Thursday, January 17, 2008 10:06 AM EST
Follow Connecticut's wine trail
Waterbury American-Republican
California may be known as wine country, but Connecticut can claim its own version of Napa Valley as well. No matter where one is in the Nutmeg State, at least one winery is within a 45-minute drive.
The region's heavy concentration of vineyards and wineries prompted the state to create a wine trail in 1988. Connecticut's wine trail is a state-approved winery and vineyard awareness program. A brochure listing the 15 sites is located in various locations around the state, and special signs can be seen on local roads.
Connecticut's relatively mild climate allows for a variety of grapes to grow, and the state's wineries produce reds and whites along with fruit and dessert wines. All wineries on the trail have tasting rooms for sampling the beverages and tours of the facilities.
The wine trail is a perfect weekend trip, as it takes two to three days to visit the 15 sites. Wine enthusiasts can also spread out the tasting adventure over many weekends.
The trail is divided geographically into two legs: the western portion covers the western part of the state, while the eastern part visits the central and eastern parts of the map. In addition to the 15 official wine trail sites, there are four associate member wineries.
For more information on the Connecticut Wine Trail, visit www.ctwine.com or call
(860) 267-1399.