What's Open Now: Wineries & Breweries Last Updated: December 2020
It’s time to sip your favorite drinks in the summer sun, uncork, and unwind. Whether you prefer wine or hops, many Connecticut vineyards and breweries are open, so you can enjoy everything from views to brews.
And safety is Connecticut wineries' and breweries’ top priority. Here are just a few of the new protocols:
- Tables are now at least 6 feet apart and restaurant capacity has been reduced
- Items that could pass through the hands of many different guests, like menus, have been replaced with single use, digital, or frequetly sanitized options
- All employees are required to wear a facemask and gloves, and gloves must be replaced frequently
- Customers are required to wear masks, but they can be removed while you are seated at your table
- Sanitizer is available and accessible
Find the perfect spot for a drink with these growing lists of re-opened wineries and breweries.
And below are a few spots going above and beyond to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for their visitors.
Saltwater Farm Vineyard, Stonington
Raise a glass! Saltwater Farm Vineyard is ensuring safety by keeping all wining outdoors overlooking the gorgeous acres of vines. Food trucks are present on Saturdays and Sundays for food pick-up and picnicking will be welcome.
Charter Oak Brewing Company, Danbury
Whether your drink is a Wadsworth India Pale Ale or a Stubborn Yankee Citra Lager, you'll find a lot to love. Charter Oak Brewing has taken their festivities into the fresh air with outdoor service and pints in their outdoor seating area. Also, be on the lookout for food trucks and live music!
Sharpe Hill Vineyard, Pomfret
Prepare your taste buds for all sorts of wonderful wines! Sharpe Hill Vineyard is also keeping customers safely outdoors and are holding Outdoor Tastings and Wine Sales on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Gouveia Vineyards, Wallingford
Gouveia Vineyards is going the extra mile for safe wine sipping. Customers must wear masks at all times unless seated, arrows direct one way traffic, tables are placed 6 feet apart, social distance markers are used when waiting in line, all tables and chairs will be cleaned between parties, and the outdoor patio allows only for 50% capacity. Larger groups must be no more than 20 people and are encouraged to bring their own food, plates, utensils, ice, and glassware if they choose.
Urban Lodge Brewing, Manchester
For a fun outing of good food and great brews, Urban Lodge Brewery is opening outdoors and partnering with local restaurants to deliver to the brewery patrons. For safety, they are providing hand sanitizer throughout the outdoor facility, sanitizing each table and chair between parties, requesting that groups be 5 people or less, and that customers wear masks when not at their table.
Preston Ridge Vineyard, Preston
Take in over 20 miles of Connecticut countryside views while safely sipping your favorite blend. Preston Ridge Vineyard is offering primarily table service to all guests. Tables are spaced 10 feet throughout the property in designated seating areas. Guests are required to wear masks on property and all service is outdoor only. Appropriate social distance markings are in place at check-in, restrooms, food trucks and more.
Arrigoni Winery, Portland
Find a good seat and relax with a glass in hand and a view of the band. Arrigoni Winery is also keeping activities fun and safe with outdoor seating, which they've expanded to have a covered pavilion, patio, vineyard-side picnic area, and tented picnic area. All tables are placed 6 feet apart and sanitized after every use, tastings and purchases are done at tables through the waitress, and all employees and guests must wear masks unless eating or drinking. And don't forget to check the live music schedule!
Two Roads Brewing Company, Stratford
Hop hop hooray! Two Roads Brewing is opening their Hop Yard for maximum fun and safety outdoors. They are urging all customers to read their new safety guidelines before stopping by and have even created a Facebook Event page which will have important information regarding hours, tap lists, food trucks, weather updates, and more!
Aquila's Nest Vineyards, Newtown
Located on 41 acres, this winery offers a wine bar and tasting room, along with special events throughout the year.