If you’re like us, a perfect weekend includes a tasting flight, some sunshine, and maybe even a little live music or an outdoor yoga class (because balance, right?).
Luckily, Connecticut’s wineries & breweries are hubs of adult fun—think fire pits, food trucks, live bands, art workshops, dance classes, and even the occasional Pilates session between sips. Whether you’re a wine-lover, a craft beer enthusiast, or just someone who enjoys a great atmosphere, there’s no shortage of spots to explore.
It’s officially sipping season, so grab your friends and check out these 4 local favorites we recently visited:
Sip Sip Hooray is a sponsored post
Aquila’s Nest Vineyards
(Newtown) If you’re looking for a vineyard that knows how to keep things fresh (v IG’able!), Aquila’s Nest Vineyards is your spot. This stunning 41-acre estate in Newtown is more than just beautiful views—it’s a full-on experience. You can sip your wine in an igloo, a gazebo, or fireside under the stars.
Their calendar is jam-packed with fun offerings. Think craft workshops, live music, dueling pianos, tribute shows, Salsa classes, comedy nights, and even murder mystery evenings. They also have great food trucks with things like gourmet macarons, fine pastries, local chocolates, and artisanal cheeses.
✨Bonus points for being Climate Neutral Certified!
Two Roads Brewing Campus
(Stratford) For those who prefer hops over grapes, check out the sprawling Two Roads Brewing campus. The outdoor beer garden is where summer weekends are made!
On Thursdays, head to Area Two for Jukebox Bingo (6:30 pm), and on Saturdays (12–9 pm), the whole campus comes alive in the Hop Yard with live music outside through October. Don’t miss the Two Roads Food Hall—and yep, there’s even a golf club.
Beer-wise, they’ve got something for everyone: crisp lagers, bold IPAs (including non-alcoholic options), farmhouse ales, seasonal brews, & creative barrel-aged sours from their experimental Area Two.
Hopkins Vineyard
(Warren) We’ve always loved Hopkins Vineyard, but now that they’ve added a Charcuterie Bar (omg!), it’s next-level. A dreamy wine flight paired with a gorgeous spread of housemade beer cheese, hummus, dips, and chips – total girl dinner heaven!
The tasting room is in a beautifully restored 19th-century barn, with a cozy hayloft wine bar and stunning Lake Waramaug views(🫶). Outside, the picnic area feels straight out of Tuscany. They offer wine flights, guided or self‑guided tours, live music on weekends, food trucks, and special events like fall festivals & painting nights.
Fun Fact: Hopkins Vineyard is CT’s oldest family-owned winery, set on a historic farm that’s been in the Hopkins family since 1787. We love Hilary, George, and their amazing crew!
Saltwater Farm Vineyard
(Stonington) Saltwater Farm Vineyard is a coastal gem well worth the scenic drive (unless you’re lucky enought to live nearby!)! This stunning winery sits on 108 acres, with sweeping views of Long Island Sound. They grow six classic varieties aged in stainless steel and French oak.
They host live music every Thursday (5–7 pm) and Sunday (3–5 pm) from June through August. Paired with a local food truck, fantastic raw bar, craft beers & ciders, it’s the ultimate shoreline picnic.
Bonus: Your tasting will take place in a restored World War II–era airplane hangar! It’s such a beautiful spot to take a big deep breath.
Wherever you end up, one thing’s for sure: Connecticut knows how to raise a glass and have a good time. Sip sip hooray to making the most of the season!
🍷 🍺 Which winery or brewery should we visit next? Drop your recs in the comments!
Sip Sip Hooray: 4 Fun Connecticut Wineries & Breweries to Bookmark! 🍷🍺