Connecticut is an up-and-coming wine destination in the U.S. and there are several beautiful vineyards in southeastern Connecticut. Conveniently located about a two hour drive or train ride from Boston and a two and a half hour drive from New York City, the historic and scenic southeastern Connecticut is perfect for a wine getaway. Follow Connecticut’s wine trail to the cozy Maugle Sierra Vineyards in Ledyard for a cozy, year-round wine tasting.
Location and information
Maugle Sierra Vineyards is a bit off-the-beaten-path in rural Connecticut, but because of this you get to enjoy a scenic drive along forest lined roads. Set in a wooded area, Maugle Sierra Vineyards provides beautiful views of Connecticut’s nature as well as great views of their vineyard.
Unlike most other vineyards in the area, Maugle Sierra Vineyards is open year-round on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Their opening hours vary based on the day of the week, so do be sure to check online before planning your visit.
Tastings, purchases, and food
Wine tastings at Maugle Sierra Vineyards are informal and affordable at 12 USD per person for six wine samples. During the tasting, you’ll have the opportunity to savor each of their popular wine offerings, which are produced in-house. You’ll start off with dry red wines and make your way to sweet wines. For example, you’ll get to sample their Ledyard Sunset Red, which is cabernet franc wine aged in an oak barrel. Later, you’ll move onto tasting their Rendezvous, which is a blended wine using riesling, chardonnay, and house grown cayuga. These are just two flavorful examples of the six wines you’ll get to sip. I personally found the whites at Maugle Sierra to be more flavorful than the reds.
If you find a bottle of wine you love at Maugle Sierra Vineyards, you’ll have the opportunity to make a purchase, with prices ranging from 22 USD to 30 USD. If you want to enjoy a bottle or glass on the premises, you are allowed to bring along snacks for your party to share.
Special events
Depending on the season, Maugle Sierra Vineyards also offers live music indoors or outdoors with no cover charges (you just need to buy a glass or bottle of wine). Throughout October, visitors will be able to dance and drink to the mellow tunes played by visiting local bands such as the Cartells Trio on October 27. Do keep in mind though that wine tastings are not offered during live music performances.
Maugle Sierra Vineyards is also available for weddings and other special events. For more information regarding those services, see their website below.
Other places to visit in the area
Though Maugle Sierra Vineyards is definitely off-the-beaten-path, it is only a 20-minute drive from the famous Mystic Seaport and a 10-minute drive to Foxwoods Resort and Casino. If you are looking to taste wines at other vineyards in the area, head to Stonington Vineyard, Saltwater Farm Vineyard, and Jonathan Edwards Winery. If you only have time for one additional vineyard, Saltwater Farm Vineyard (open seasonally) is my pick. If you visit in the winter, you can taste wines from Saltwater Farm Vineyard at their café, M/Bar.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to