The Third Annual Connecticut Wine Festival returns to the Goshen Fairgrounds in Goshen, Connecticut this summer, Saturday and Sunday, July 30 and 31. Featuring fine local wines, specialty food vendors, artisanal craft from jewelry to wine racks, and live music, it is the perfect summer activity for both the amateur and sophisticated wine connoisseur. Sponsored by the Connecticut Vineyard and Winery Association (CVWA) and presented by the CT Wine Trail, guests will enjoy the opportunity to sample the finest wines Connecticut has to offer from many of the state's top wineries.
Daily admission to the CT Wine Festival is $20 in advance, available at any participating CVWA winery, online or by phone; $25 at the door. Guests under 21 and Designated Drivers can attend for a reduced admission price of $10. Photo ID with proof of age is required for the wine tasting. Hours for the Festival are 12:00 Noon to 7:00 PM, Saturday, July 30; and 12:00 Noon to 6:00 PM Sunday, July 31.“Connecticut wines are quickly gaining a reputation for quality, with a variety of selections ranging from Chardonnays to Merlots with whites and reds that are sure to please every palate,” said George Motel, Festival Chairman and owner of Sunset Meadows Vineyards. “The Connecticut Wine Festival is a unique opportunity to taste all of Connecticut’s home-grown offerings in one place – in addition to enjoying good food, good music, and great company.”
Motel noted that Connecticut wineries have won a wide range of medals in international competition, and feature some of the best selling wines in New England. Connecticut is not the first place one would think for wines; yet, its moderate climate and sloping topography in fact is well-suited for growing grapes, and its wineries are attracting a growing legion of fans, who delight in discovering the state’s bounty.
“If you have questions about wine, bring them to us. The Festival offers a great opportunity to meet top experts in the industry – and you’ll have a lot of fun doing it,” added Motel.
Proceeds from the Festival will go toward promoting the CVWA Wine Trail and the Connecticut wine industry. The CT Wine Trail is a state approved winery and vineyard awareness program that is marked with special blue signs that identify the location of all participating wineries that welcome visitors. The trails wind their ways through some of the most scenic and historic regions of Connecticut.
The specialty food vendors are primarily members of the Connecticut Specialty Food Association, an association that is part of Connecticut Food Association, and feature local cheeses, relish, jelly, bread, salsa, and olive oil, and other offerings.
“The Connecticut Wine Festival is a great way to celebrate the summer, enjoying some of the best wines on the East Coast and tasting some of our state’s best foods,” said Sherrie Palmer, the festival director. “Admission includes wine tasting tickets, a commemorative festival wine glass, a tote bag, specialty food samples, entertainment and the opportunity to purchase wine directly from the wineries at the festival, as well as food and artisan craft. Cases of wine will be available at a discount, so this is also a great opportunity to not only taste the wines, but to save money purchasing your favorites. You’re sure to have a great time.”
This year, the Festival’s Platinum Sponsor is Adams Hometown Market, whose stores throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts will also sell advance tickets to the Festival. A complete list of sponsors and participating CVWA wineries can be found on the Festival page.