Every year we work harder and harder to get the 16 passport stamps for the CT Wine Passport. Doing so would give the us the chance to win a 2 week vacation in Spain. Determined this year we planned a weekend trip to the Southwest corner of CT and to several vineyards we had never visited before. Before I begin if you have never visited a CT winery it is a must. There are 31 vineyards in a state that 120 miles across and 60 mile from north to south. You can get more information to the CT Wine Tour here
CT Wine Tour. This trip was broken up into two days with a visit to a cigar bar and great dinner in Stratford, CT. But before the trip could begin I needed to pack. This trip required a Padron 1964, (2) Gurkha Micro Batch, Gurkha Select, and a Gurkha Beauty. Little did I know there would be a additional cigar on this trip.
Stop #1: Walker Road Vineyard. (17 Walker Rd. Woodbury, CT) 203.263.0768
Walker Road Vineyard is a very small vineyard that only produces two wines in a small quantity. The tasting room is only open the first Saturday of the month and the tastings are free. The vineyard is run by a husband and wife who moved to the region from California. Experienced wine makers they set out to bring great wines to the CT region. Unlike several other vineyards they believe that blends offer the best outcome given the climate and soil of the area. The white wine reminded me of Sauvignon Blanc and the red was was similar to Pinot Nior with a hint of St. Criox and Cab Franc. The tasting room in located in the basement of a house and you get experience the wine making lab. This was a very interesting place to visit. We will be back.
Stop #2: North Winds Vineyard (471 Lake Winnemaug Rd. Watertown, CT) 203.233.3941
North Winds Vineyard is another small vineyard run out of the wine makers house. They offered several wines to taste. The assortment had whites and red ranging from dry to off-dry. Our favorite from this vineyard was the Zephur. This was another wine that reminded us of a Sav. Blanc. The tasting was outside around the back of the house. The wine maker seemed to have good agriculture background as he explained the various plants he used to add carbon and nitrogen to the soil. Although they vineyard had a great selection we both agreed that this not a vineyard we would visit every year.
Stop #3: McLaughlin Vineyards (14 Albert's Hill Rd. Sandy Hook, CT) 203.426.1533
McLaughlin is not new to us this year, unlike the previous two stops. We first visited this vineyard in 2010 when my sister came to visit us for a day. The vineyard always has something going on and this weekend was no different. This weekend there was an art show sporting pottery, paintings, sculptures, and other crafters. CAUTION: Upon enter the vineyard be on the lookout for on-coming traffic since the road is single lane. you may find yourself pulling over to let people out. I have always went on the theory the people leaving have the right-of-way, many because they have already had their tasting. McLaughlin also has a bee farm on premise so pick yourself up some local honey. As for the wines they both reds and white from dry to off dry. Our favorite was the Vista Reposa 2008. The vineyard has very nice picnic area so pack a lunch or some cheeses.
Stop #4: Jones Family Vineyard and Farm (606 Walnut Tree Hill Rd. Shelton, CT) 203.447.1000
First and foremost the Jones Vineyard is a working farm. Most of their business comes from Christmas trees, strawberries, raspberries, and pumpkins. The wines were added in the past five years. In order to get the winery you go through parts of the farm which provide certain fall feeling. The winery is across from the Jones Kitchen which is where they hold cooking classes. The tasting room is a vast area with wood beams exposed and many tasting stations. To the right of the tasting station is the gift area. You tasting includes a glass and your own personal Jones employee to walk you through the wines. Our guy was very informative and helped find features of the wine might have otherwise missed. The winery also allows you purchase wine by the glass, maximum 2/person, assorted cheeses, and sausages. You can enjoy your snacks on the outdoor patio under the trellis of grape vines. This also a great place to enjoy a fine cigar with your glass of wine. We both agreed this vineyard was the star of day 1 of our trip. We are planning on making another journey down for more wine and cooking lessons.
Stop #5: The Owl Shop (268 College St. New Haven, CT) 203.624.3250
Driving from our hotel in Shelton to New haven was interesting to say the least, but as we got closer to the Owl, Yale University came into a view and so did a whole different side of New Haven I had never experienced. We found The Owl and was able to park in the parking garage across the street for $8. Upon entering the Owl you will see plenting of bar seating and tables. Heading to the back of the bar there are leather chairs with end tables. Along the right of the store is the humidors sporting brands like Arturo Fuente, Perdomo, Padron, Davidoff, Montecristo, and others. I decided to sample the Padron 1926 #6 for $17.50 a stick. I enjoyed the cigar with a Boddington's. See their website for happy hour specials.
The Owl Shop. They have a fine selection of beers, whiskeys, cordials, and wines. We arrived shortly around 6pm I could only imagine what it looks like as the night goes on.
Stop #6: Biago's Osteria (88 Ryders Landing Stratford, CT) 203.375.9071.
After searching for a close great Italian restaurant I stumbled across this gem. What an awesome restaurant! Unfortunately they were out of the wine we ordered but the server offered a replacement at the same price and he was not wrong. It was a very good substitute. For appetizer we shared the The Cheese Tasting, which a trio (barrata, bufala, and fresh made) of mozzarella atop heirloom tomatoes garnished with balsamic picked mushrooms and olive oil. I also enjoyed a ceasar salad which came out like a floral bouquet of Romaine lettuce wrapped by a grilled pita. The bouquet was rested upon a bed of prosciutto and parmigiano slices. The ceasar dressing was perfect made with real egg and anchovies. I must try for a ceasar lover. For dinner we enjoyed fresh ravioli stuffed with mushrooms and fresh mozzarella. The portion was huge and we brought half of it home. I also enjoyed the diver scallops which were served on top of a mountain of sweet corn and heirloom risotto, which was just fantastic. We took desert home which was two completely homemade cannolis. If you are the area of Startford, Shelton, or even New Haven this is a must. Hands down great food, service, and atmosphere.
*** We retired to the hotel room to enjoy the cannolis with a glass of wine and prepare for day 2 ****
To Be Continued........
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