Can You Guess Where You’ll Find the Best Wineries in New England?

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When you think of wine-tasting in the US, Napa Valley and Sonoma, California top the list. But did you know you can stroll lush vineyards and sample from the best wineries in New England?

High-acclaimed wine made in the northeast offers a distinct flavor which is a product of the cooler, wetter climate–and it’s popularity is taking root! Read on to find out which vineyards and wineries to add to your itinerary when you visit New England next.

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CONTENTS: In this article, you will learn about the best wineries in New England where you can sample delicious wine and more, including:

Vineyards in Connecticut

Connecticut boasts one of the fastest-growing wine regions in New England. You’ll find a diverse variety of wines and lovely scenery along the Connecticut Wine Trail. Of the 24 vineyards and wineries in Connecticut, we especially adore these three.

Hawk Ridge Winery [Watertown]b

by Lauren Cirkot of Always Find Adventure | Instagram

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Hawk Ridge Winery in Watertown, Connecticut

Hawk Ridge Winery, named after the red-tailed hawks that frequent the property, is part of Hidden Breeze Farm.

Since its opening in January 2012, Hawk Ridge has accumulated many awards.

In addition to traditional wine, like their Mohawk Sauvignon Blanc, they also have carbonated wine, like their Hawkfaced Red.

They keep things interesting with limited-time-offered wine slushies At the time of publishing, they are offering a Coconut and Caramel Wine Slushie.

While you’re there, be sure to try their award-winning Hawk’s Beak Reserve and Rose Buble.

Many locals also fawn over the Red Sangria, too!

The property itself is beautiful to walk around, and the tasting room feels like you’re in the middle of the woods in a beautiful cabin, complete with a big porch.

If you’re a dog owner, you’re in luck: this winery is dog-friendly on the lawn and tent area.

Not only does the winery have great wines, but it also has a delicious menu that includes an Arethusa Farm Cheese plate (Arethusa Cows produce some of the highest quality milk in the world), various flatbreads, salads, calamari, and truffle fries.

A tasting includes 6 wines for $11.50 including a complimentary wine glass. Bottles range from $20+.

Address:
Hawk Ridge Winery
28 Plungis Road
Watertown, CT 06795
+1-860-274-7440 | website

Hopkins Vineyard [New Preston]

by Lauren Cirkot of Always Find Adventure | Instagram

hopkins winery | Enjoy Travel Life
Hopkins Vineyard in New Preston, Connecticut

Hopkins Vineyard was established in 1787 by Elijah Hopkins, who founded the farm after returning home from the Revolutionary War.

All of the winery’s grapes are grown on the farm, and the wines are developed in small, hand-crafted batches. Several of them are award-winning. The winery boasts many accolades, including the Gold Medal from the International Tasters Guild.

Their most awarded wine is the Ice Wine, with notes of peach and apricot.

Located in the Northwest corner of Connecticut, it’s situated on Lake Waramaug. This is one of the most beautiful lakes in the region, known for the mansions surrounding the lake.

You can take a stroll just down the road to have a beautiful view of the lake or alternatively, bring your bikes to ride around the lake (about 7 miles).

A guided tour and tasting are $75, but if you prefer to skip the tour, you can do the tasting for around $10.

To enjoy a wine tasting, enter the barn on the property and you’ll find a cafe upstairs. Here you can sip on glasses of wine, and along with the tasting you can enjoy an array of cheeses, pates, and fresh bread.

The gift shop has plenty of nice gifts to choose from, including wine accessories, local jams and jellies, and of course, bottles of wine. Bottles range from $13+

Address:
Hopkins Vineyard
25 Hopkins Road
New Preston, CT 06777
+1 (860) 868-7954 |  website

Paradise Hills Vineyard [Wallingford]

by Vanessa Gordon of East End Taste Magazine | Instagram

courtesy of paradise hills vineyard | Enjoy Travel Life
Paradise Hills Vineyard in Wallingford, Connecticut

Paradise Hills Vineyard in Wallingford, CT was founded in 1997 and began growing grapes shortly thereafter.

Owners Albert and Richard Ruggiero supplied grapes to CT wineries. However, it was not until 2011 that the Ruggieros decided it was time to bottle their own wine and open their own Tuscan-inspired tasting room.

Paradise Hills Vineyard is located two hours away from both New York City and Boston by car.

The boutique Tuscan-style winery offers 17 exceptional vintages inspired by Italian wine-making traditions. The winery has a very relaxed, romantic setting with a handcrafted copper bar surrounded by chandeliers and mahogany tables.

Notable bottles include the Maestro Premium Red Wine Blend, which has already sold out in advance of its release, as well as their award-winning Chardonnay.

Paradise Hills Vineyard offers 10% off cases of their new releases during specific timeframes. Currently, Paradise Hills is preparing for a spring harvest of Chilean wines.

Additional wines include the Nero D’Avola, Washington Trail White/Red/Rose, and their range of sparkling wines.

During the summer months, their beautiful vineyards offer the perfect family-friendly space for enjoying some wine and tasty bites. A must-try is their Paradise Hills Wine Slushy!

The vineyard is open every day with no advanced reservations needed.

Currently, due to COVID-19, they are not hosting any wine tastings. (But check for an update at the time you’re reading this.) However, live music is still playing on select nights from 5-8 pm.

Curbside pickup is currently available. You may also order wine directly from their website.

Address
Paradise Hills Vineyard
15 Windswept Hill Road
Wallingford, CT
+1 (203) 284-0123 | website

Vineyards in Massachusetts

True to New England tradition, most Massachusetts wines are hand-crafted from local wine, fruit, berries, flowers, and honey.

You’ll find extraordinary tasting rooms and scenic vistas from the hills of the Berkshires to central Mass., and extending to coastal Cape Cod towns. Here are two top Massachusetts vineyards we think you should include in your travel plans.

Nashoba Valley Winery [Bolton]

By Tegan and Alex of Why Not Walk Travel Guides | Pinterest 

Nashoba | Enjoy Travel Life
Nashoba Valley Winery in Bolton, Massachusetts

Located in Bolton, Massachusetts, Nashoba Valley Winery has been one of the most popular wineries in the region since it opened in 1978, and for good reason.

Located very close to Boston, Nashoba is perfect for a half-day visit year-round.

In addition to its wide range of wines, it also has a brewery, distillery, and restaurant on its grounds, as well as seasonal apple picking.

If you do visit during autumn, definitely pair your visit with some apple-picking and save some room for delicious apple cider donuts, made fresh in-house.

You can reserve a time slot for a wine tasting, where you’re able to sample six of Nashoba’s wines of your choice and keep your wine glass afterward. The pours of each sample are quite generous (5/8-ounce each) and the vintners are knowledgeable, friendly, and gregarious.

The tours cost $18 per person, are available Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm, and are offered hourly.

Nashoba derives many of its wines from local New England fruits and berries. It’s so enjoyable to sample the different flavor profiles, like cherry, cranberry, strawberry rhubarb, and more.

The owners actually opened the vineyard with the vision of creating wines based on recipes crafted by early Pilgrims. A particular favorite is the cranberry wine–delightfully tart and lovely. It would be delicious paired with a sharp cheese!

Their wines are available to ship across the USA, and they also have a wine “club” (membership program) and discounts on multiple bottles. If you purchase single bottles, the cost ranges from $16 to $25.

Address:
Nashoba Winery 
100 Wattaquadock Hill Road
Bolton, MA 01740
+1 (978) 779-5521 | website

Truro Vineyards [Truro]

Towards the most northern tip of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, less than a fifteen-minute’s drive from the bustling town of Provincetown, you’ll find the smaller, more rural town of Truro.

This town with a population of less than 2,000 people, untouched beaches, a historical lighthouse, and scenic beauty is worth the trip up.

If you’re planning to visit Cape Cod, whether it be mid-summer or off-season, be sure to make the trip up to the “wrist” of the Cape and stop by Truro Vineyards.

There, you can choose from a selection of Chardonnay, Rosé, Merlot, Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc, and more, or indulge in one of their Limited release or Lighthouse series wines. 

The vineyard offers wine tastings, specifically a flight of five for $15. To mix things up, the selection changes from week to week. So, be sure to reach out and ask which wines are available, if you’re interested!

If you are looking to make your experience a bit more personal, Truro Vineyards also offers private wine tastings for $30 per person.

This includes:

  • a two hour-table reservation
  • a flight of wine per person
  • one cocktail or glass of wine per person

If you forget to snag your favorite bottle of wine during your visit, Truro Vineyards makes it easy…you can buy their wine online.

Alongside tastings, Truro Vineyards offers venues for weddings, parties, as well as private and corporate events. With sandy beaches and the ocean breeze, it can’t get much better!

In addition to their delicious wines and beautiful venues, the vineyard makes sure to respect and preserve their local natural environment.

They make sure to practice composting and recycling, and have even taken their responsibility a step further by building their new addition–a “green” winery!

Address
Truro Vineyards
11 Shore Road (Route 6A)
North Truro, MA 02652
+1 (508) 487-6200 | website

Vineyards in Maine

Maine brings to mind fresh lobster, rugged coastlines, and picturesque lighthouses.

Also full of blueberries, wilderness, and moose, it borders Canada and is the northernmost–and largest–state in New England. Interestingly, Maine’s moderate ocean climate makes great wine!

You can plan a scenic, self-guided route, or follow one of the maps from the Maine Wine Trail. Either way, You’ll want to check out Bartlett Maine Estate Winery in Gouldsboro along the way.

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Address:
Barlett Maine Estate Winery
Bartlett Spirits of Maine Distillery
175 Chicken Mill Pond Road
Gouldsboro, ME 04607
+1 (207) 546-2408. | website

Related: 21 Top-Notch Wineries Near Camden Maine You’ll Love!

Vineyards in New Hampshire

You’ll find more than 30 wineries in New Hampshire, along with the New Hampshire’s Wine & Cheese Trails. For a little fun, pick up a NH Wine Passport from the New Hampshire Winery Association to help plan your trip.

If you’re looking for a single stop, we recommend Seven Birches Winery in Littleton.

Address:
Seven Birches Winery
22 S. Mountain Dr.
Littleton, NH 03251
+1 (603) 745-7550 | website

Related: 3 Fantastic Inns in Bethlehem NH You Will Love!

Vineyards in Rhode Island

The littlest state has lots to brag about, especially when it comes to wine! Y

You’ll find award-winning vineyards on beautiful properties, some historic, showcasing gorgeous views. Some venues offer fine dining along and wine and beer flights, in addition to tours, tasting, and wedding venues.

For instance, Newport Vineyards.

Newport Vineyards [Newport/Middleton]

Newport Vineyards Wine Barrel | Enjoy Travel Life
Wine Barrel at Newport Vineyards
Newport Vineyards Rhody Coyote 1 | Enjoy Travel Life
Hard Apple Cider “Rhody Coyote” at Newport Vineyards

If you have ever traveled to Southern New England, you have likely heard of Rhode Island’s beautiful seaside town of Newport.

While it is often recognized for its famous mansions and museums, it is also home to Newport Vineyards, a winery that offers more than just award-winning wine.

Opened in 1995, Newport Vineyards is family-owned and operated by two brothers, John and Paul Nunes.

The vineyard started small, and over the past 25 years has grown to become the 100-acre vineyard and venue it is today. Not to mention it is the largest grape grower in New England!

Alongside a winery, Newport Vineyards is also home to a brewery filled with local beers, a delicious dining menu, a marketplace, and acres of land that are open for weddings and events.

For the wine-savvy visitors, the winery offers both daytime and evening reservations.

You can look out at the scenery while indulging in a fruity Rosé, dry Chardonnay, a sweet, decadent dessert wine, or any selection from the broad range of wines available that have been perfected over the vineyard’s years of operation.

Wine and beer flight tastings are available by reservation Friday through Sunday and don’t hesitate to try out their culinary menu while you’re there.

Whether you want to try a glass or purchase an entire bottle, the wines are listed at very reasonable prices. Better yet, if you are still dreaming of a particular pour after your visit, all wines are available for purchase online at their website.

Newport Vineyards is just a stone’s throw from the bustling downtown Newport, with plenty of shops, ocean cliff walks, beaches, and musical events.

Address:
Newport Vineyards
909 East Main Road
Middleton, RI 02842
+1 (401) 848-5161 | website

Vineyards in Vermont

Vermont Vineyards got a late start in the wine-making industry (1985) but have perfected the art and science of producing cold-hardy vines.

You’ll have no trouble finding Vermont wineries that excel in service, views, and wine quality while you’re visiting. In fact, some vintners have won international wine competitions as well as accolades from distinguished wine publications. Here are two of our favorites.

Snow Farm Vineyards [South Hero, Vermont]

By Ryan of Passions and Places | Facebook 

snow farm vineyards | Enjoy Travel Life
Snow Farm Vineyard in South Hero Island, Vermont

Vermont’s a state known for its local food products: maple syrup, apples, cheese – but wine?

While the state’s cool climate and relatively short growing season necessitate heartier grape varieties, the Lake Champlain region near Burlington is home to several wineries.

Located on South Hero Island out in the middle of the lake, Snow Farm Vineyards makes some of the most interesting wines in Vermont.

Their Snow White white wine blend is made from Cayuga and Seyval Blanc grapes. They impart notes of green apple and honeydew melon, with a little bit of grassiness. It’s perfect for a hot summer day on the shore of Lake Champlain.

Tastings are free at Snow Farm, and most of their bottles cost less than $20.

If you get home and find yourself craving more of their delicious wines, you can purchase online and have them shipped straight to your house.

While Snow Farm is open year-round, it’s best to visit during the summer to get the full experience.

You can book a hotel or Airbnb in nearby Burlington, then rent a bicycle to ride the Island Line Trail out to the vineyard.

The rail trail follows the old Rutland Railroad’s trackbed for three miles along a narrow causeway cutting right through the middle of Lake Champlain. A 200-foot-wide break in the causeway requires a ferry ride, which just makes the experience even more unique.

Address:
Snow Farm Vineyards
190 W Shore Road
South Hero, VT 05486
+1 (802) 372-9463 | Website 

Boyden Valley Winery & Spirits [Cambridge]

By Karen Warren at Outdoor Adventure Sampler | Facebook

Boyden Valley Winery & Spirits is set in the bucolic Lamoille River Valley in Cambridge, Vermont.

It is housed in a restored 1875 carriage barn on an 800-acre farm owned by the same family for the past 100 years. Boyden Valley was one of the first licensed wineries in Vermont.

It produces wine, ciders, and spirits. Tastings are offered three times a day. Tastes of nine award-winning wines are served for $16.

There is also a free daily tour of the tank and barrel room to learn how the wines are produced.

In the summer, the Water and Wine tour is a canoe trip on the scenic Lamoille River to visit the winery.

Additionally, you can stroll through the vineyards overlooking the entire valley for a gorgeous view.

One drink not to miss at Boyden Valley Winery & Spirits is the popular Vermont Ice Maple Crème. This cream liqueur made from Boyden estate maple syrup and apple brandy produced from locally grown apples tastes like a Vermont Bailey’s Irish Crème on maple steroids.

It’s great in coffee, on the rocks, or as an apéritif. A liter costs $32.99.

Address:
Boyden Valley Winery & Spirits
64 Vermont Route 104
Cambridge, VT 05444
+1 (802) 644-8151 | website 

Final Thoughts on Best Wineries in New England

So, now you know that there are plenty of vineyards and wineries where you’ll enjoy world-class wine

If you love the idea of sampling regional wines and appreciate delicious drinks, you might also enjoy discovering Glühwein, Sangria, and other drinks enjoyed around the world.

Click here to see the full list of 27 delicious cocktails you can make at home.


Jackie Gately at the beach


About Jackie Gately, editor-IN-CHIEF

I'm Jackie Gately, your travel confidante and the creative force behind Enjoy Travel Life, awarded the "Best Casual-Luxury Lifestyle Blog (USA)" in Travel and Tourism by LUXlife Magazine for four consecutive years.

With 25 years of published expertise, I'm a seasoned writer, editor, and photographer curating inspiring travel guides and lifestyle tips for empty nesters. I hope to kindle your spirit of exploration, encouraging you to overcome obstacles and turn your dreams into reality.

Learn to minimize your pre-travel angst and maximize the joy of exploration with insights from my experiences. Let's make every adventure a celebration of this exciting phase of life! 

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