There are plenty of fun things to do in Mystic, CT, but if you’ve been browsing attractions and activities and are ready to look beyond the shoreline and postcard-worthy towns, perhaps it’s time to look at local Connecticut wineries. There are a few great wineries near Mystic, CT, including the Jonathan Edwards Winery. It’s a great way not just to taste some delicious wine but also to plan a slower afternoon between visits to larger local attractions or activities.
Of course, as you build your itinerary, make sure to include some of the classics. Start with a waterfront stroll and linger over a lunch of oysters and fresh local seafood, then browse local shops and galleries for something you will actually want to bring home. Book a harbor cruise, tour Mystic Seaport Museum for a dose of history that feels immersive, or plan your evening around a show at the nearby casinos.
There are plenty of ways to plan your itinerary, but only one place is worth serving as your home base. The Whalers Inn is one of the most inviting hotels in Mystic, CT. It’s located centrally in downtown Mystic, right across the street from the Bascule Bridge. Once you park your car, you can enjoy most local museums, shops, restaurants, and activities without moving it. Add elevated onsite dining for an easy start to the night, and settle in to the effortless rhythm of a getaway in Connecticut’s most charming getaway town. Book your hotel stay today!

Tastings at Jonathan Edwards Winery
There are three main wineries near Mystic, CT, including Stonington Vineyards, Saltwater Farm Vineyard, and one of our favorites, Jonathan Edwards Winery. The Jonathan Edwards Winery is just a short drive from Mystic and sits on a scenic property in North Stonington. It’s also an easy, satisfying pivot from salt air to rolling fields. The setting is all open sky, vineyard rows, and a tasting room designed to slow you down. In short, it’s perfect for couples’ getaways.
The Tasting Room at the Jonathan Edwards Winery is straightforward and welcoming; you can walk in, get oriented quickly, and sample a curated lineup that showcases the house style without needing to know more than you want. The staff is used to hosting couples and small groups, and the pace is relaxed enough that you can actually talk, taste, and take in the view. If the bar is busy, you can still settle into the experience with a flight, or skip straight to a glass and make it a linger longer moment. Bring a light picnic if you want, or add a local cheese and charcuterie board to make your tasting feel a bit more elevated.
If you visit in the warmer months, the complimentary winery tour is a great add-on. It gives you a sense of the vineyard, the cellar, and what makes the Jonathan Edwards Winery unique, which tends to make the wines taste even better. People often rave about the bright, food-friendly whites and the more polished reds that feel “special occasion” without being heavy. If you want to explore even more local wines, consider visiting one of these wineries near Mystic.
More Nearby Wineries to Visit
- Saltwater Farm Vineyard in Stonington
- Stonington Vineyards
- Kingdom of the Hawk Vineyard
- Priam Vineyards
- Sharpe Hill Vineyard
- Preston Ridge Vineyard
When you’re done at the Jonathan Edwards Winery, head back toward the waterfront in downtown Mystic for the evening, and you will feel like you experienced two sides of the region in one day.

Stay at Distinguished Hotels in Mystic CT
After a day spent sipping at Jonathan Edwards Winery and exploring more of this beautiful Southern Connecticut coast, head back to the Whalers Inn, and discover why so many travelers have rated us among the best hotels in Mystic, CT. The Whalers Inn gives your getaway the kind of refined, low-stress home base you want for a romantic weekend, with thoughtful rooms, a calm, elevated feel, and the sort of service that makes everything easier.
Our hotel puts you close to the waterfront, shops, and restaurants, so you can keep the car parked and focus on enjoying Mystic to its fullest. Settle into an elevated evening at Shipwright’s Daughter, enjoy a casual meal across the street at Mystic Fish Camp, and let us help you plan the perfect itinerary. The best of Mystic is at your doorstep from check-in to the last nightcap, which is why The Whalers Inn is the only choice worth making among hotels in Mystic, CT. Book your stay today!