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Discover the Stonington Vineyards Winery Tour in Connecticut

The Stonington Vineyards Winery Tour in Stonington, Connecticut offers visitors a refined look at cool-climate winemaking in a scenic coastal countryside setting. This winery tour introduces guests to how estate-grown grapes are fermented, aged, and bottled into handcrafted wines, followed by tastings in the bright tasting room overlooking rolling vineyards. The experience blends craftsmanship, wine education, and classic New England scenery.

Why it’s special:
Stonington Vineyards is one of Connecticut’s most respected wineries, known for its elegant wines and European-inspired approach. Visitors enjoy a calm, upscale tasting experience that emphasizes quality, terroir, and consistency rather than large-scale production.

History & Story of Stonington Vineyards

Stonington Vineyards was founded in the late 1980s by Nick and Happy Smith, who envisioned producing European-style wines in southeastern Connecticut’s coastal climate. The vineyard was carefully planted and developed to suit cool-climate grape varieties, helping establish a benchmark for quality in the state’s wine industry. Today, Stonington Vineyards remains family-operated and widely regarded as a leader in Connecticut winemaking.

What You’ll See & Do on the Stonington Vineyards Winery Tour

Learn how estate grapes are fermented and aged
See production and barrel-aging areas
Learn about grape varieties suited to coastal Connecticut
Enjoy a guided or self-paced wine tasting
Relax in the tasting room or outdoor seating areas
Purchase bottles and winery-exclusive releases

Hands-On Elements: Guided tastings with knowledgeable staff.
Photo/Video Policy: Photography allowed throughout public winery and vineyard areas.
Souvenirs & Extras: Bottle sales, wine accessories, and branded merchandise.

Pricing of the Stonington Vineyards Winery Tour

Winery visit and wine tasting
Adult price: $15 per adult (tasting flight)

Bottle purchases are optional and priced separately.

Visiting information

Most visits last 60–90 minutes, depending on tasting pace. The experience is designed for adults 21+. The tasting room and main public areas are wheelchair accessible, though vineyard paths may be uneven.

Exact Winery & Tasting Room Hours:
Thursday–Friday: 12:00 PM–5:00 PM
Saturday–Sunday: 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
Closed: Monday–Wednesday

Nearby

Stonington Borough historic district
Mystic Seaport Museum
Barn Island Wildlife Management Area

FAQs About Visiting the Stonington Vineyards Winery Tour

Is this a guided winery tour or primarily a tasting experience?
Visits focus on tastings, with informal explanations of the winemaking process provided by staff rather than formal production tours.

Do I need a reservation for tastings?
Reservations are recommended on weekends and during peak season, though walk-ins are often accommodated when space allows.

Are children allowed at the vineyard?
The winery primarily caters to adults; policies regarding minors may vary during events and should be checked ahead of time.

Can I purchase wines not available in stores?
Yes. Stonington Vineyards offers winery-exclusive and limited-production wines available only on-site.

Does the winery host private events?
Yes. The vineyard offers private tastings and event rentals by advance arrangement.