A visit to any of the over 40 vineyards on the CT wine trail is an ideal way to spend an afternoon. But for many devoted pet parents, the decision to spend the day out and about or home with their fur baby can be a tough one. Fortunately, several Connecticut vineyards are pet-friendly! Pack a picnic and some of your dog’s favorite toys and head to one of these pet friendly vineyards in Connecticut that are equally welcoming to all guests, whether they arrive on two legs or four.
Jonathan Edwards Winery
North Stonington
Jonathan Edwards Winery is located near the Connecticut coast in picturesque North Stonington. This town offers numerous shopping and dining options in the nearby towns of Stonington Burrough and Mystic.
Jonathan Edwards Winery has been growing grapes on site and blending this local harvest with premier Napa Valley grapes since the early 2000’s. The vineyard offers guests the best of both East and West coast wine in what they describe as “Napa Valley Heart in a New England Winery”.
Connecticut Valley Vineyard
New Hartford
Connecticut Valley Vineyard in New Hartford is located in the scenic hills of Litchfield County. Anthony and Judith Ferraro founded this small family-owned vineyard. The Ferraro’s are pet lovers themselves, seen below posing for a family photo that includes their adorable dog.
Connecticut Valley Vineyard is well known for their unique fruit wines including peach and raspberry and are one of few Connecticut vineyards to offer a locally vinted port on their menu.
Land of Nod Vineyard
East Canaan
Land of Nod Vineyard in East Canaan is not only a vineyard but also a working bicentennial farm that raises sheep and produces local maple syrup. The tasting room is located in the family’s historic barn. The barn predates the American Revolution, and it was used to manufacture iron goods.
The vineyard is located near the Canaan Mountain State Forest Preserve. This preserve offers scenic views and hiking trails as well as the Beckley Furnace historic site built in 1847.
Hopkins Vineyard
New Preston
In 1979 owners Bill and Judith Hopkins converted their Litchfield County dairy farm into a vineyard. Located on beautiful lake Waramaug in New Preston, CT, Hopkins Vineyard is known for much more than great wines. This vineyard also offers a variety of different events including live music, painting parties, wine festivals, and yoga.
Located next to the vineyard is the Hopkins Inn which features beach access and an onsite restaurant offering contemporary Austrian cuisine.
Brignole Vineyards
East Granby
Brignole Vineyards is a newly built 15-acre vineyard with a tasting room and patio overlooking the East Granby town center. Brignole’s unique offerings include wine slushies, wine flights, and sangrias. Brignole’s Red, White, and Rosé wines are made using a blend of estate grapes and California grapes.
The tasting room offers prepackaged Boars Head meats, cheese and crackers and food trucks are often on-site.
Additional Resources
- Southern Connecticut Winter Wine Trail
- Eastern CT Winter Wine Trail
- Look Inside Waterbury’s Environmentally Sustainable Distillery