Explore the Connecticut Wine Trail from Mystic
The Connecticut Wine Trail connects 20 member wineries across the state, making it easy to explore Connecticut’s growing wine scene. With more than 45 licensed farm wineries statewide, there’s no shortage of places to sip, sample, and discover local wines. From the Litchfield Hills to the scenic southeastern shoreline, Connecticut wineries have built a reputation for producing exceptional wines in a cool-climate growing region. Along with cold-hardy hybrids, many vineyards cultivate varietals such as Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, and Riesling that thrive in Connecticut’s unique conditions. Whether you’re enjoying a guided flight, relaxing with a glass overlooking the vines, or discovering a new favorite vintage, wine tasting in Connecticut offers an experience that is as varied as the landscape itself.
With so many things to do in Mystic, our coastal town is one of the best places to anchor a Connecticut Wine Trail getaway. Jonathan Edwards Winery sits just a few miles from downtown in North Stonington. The winery is one of the state’s most recognized producers, earning a loyal following for both Connecticut-grown wines and carefully selected California fruit. Between tastings, grab a casual bite to eat at Mystic Fish Camp, stroll along the Mystic River, browse the boutiques and galleries downtown, then enjoy sunset sips and sails aboard the historic steamboat Sabino. The Mystic Seaport Museum and Mystic Aquarium round out a weekend of charm and the best wineries near Mystic, CT.
After a day of exploring Connecticut wineries, you’ll want to settle into one of the best boutique hotels in Mystic, CT. Located in the heart of historic downtown, our hotel is within walking distance of the Bascule Bridge, waterfront restaurants, local shops, and many of Mystic’s most popular attractions. It’s the ideal home base for exploring the Connecticut Wine Trail while experiencing everything that makes Connecticut such a fantastic destination. Book your stay!
Plan Your Connecticut Wine Trail Getaway from Mystic
The Connecticut Wine Trail route stretches from the rolling hills of the Litchfield Hills to the vineyards of Connecticut’s southeastern shoreline. The official trail includes 20 member wineries in CT, each offering its own tasting room, scenic setting, and distinctive wines. Many also participate in the annual Passport to Connecticut Farm Wineries program, which encourages visitors to collect stamps as they explore participating wineries throughout the state. Most tasting rooms welcome walk-in guests, although reservations may be recommended for larger groups or special events.
What makes wine tasting in Connecticut especially enjoyable is the diversity among wineries. Some wineries focus on guided tastings with thoughtfully curated flights and local cheese or charcuterie, while others invite guests to relax outdoors with a glass of wine overlooking the vineyards. The wineries near Mystic, CT, are especially convenient for visitors staying along the shoreline and include some of the state’s most scenic vineyards.
A few of our favorite wineries near Mystic, CT, include:
- Jonathan Edwards Winery, located in North Stonington, about 16 minutes from downtown Mystic, offers one of the region’s most distinctive tasting experiences. Set on a picturesque 48-acre property, the tasting room occupies a beautifully restored 1880 dairy barn surrounded by vineyards and rolling countryside. The winery is known for its bi-coastal approach, producing wines from both Connecticut-grown grapes and carefully sourced California fruit. Visitors can enjoy tastings, events, and outdoor seating throughout much of the year.
- Stonington Vineyards, just 10 minutes from Mystic, has been producing wine since 1987 and was one of the founding members of the Connecticut Wine Trail. The vineyard is known for its award-winning Chardonnay, Seaport White, Triad Rosé, and other estate-grown wines. Open year-round, the winery regularly hosts live music, seasonal celebrations, and special tasting events.
- Saltwater Farm Vineyard, also just minutes from Mystic, offers one of the most unforgettable settings among the wineries in CT. The tasting room occupies a beautifully restored World War II-era airplane hangar overlooking tidal marshes and the Connecticut shoreline. The 108-acre vineyard grows six grape varieties, while regular live music, food trucks, and events create an inviting atmosphere from spring through late fall.
A little planning can make your Connecticut Wine Trail getaway even more enjoyable. Before setting out, check each winery’s website for seasonal hours, special events, live music, and food truck schedules, as offerings vary throughout the year. If you plan to visit more than one winery in a day, consider designating a driver or arranging transportation. Spring through fall is the busiest season, while winter offers a quieter atmosphere for a more leisurely experience. Since the wineries near Mystic, CT, are just a short drive apart, it’s easy to spread your visits over a weekend and leave plenty of time to enjoy downtown Mystic, the shoreline, and other local attractions along the way.
Stay at One of the Best Boutique Hotels in Mystic CT
Whether you’re planning to visit one winery or spend several days exploring the Connecticut Wine Trail, staying at our hotel in downtown Mystic makes it easy to experience the best of southeastern Connecticut. Our hotel places you within easy reach of many of the state’s most celebrated vineyards, while surrounding you with the restaurants, shops, and waterfront charm. One of the best boutique hotels in Mystic, CT, our lodging features 55 individually designed rooms and suites spread across six historic downtown buildings. Guests can choose everything from the adults-only Hoxie House to spacious Stanton House penthouses overlooking the Mystic River.
For guests looking to continue the culinary experience after a day of wine tasting in Connecticut, curated packages feature in-room charcuterie and local wine, while The Shipwright’s Daughter, the hotel’s James Beard Award-winning restaurant, serves exceptional seasonal cuisine crafted with New England ingredients, including breakfast to fuel your day at the wineries. Featured in Travel + Leisure, The New York Times, and Cosmopolitan, our property remains one of the most celebrated boutique hotels Mystic, CT, has to offer. Book your stay today and start planning your visits to Connecticut wineries!
