There are now dozens of vineyards on the Connecticut Wine Trail, marking the state’s recent emergence as a great grower of grapes. Here’s a Getaway that allows for touring the Litchfield Hills, one of the great autumn destinations, and also taking in the flavors of two vineyards. Lots of things to savor during this overnight!
Start your excursion at the Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden in Bethlehem. The antiques-filled 1754 landmark (once home to Bethlehem’s first minister) has a formal parterre garden, lovely grounds and a main house and outbuildings that eloquently tell a story of Connecticut life.
Next, it’s on to White Flower Farm in Litchfield. The family-owned mail-order nursery maintains five acres of display gardens that are open to the public and is ready with lots of great gardening ideas, no matter what season it is.
Next it’s a drive west on Route 202 to New Preston and Lake Waramaug, where Hopkins Vineyard has been going strong for years. It’s one of the stops on the Connecticut Wine Trail.
Next morning, after breakfast and a walk or drive around Lake Waramaug, it’s time to wend your way to DiGrazia Vineyards in Brookfield, where they’ve been making wine since 1978. Visitors there can enjoy a guided winery tour, wine tasting, a picnic area and gift shop.