A Weekend Of Sun, Fun And Lots Of Wine At Stonington Vineyards

Stonington Vineyards, could not have planned a better weekend for the . Soft, full, white billowy clouds floated through blue skies as visitors gathered with friends and family enjoying the scenery, the music, the food and of course the array of unique wines.

“We are so incredibly lucky with the amazing weather this year,” said assistant manager, Josh Main who remembered last summer’s blistering heat on the weekend of the event. “This is always a great event, but this year it is just perfect!

With acres, upon acres of vineyards as its backdrop, the annual event had much to offer. The six wines featured at this year’s special tasting included; the 2007 Sheer Chardonnay, 2008 Chardonnay, the 2008 Vidal Blanc, the 2010 Riesling, the award winning Seaport White, the 2010 Triad Rose and the . After sampling the libations, with their keepsake Stonington Vineyards wine glasses, visitors gathered, either under the food and music tent, in the covered gazebo or in their own groups on the lawn near the rows of robust, green, grape vines to enjoy the day.

Returning for a second year to the annual wine gathering, Tara Capobianco of West Haven and Rob Davis of Enfield enjoyed the sun and each other’s company as they sipped a glass or two of their favorite Stonington Vineyard Chardonnay.

“We found this vineyard one day on the way home from Newport and we loved it,” Capobianco said. “This is our second year at this event and we are having a great time. It is a very nice atmosphere and we will definitely be back soon.”

Dan Stevens and the Fiery Band supplied tuneful delights, getting people on the dance floor and showcasing his homemade Cigar Box guitar as several area food vendors offered their goods and fare. Scrumptious pitas from the Pita Spot, fresh, homemade honey from Watch Hill Farms, handmade truffles from Carol Monnerat Artisan Truffles and savory crab cakes from the Voodoo Grill, to mention a few, all paired perfectly with the fresh, light fruity wines showcased by the Vineyards.

“Not only does this get people to the vineyard to introduce them to our wonderful selection of wines, but it also introduces them to the local food fare in the area and the great vendors we have,” Main said.

With their south sloping well-drained glacial soils and a long cool growing season, thanks to the maritime microclimate, Stonington Vineyards have produced many wines. So many that it was hard for guests to choose their favorites.

Kathy Young of Ellington brought her good friend Sue Dinella of Hebron, who had never been to the vineyard before.

“We are having a wonderful time,” said Young, whose favorite wine is the Triad Rose. “The weather is perfect, which always makes everything better.”

Dinella, who couldn’t decide between the Triad Rose and the Riesling, was impressed not only with the wines, but also with the many vendors, which she likened to a mini farmers market feel.

“It is a nice family atmosphere here today and everyone is having a great time. I’m very glad we came.”