Stonington Vineyards

The Stonington Vineyards has been making wine since 1987. The winery is owned by Nick and Happy Smith who purchased 58 acres worth of land that was already planted with grapes. They began producing wine just before 1990 with the most up to date winemaking technology that was available, as well as by using the traditional barrel fermentation methods. The winery is best known for its Chardonnays, as well as its blends of Triad Rose and Seaport white. The collection also includes Reisling, Vidal Blanc and Cabernet Franc. The vineyard slopes south and has well-drained glacial soil, close to the Atlantic Ocean, so the winery enjoys a microclimate similar to that of the Bordeaux region. Visitors to the winery are welcome to walk through the vineyards and enjoy the area and they can talk to staff and learn more about the growing process and the making of the wines. Tours are offered every day at 2 pm and include a comprehensive lesson on the winemaking process. Tours last less than half an hour and are free of charge. Group tours are also welcome and private tours can be arranged. The tasting room at Stonington is open from 11 am until 5 pm each day. Visitors can taste wines, choose what they would like to buy and purchase bottles, cases and a variety of wine-related products and snacks.