Tag Archives: Jonathan Edwards

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Jonathan Edwards Spring Fest Kicks Off Summer at the Vineyard

J Edwards Spring Fest from Ryan Jacobson on Vimeo.

Jonathan Edwards winery, in North Stonington, Connecticut, hosted its annual Spring Fest this weekend at the vineyard. Hundreds of visitors attended the event, which is one of two fests the vineyard has throughout the year.

Included in the admission price, ($25/$30 at the door) attendees were given a Jonathan Edwards wine glass, and their choice of six samples, or a full glass of wine. Also included were activities such as face painting, airbrush tattoos, and barrel roll contests. Two bands performed on each of the days as well. Food trucks and gourmet food vendors also were available at the fest.

“The Spring Fest, along with our Fall Fest, is our most popular event”, says Danielle Brandt, employee at the vineyard. The Spring Fest marks the beginning of the summer season, which is our busiest, and favorite time of the year.”

2015 Connecticut Wine Trail Passports, and bottles of Jonathan Edwards wine were part of the scenery at Jonathan Edwards Spring Fest.

2015 Connecticut Wine Trail Passports, and bottles of Jonathan Edwards wine were part of the scenery at Jonathan Edwards Spring Fest. (photo credit: Ryan Jacobson)

Many people came prepared with plenty of cheeses, meats, fruits and meats to pair with their favorite Jonathan Edwards wines, at the Spring Fest. (photo credit: Ryan Jacobson)

Many people came prepared with plenty of cheeses, meats, fruits and meats to pair with their favorite Jonathan Edwards wines, at the Spring Fest. (photo credit: Ryan Jacobson)

Despite cloudy conditions, the turn out for Saturday's Spring Fest was very impressive. (photo credit: Ryan Jacobson)

Despite cloudy conditions, the turn out for Saturday’s Spring Fest was very impressive. (photo credit: Ryan Jacobson)

The Vines were a popular stop for many amateur photographers in attendance at Jonathan Edwards' spring Fest. (photo credit: Ryan Jacobson)

The Vines were a popular stop for many amateur photographers in attendance at Jonathan Edwards’ spring Fest. (photo credit: Ryan Jacobson)

The scent of fresh flowers filled the air at Jonathan Edwards' Spring Fest. (photo credit: Ryan Jacobson)

The scent of fresh flowers filled the air at Jonathan Edwards’ Spring Fest. (photo credit: Ryan Jacobson)

Jonathan Edwards will host their second fest weekend in the Fall. Tickets will soon be available through their website, or by visiting the vineyard on 74 Chester Maine Rd, in North Stonington, Connecticut.

Read about another popular Jonathan Edwards event, Barrels and Brushes, here.

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A Trail of Happiness: The CT Wine Trail

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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Wine is a Work of Art

The barrel room was filled with the scent of paint, the sound of laughter, and the clinking of wine glasses as Jonathan Edwards hosted the second of three scheduled Barrels & Brushes events last Thursday evening.

Over 40 people were in attendance at the event, which is more than double the amount of attendees that were at the first Barrels & Brushes event, held earlier this month.

“We were satisfied with the attendance for the first Barrels & Brushes, but are very excited about the huge turnout for tonight’s event” says Dawn McEwan, tasting room employee.

From ladies night out, to couples date night, the barrel room was filled with people shedding their artistic insecurities and finding their inner Picasso; all while enjoying their favorite Jonathan Edwards wine, of course.

“This is my first time at a Barrels & Brushes night at Jonathan Edwards” says Erin Burke, 31, of Westerly, RI. “I always thought I was an awful artist, but now that I have had a few glasses of wine, I don’t think I am so bad” she said as her accompanying girlfriends cheered her on with excitement and enthusiasm.

The dynamic, fun-loving personality of Felicia, the owner of the Drunken Palette, the art center responsible for supplying the artistic part of the event, afforded everyone in attendance the opportunity to relax and feel as if they were among forty friends in a novice art class for adults. Wine was flowing, brushes were stroking, and laughter was echoing through the room as the event carried on throughout the three-hour event.

As the night drew to a close, each participant gathered their newly painted work of art and made their way to the tasting room to find their coats and pay their tabs, (and maybe pick up a bottle or two of Jonathan Edwards wine for the long weekend ahead).

“The appetizers were filling, the wine was delicious, and the paint lesson was a blast,” says Burke. “I am going home and signing up for the third Barrels & Brushes event right when I get back.”

And I have a feeling that there will be many familiar faces on February 5th, when the final of three scheduled Barrels & Brushes events takes place at Jonathan Edwards winery.