Whether you live in New England or are visiting, the Northeast is a great way to get in touch with your inner explorer. Not only can you get out and explore our mountains, fishing streams, rivers, and oceans, but you can simply explore our marvelous unique and historic sites, some of which are on the National Historic Register.
For those who have a tough time decompressing after a day at the office, or spent visiting outdoors hiking, biking or at our beaches, lakes and ponds - whether you're taking in our museums, shopping, or sight seeing, perhaps you should consider a wine tasting before turning in for the night. This is a great way to relax and unwind. You may even find a new favorite among the wines that you're being exposed to.
Not too long ago I was in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York visiting my brother and had the opportunity to visit and review the New York Wine and Culinary Center for a wine tasting tour.
Connecticut Wineries Are Making a Name for Themselves
On a recently trip to Petticoat Junction to babysit the grandchildren, I had the chance to visit the Arrigoni Winery, one of Connecticut's newest wineries.
The Arrigoni Winery is located not too far east of the landmark Arrigoni Bridge over the Connecticut River between Middletown and Portland, where Billy Joel filmed his River of Dreams music video.
Arrigoni Winery
Recently opened in May, the Arrigoni Winery is operated by the Manner family of Portland, and is part of the Connecticut Farm Wineries which is associated with the Connecticut Farm Wine Development Council. The Manner family also owns and operates a cute little boutique gift store, "Gifts from the Heart" on the same property.
Arrigoni Winery brings wine tasting fun and sophistication to Central Connecticut! Nestled in the fertile Connecticut River valley, our wine vineyards, winery, wine tasting room, and relaxing “sunset wine patio” offer you a scenic and enjoyable way to sample and purchase what are fast becoming some of CT’s most talked about wines!
I've stopped by the gift shop for years where they offer unique artisan gifts, as well as Yankee Candles, handblown glass and glassware, gardening tools, Christmas ornaments and decorations, kitchen ware.
The Arrigoni Winery vineyard serves 5 different types of wines:
- River Bend (White)
- Sunset (White)
- Orchard Valley (White)
- Drift Wood (Red)
- Rosso (Red)
Their Wine Menu includes several different options. Wine is available by the glass; by the bottle, or you can sample all 5 types of wine and take home a souvenir wine glass. Enjoy some light food whether sitting in the Wine Tasting Room or on the outdoor Patio. Guests can play board games such as Monopoly, Chess or Cribbage on a nice evening.
There are several great wineries in the region and it would actually be quite an adventure to visit as many of them as possible. Some of the more prominent wineries in and around Connecticut are: Bishop's Orchards Winery in Guilford; Chamard Vineyards in Clinton; and Stonington Vineyards in Stonington, Connecticut. Some wineries and vineyards are only open to the public by reservation or during certain hours so be sure that you're aware and have planned accordingly before visiting.
These are only a small sampling of the vineyards that abound in Connecticut so don't limit yourself and explore them all!
For More Information About Connecticut Wine:
Arrigoni Winery
1287 Portland-Cobalt Road (Rte. 66)
Portland, CT
www.arrigoniwinery.com
Open year-round Friday to Sunday, 11 am-6 pm. Call for extended hours.
How to Make Sangria Recipe
Sangria, wine, spritzer, alcoholic, beverage
Ingredients
Produce
- 1 Lemon
- 1 Lime
- 1 Orange
Canned Goods
- 1/3 cup Lemonade concentrate, frozen
Condiments
- 1/4 cup Lemon juice
Baking & Spices
- 1/4 cup White sugar
Mix all together in a blender - Serve over ice - Enjoy !
Easy kitchen clean up with handmade dish cloths from Moomettes Crochet Shop ~
Enjoy!
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Personal Review. Opinions are my own.