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Tickle your taste buds at a Wallingford winery on your next trip to Connecticut. Area wineries typically offer tours and tastings, either for free or a small fee. The town of Wallingford, Connecticut sits in New Haven County, and was established in 1667. As such, it is steeped in history, with many landmarks peppered throughout the community, such as the Samuel Parson House and John Barker House. But wine is also a big draw here, with many wineries in and around Wallingford offering tours and tastings for enthusiasts. Couple your tours with a stay in a charming Wallingford inn, and you have yourself a relaxing vacation. BBOnline can help you choose a Wallingford winery, with its search capabilities, bed and breakfast features, and maps.
Gouveia Vineyards
1339 Whirlwind Hill Road
Wallingford, CT 06492-2727
(203) 265-5526
http://www.gouveiavineyards.com/
Opened in 2004, Gouveia Vineyards offers 13 different varieties, such as Seyval Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. In addition to its tasty wines, it offers beautiful views of the pasture, growing vines, rolling hills and pond. It all comes together to provide an overall peaceful experience. Wine tastings cost $5 plus tax. Sample five different wines of your choosing and when you're done, you get to keep the etched glass. Or, you may decide to buy a bottle of wine to share with friends from this Wallingford winery. Either way, take a seat in front of the fireplace or window for beautiful views. Open all year round, Gouveia Vineyards welcomes guests from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Bishop's Orchards Winery
1355 Boston Post Rd
Guilford, CT 06437
(203) 453-2338
http://www.bishopsorchards.com/
Not too far away in Guilford is Bishop's Orchards Winery. It's open year round, boasting a farm market, winery and bakery. Wine tastings are offered seven days a week, with winery tours taking place every Saturday at 2 p.m. Check out the llamas and alpacas at the farm, or pick up a fruit basket as a unique gift. June marks the beginning of pick-your-own season. Bishop's award-winning wines available for tasting include Apple Raspberry Blush, Red Barn Red, Cabernet Franc and Honey Peach Melba.
Priam Vineyards
11 Shailor Hill Road
Colchester, CT 06415
(860) 267-8520
http://www.priamvineyards.com/
Travel a bit to Colchester to visit Priam Vineyard, which sits on 40 acres in the Salmon River watershed area. Along with scenic views of the New England landscape, it offers 14 hand-crafted wines, with reds like Westchester Red and Salmon River Red, and whites like Cayuga and Blackledge White. Have a picnic or sample some cheese along with your wine on the patio. Wine tastings and self-guided tours are offered between the months of March and December. Hours are Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Groups are encouraged, with tours and tastings lasting about an hour and a half. Order Priam's award-winning wines in person or through the website. Connecticut's climate makes it ideal for the wines that are produced here every year. It may be worth the drive from your Wallingford bed and breakfast. Buy some bottles and bring them back to your inn to enjoy over supper.