Tag Archives: CT Wine Trail

Posted on by

The Rising Popularity of the CT Wine Trail

With nearly 20,000 Facebook followers, the Connecticut Wine Trail has blossomed into a local summer tradition. Each and every summer the vineyards become increasingly popular, and the need to fill ones’ “CT Wine Trail Passport” becomes more of a goal. Their Facebook page offers updates on new wines, upcoming events, and up-to-date news involving the wine trail.

A typical Facebook post from the CT Wine Trail

A typical Facebook post from the CT Wine Trail

 

 

Gouveia Vineyards. One of the most popular stops on the tour.

Gouveia Vineyards. One of the most popular stops on the tour.

 

If Twitter is more your speed, then follow @ctwinetrail for tips on how to get the most out of your visit to the Connecticut Wine Trail. Though not used as frequently as their Facebook account, the tips are helpful reminders for all of the do’s and don’t’s while touring the wine trail.

Screen Shot 2015-08-02 at 11.41.23 PM

 

Finally, by using the #ctwinetrail on Instagram, you can follow all of the happenings at all 33 of the vineyards. Instagram is perhaps the most convienent way for you to stay on top of what is happening on the Connecticut Wine Trail. Not only can you see photos and videos that each of the vineyards posted, but you can also see photos and videos that all of the visitors have posted. These photos tend to give you a better understand of the atmosphere at each of the vineyards because they are simply from a visitors perspective, and not “staged” photos that the vineyards choose to share with their followers. Instagram offers an accurate portrayal of the day to day happenings at each of the establishments.

Screen Shot 2015-08-02 at 11.42.16 PM

The good, the bad, and the ugly are all on display on Instagram, and if you want to get a true

sense of what the average visitor to each of the vineyards experiences, then Instagram is one of the best platforms.

Whether or not you are a local planning your next stop on the CT Wine trail, or a tourist looking to learn about the wine trail, and map out your journey, social media is the best way for you to hear about each of the vineyards from an unbiased, “average Joe” perspective, and can often give you as much, or more information than the website itself.

For more information on the CT Wine Trail, visit their social media pages, or go to their website at ctwine.com

 

 

Posted on by

From Bartender to Sommelier: The Story of a Blossoming Wine Expert

Erin Burke, of Westerly, RI, has recently become the newest member of a rapidly growing family. Burke, 35, from Westerly, RI, has just passed the Court of Sommeliers first level test to become a Master Sommelier. Burke currently works as a bartender at The Windjammer, a popular beach bar located in Westerly, RI. She recently traveled to St. Louis, MO to try her luck at taking the first level sommelier test, which requires, on average, years of preparation.

SMG Burke from Ryan Jacobson on Vimeo.

Burke began her bartending career nearly twelve years ago, and has since traveled the world working as a bartender and/or wine consultant. During her time in St. Louis, Burke took a twenty hour review class, accompanied by a intensive class about how to identify wines based on their sight, scent, and taste.

For the past 2 years Burke has been preparing to be one of the leading female sommeliers on the East Coast. Her preparation has included reading multiple wine books, subscribing to popular wine magazines, and attending wine tasting events across the tri-state area.

burke pic facebook

Screen Shot 2015-07-26 at 10.27.17 PM

Burke plans on taking the second level of the Court of Masters Sommelier Course in December and has an extensive preparation program lined up to help her prepare for the challenging level two test.

“The level 2 test requires test takers to sample multiple wines and predict their grape varietal, the counrty the grape was grown, and the vintage, simply by tasting the wine. The experts say that the best way to prepare is to practice, practice, practice. So that is what I am doing. I intend to be fully prepared for the tasting portion of the test by the time December rolls around” says Burke.

Screen Shot 2015-07-26 at 10.38.26 PM

In addition to taking the tasting portion of the sommelier test, Burke also has the added pressure of studying for the written portion of the test, which includes questions about the different regions, and types of wine from all over the world. The preparation for the examination is extensive, and Burke has recruited many of her friends to help her with the process.

“This process is nearly impossible to complete by yourself” says Burke. “Without the help of family and friends, the studying process for the Court of Master Sommeliers is incredibly difficult.”

Burke has been touring the Connecticut Wine Trail for a few months, and hopes to visit all of the vineyards by the end of the summer to help with her preparation.

Posted on by

A Trail of Happiness: The CT Wine Trail

ct wine trail 2

One of the many signs for the CT Wine Trail. Photo by: Ryan Jacobson

Established in 1988, the Connecticut Wine Trail is a state approved winery and vineyard awareness program. Wine lovers can visit  25 unique vineyards on the CT Wine Tour, which is divided into two sections, east and west. In addition to the 25 vineyards on the official wine tour, CT is also home to many other farm wineries and vineyards throughout the state. The Connecticut Department of Agriculture has a detailed list of each of the vineyards, as well as links to permits and licenses for each. The CT Department of Agriculture also has information for each vineyard, such as hours, directions, and a brief description of each vineyards unique wines/menus.

 

“The Connecticut Wine Tour is a fantastic way to spend a beautiful summer’s weekend while spending quality time with family members or friends” says Danielle Brandts, tasting room manager at Jonathan Edwards Winery in North Stonington, CT, a must-visit location on the CT Wine Trail. “The wine trail brings all types of visitors, from wine connoisseur’s and dating couples, to bachelorette parties, and girls weekend getaways.

j edwards winery

Jonathan Edwards Winery, a popular destination along the CT Wine Trail. Photo by: Ryan Jacobson

 

Due to recent change in many state’s wine shipping laws, vineyards along the CT Wine Trail are now allowed to begin shipping their wine to more visitors that purchase wine while on the trail. Just recently, Rhode Island began allowing it’s residents to receive wine shipments in the mail.

 

 

The CT Wine Trail also offers incentives for visitors to check out as many of the vineyards as possible. The CT Wine Trail Passport Program, available for free at any of the participating vineyards, offers wine-lovers a chance to win some amazing prizes for visiting at least 16 of the CT Wine Trail vineyards. Prizes include a two-week all inclusive vacation to Spain, a chauffeured limo ride on the wine trail for you and seven friends, overnight stays at local hotels, and of course, bottles of your favorite CT wine.

ct wine trail 3

CT Wine Trail Passport and wine samples. Photo by: Ryan Jacobson

            Rebecca Gallucci, self-proclaimed wine lover, and frequent visitor of the CT Wine Trail admits, “I fill up my wine passport every summer, but am still holding out hope for that trip to Spain. Even if there were no prizes available, I would still be sure to visit my favorite vineyards on the trail, just to catch up with old friends, and taste all the new offerings.”

 

 

When asked what her favorite part of the wine trail was, Gallucci said, “Getting to try so many new wines that I would not normally have tasted if I were to order them out at a restaurant. The samples are perfect for tastings, and helping you decide which bottles you would like to purchase.”

wine trail 4

A typical wine sampling size found along the CT Wine Trail. Photo by: Ryan Jacobson

 

Summer in New England is quickly approaching, and after one of the worst winters in history, New Englanders will be itching to get out of the house. The CT Wine Trail is the perfect way to spend some time with loved ones, while experiencing the beauty of Connecticut and the delicious wines it has to offer.