Saltwater Farm Vineyard: A Stunning Destination for Wine Lovers

Saltwater Farm Vineyard is a picturesque winery located in Stonington, Connecticut. Set on over 100 acres of panoramic land, 15 of which are dedicated to grape cultivation, the vineyard offers a breathtaking view of Long Island Sound and is bordered by tidal marshes and a cove. The property has a rich history dating back to the foundation of the coastal village of Stonington over 350 years ago.

Visitors to Saltwater Farm Vineyard can enjoy wine tastings at the on-site tasting room, which is open to the public from April to December. The vineyard offers a variety of wines made from six different grape varieties, including Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. The centerpiece of the property is a World War II-era airplane hangar that has been converted into a unique event space, making it an ideal venue for weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions.

Saltwater Farm Vineyard has received numerous awards and accolades, including being named one of the top 25 vineyards in the United States by Travel + Leisure magazine. The vineyard's commitment to sustainable practices and its dedication to producing high-quality wines have earned it a reputation as one of the premier wineries in Connecticut.

Location and Accessibility

Saltwater Farm Vineyard is located on the Connecticut shoreline in Stonington, Connecticut, near the historic New England coastal village of Stonington. The vineyard is situated on more than 100 panoramic acres, 15 of which are planted with six varieties of grapes.

The vineyard is conveniently located between New Haven and Providence, Rhode Island, and is easily accessible by car. Visitors can take Interstate 95 to exit 91, and then follow the signs to the vineyard. The drive from New Haven takes approximately 45 minutes, while the drive from Providence takes approximately one hour.

For visitors traveling from further afield, there are several airports within driving distance of the vineyard. Bradley International Airport, located in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, is approximately 60 miles from the vineyard and offers flights to and from many major cities in the United States. T.F. Green Airport, located in Warwick, Rhode Island, is approximately 40 miles from the vineyard and also offers flights to and from many major cities in the United States.

In addition to being accessible by car and plane, the vineyard is also accessible by boat. Visitors can dock their boats at the nearby Stonington Harbor and then take a short walk to the vineyard.

Overall, Saltwater Farm Vineyard is a beautiful and easily accessible destination for wine lovers and visitors looking to experience the natural beauty of the Connecticut shoreline.

History of Saltwater Farm Vineyard

Saltwater Farm Vineyard is a historic vineyard located in Stonington, Connecticut. The vineyard was established in 2001 on the site of a former World War II era airplane hangar.

The land on which the vineyard is situated was once part of a larger tract of farmland owned by Palmer, who was one of the original settlers of the area. Portions of Palmer's original tract, including what is now Saltwater Farm Vineyard, continued to be used as farmland into the early decades of the 20th century, known then as the West Farm and owned by Herbert West, who was raised in North Stonington.

In the late 1930s, William J. Foster opened a small community airport on the property. During World War II, the airport was used as a training facility for pilots. After the war, the airport was closed, and the hangar was used for storage. In 2001, the hangar was converted into a winery, and Saltwater Farm Vineyard was born.

Today, Saltwater Farm Vineyard is a fully operational vineyard and winery, growing six varieties of grapes on more than 100 panoramic acres. The vineyard is bordered by tidal marshes, a cove, and vistas of Long Island Sound, making it one of the most stunning natural sites in New England.

Vineyard and Wine Production

Vineyard Overview

Saltwater Farm Vineyard is a fully operational vineyard located on 108 acres of Connecticut shoreline in Stonington. The vineyard has over 15 acres of land planted with six different grape varieties, including Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Noir. The vineyard's location is ideal for grape growing, with its proximity to the Long Island Sound providing a unique microclimate that allows the grapes to thrive.

The vineyard's land has a rich history, having been used as a private airport during World War II. The vineyard's owners have worked hard to preserve this history, and the Tasting Room and event space is housed in a fully refurbished airplane hangar.

Wine Varieties

Saltwater Farm Vineyard produces a range of wines, including white, red, and rose varieties. The vineyard's Chardonnay is a popular choice, with its light and refreshing taste. The Cabernet Franc is another popular wine, with its rich and complex flavor profile.

Other wine varieties produced by the vineyard include the Pinot Noir, the Merlot, and the Rose. The vineyard's wines have won numerous awards, including the Gold Medal at the 2019 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition.

Wine Production Process

The vineyard's wine production process begins with the careful selection of the grapes. The grapes are harvested by hand and then sorted to ensure that only the best grapes are used in the wine production process.

After the grapes are sorted, they are crushed and fermented in stainless steel tanks. The fermentation process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the type of wine being produced.

Once the wine has finished fermenting, it is aged in oak barrels for several months. The aging process allows the wine to develop its unique flavor profile and character.

After the wine has been aged, it is bottled and labeled. The vineyard's wines are available for purchase at the Tasting Room and at select restaurants and wine shops in the area.

Tours and Tastings

Saltwater Farm Vineyard offers a variety of tour and tasting options for visitors to enjoy. Here are the available options:

Tour Options

Vineyard & Winery Tour: This tour takes visitors through the vineyard and winery, where they can learn about the winemaking process and the history of the vineyard. The tour concludes with a wine tasting.

Private Tours: Private tours can be arranged for groups of 10 or more people. These tours can be customized to fit the interests of the group and can include a wine tasting.

Vineyard Walk: Visitors can take a self-guided walk through the vineyard to learn about the different grape varieties grown at Saltwater Farm Vineyard.

Tasting Experiences

Wine Tasting: Saltwater Farm Vineyard offers a traditional wine tasting experience, where visitors can sample a selection of wines for a fee. The tasting includes a souvenir glass.

Wine & Cheese Pairing: This tasting experience includes a selection of artisanal cheeses paired with Saltwater Farm Vineyard wines.

Wine & Chocolate Pairing: Visitors can enjoy a selection of chocolates paired with Saltwater Farm Vineyard wines.

Wine & Charcuterie Board: This tasting experience includes a charcuterie board with a selection of meats, cheeses, and other accompaniments paired with Saltwater Farm Vineyard wines.

All tasting experiences are available for a fee, and reservations are recommended. Visitors can also purchase wine by the glass or bottle to enjoy on the vineyard's patio or lawn.

Events and Venue Hire

Saltwater Farm Vineyard is a beautiful coastal wedding venue located in Stonington, CT. The vineyard offers a stunning backdrop for a variety of events, including weddings, receptions, and rehearsal dinners.

Events

The Saltwater Farm Vineyard is a perfect place to host your special event. The vineyard offers a variety of spaces to accommodate events of all sizes, from intimate gatherings to large celebrations. The Tasting Room and event space is housed in a fully refurbished World War II era airplane hangar, providing a unique and memorable atmosphere for your event.

The venue offers a range of packages to suit your needs, including the use of the vineyard's beautiful grounds, tables, chairs, linens, and more. The experienced event staff will work with you to create a personalized event that reflects your style and vision.

Venue Hire

Saltwater Farm Vineyard is available for hire for a range of events, including corporate events, private parties, and more. The vineyard's beautiful grounds and unique event space provide the perfect backdrop for any occasion.

The venue offers a variety of spaces to accommodate events of all sizes, from small gatherings to large celebrations. The experienced event staff will work with you to create a personalized event that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.

The vineyard also offers a range of catering options, including local farm-to-table cuisine and a selection of wines from the vineyard's own collection. Whether you're planning a corporate retreat, a family reunion, or a birthday party, Saltwater Farm Vineyard is the perfect venue for your next event.

Sustainability Practices

Saltwater Farm Vineyard is committed to sustainable practices in their vineyard management. They prioritize environmentally sound methods that preserve the land for future generations while producing high-quality grapes for their wines.

Their sustainable practices include:

Organic Pest Management: Saltwater Farm Vineyard uses natural methods to control pests, such as planting cover crops to attract beneficial insects and using pheromone traps to disrupt the mating patterns of harmful insects. They avoid using synthetic pesticides that can harm beneficial insects and contaminate the soil and groundwater.

Water Conservation: The vineyard uses drip irrigation to conserve water and reduce waste. This method delivers water directly to the base of the vines, minimizing evaporation and runoff. They also use cover crops to reduce erosion and retain moisture in the soil.

Soil Health: Saltwater Farm Vineyard practices soil conservation by using cover crops, compost, and natural fertilizers to improve soil health and fertility. They avoid using synthetic fertilizers that can harm beneficial microorganisms and contribute to nutrient runoff.

Energy Efficiency: The vineyard uses energy-efficient lighting, HVAC systems, and equipment to reduce their carbon footprint. They also use renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, to generate electricity.

Saltwater Farm Vineyard's commitment to sustainability is evident in their use of environmentally sound practices that promote the health of the land, the community, and the ecosystem. By prioritizing sustainable vineyard management, they are able to produce high-quality wines while preserving the natural resources that make their vineyard possible.

Community Involvement and Partnerships

Saltwater Farm Vineyard is committed to engaging and supporting the local community. The vineyard regularly partners with local organizations and businesses to promote community events and support local causes.

One of the ways the vineyard supports the community is by hosting events that benefit local charities. For example, the vineyard has hosted fundraising events for the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center, a local organization that provides food, clothing, and other services to those in need. The vineyard has also hosted events to benefit the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation, a local organization that funds research into the causes and treatment of breast cancer.

In addition to hosting events, Saltwater Farm Vineyard also partners with local businesses to promote the local economy. The vineyard sources many of its supplies and services from local businesses, including catering and event planning services. By supporting local businesses, the vineyard helps to create a thriving local economy that benefits everyone in the community.

Finally, Saltwater Farm Vineyard is committed to environmental sustainability. The vineyard uses sustainable farming practices to minimize its impact on the environment, and it partners with local organizations to promote environmental conservation. For example, the vineyard has partnered with the Mystic Aquarium to promote conservation efforts in Long Island Sound. By working together with the community, Saltwater Farm Vineyard is helping to create a more sustainable and vibrant community for everyone.

Future Plans

Saltwater Farm Vineyard has established itself as a popular destination for wine lovers and wedding events. However, the vineyard has plans for the future to expand its offerings and improve the overall experience for visitors.

One of the primary goals of Saltwater Farm Vineyard is to increase the variety of wines it produces. Currently, the vineyard grows six varieties of grapes, but it plans to introduce new grape varieties to its vineyard in the future. This will allow the vineyard to produce a wider range of wines and offer visitors more options to taste and enjoy.

In addition to expanding its wine offerings, Saltwater Farm Vineyard also plans to enhance its facilities. The vineyard has already renovated its Tasting Room to provide a more comfortable and inviting space for visitors. However, the vineyard plans to continue to make improvements to its facilities to provide the best possible experience for visitors.

Another key aspect of Saltwater Farm Vineyard's future plans is to increase its focus on sustainability. The vineyard already practices sustainable farming methods, but it plans to take additional steps to reduce its environmental impact. This includes implementing more eco-friendly practices in its winemaking process and reducing waste.

Overall, Saltwater Farm Vineyard has ambitious plans for the future that will enhance the visitor experience and solidify its reputation as one of Connecticut's premier wineries.