Dr. DiGrazia decided to retire from his medical practice, back in 1978, to start a vineyard he was told it couldn’t be done in Connecticut. He was informed by the “experts” that wine grapes simply could not be grown in our state’s climate. Luckily he paid no attention to those nay-sayers. He purchased a farm that was raising grapes for the table and through hard work and dedication created from scratch a vineyard that offers some of the best wines Connecticut has to offer. Among our favorites, here at Carten Manor, is his Fieldstone Reserve, a first class red table wine, and his Blacksmith Port. All of the good doctor’s selections are moderately priced.

Keeping in mind that everyone’s taste in wine is different, in our humble opinion another top notch Connecticut winery is Sharpe Hill Vineyard on Wade Road in Pomfret. Located in the far north-east corner of our state it is a bit more difficult to get to than most, however well worth the trip. You can leisurely sample their many wines while sitting under an arbor outside amongst the grapes. A friendly waitress will serve a selection of crackers and biscuits as well as a generous portion of their various wines along with a description of each. I can think of no better way to wile away a warm autumn afternoon. Among our favorites from here is a truly remarkable white called Ballet of Angels and a red blend called Red Seraph that rivals many wines in the sixty-five dollar a bottle range. Again, Sharp Hill wines are priced in the moderate range and are well worth both the trip and the price. There is dining available at Sharp Hill but reservations must be made months (yes, I said months) in advance.

A relative newcomer to the Connecticut wine scene is the Jonathan Edwards Winery located on the Chester Main Road in North Stonington. Since their vines are not, as of yet, mature enough to produce good quality grapes in quantity, they import the majority of their grapes from California. Because any wine claiming to be a Connecticut wine must contain over fifty percent grapes grown here, they technically have only a few true Connecticut wines. However, the wines they do produce are of excellent quality with my favorites being among the reds. There are two things that make Jonathan Edwards stand out, one being their summer concerts under the tent and another being their Ports. They produce a new experimental Port each year and we have never been disappointed. These selections are a bit on the pricy side and should be reserved well in advance of maturity. But if like me, you are a lover of good Port, you will find the extra effort well worth taking.

With fall foliage season almost here, a beautiful scenic destination is Lake Waramaug bordering on New Preston. While driving around this crystalline lake you will notice a red barn high upon a hill. Follow the signs to Hopkins Vineyard and enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding valley. Located on Hopkins Road this is one of the more popular vineyards in the state. While I cannot personally recommend any of their wines (remember everyone’s taste is different) many find the Hopkins’ wines very enjoyable. And while in the area, you might also want to check out The Boulders, a first class restaurant with a patio overlooking the lake. Expect to spend a bit here, but the wine, food and service are tops and the view unforgettable.

If your taste is more slanted toward a good fruit or desert wine, let me recommend White Silo Winery located on our state’s western border in Sherman. While driving west along Route 37 East, you will see the tall white silo looming on your left. Their specialty is fruit wine and to be honest, since I’m a big fan of desert wines, there is nothing from this vineyard that I wouldn’t recommend. Blackberry, cranberry, rhubarb, black currant and raspberry are just a few of the flavors offered and each is better than the last. If you are looking for a dry Chardonnay or a crisp Pinot Gris this is not the place for you. But if you’re looking for something fun and different in a wine give White Silo a try. Oh, and be sure to sample their house specialty, Blackberry Sangria.

While out driving the back-roads of Connecticut my fellow wine aficionado, Kathy, and I (she won’t let me use the abbreviation “wine-o”) rarely pass up a Connecticut Wine Trail sign. We have stumbled upon some out of the way treasures and a few places that are best kept out of the way. However one thing is consistent. At the end of every dusty byway or long driveway that we have driven down, we have always found friendly people who are more than willing to share their wine and their love of making it.

I have touched on only a few of the twenty-four wineries that call Connecticut home. For more information and a comprehensive list go to www.ctwine.com . For those of you less inclined to travel, Mountview Plaza Wine and Liquors, right here in Naugatuck, has an excellent selection of Connecticut wines including some I have mentioned here. And always remember, “In vino veritas” or as they say down at The Old Corner, “In wine [there is] truth.”