This is the fourth installation of Passport to Connecticut Wineries, or Sophie and Cecelia’s adventures tasting their way through Connecticut wineries! Standard disclaimers apply: we are not a professional wine connoisseurs—we’re just enjoying local wines.

On Saturday, August 29, we visited Gouveia Vineyards, Priam Vineyards, and Heritage Trail Winery.

Gouveia Vineyards

1339 Whirlwind Hill Road, Wallingford, CT 06492, (203) 265-5526

Christine was our server. Tastings are $5 and include five of their nine wines and the glass. All of their wines are made from estate-grown grapes.

The Chardonnay Oak was not bad considering I’m still not a white wine aficionado. The Stone House White was rather sweet. I was unable to form an opinion on the Whirlwind Rose. The Merlot finished peppery. Though I couldn’t taste the berries in their Cab Franc, it was nice.

Priam Vineyards

11 Shailor Hill Road, Colchester, CT 06415, (860) 267-8520

Jutta was our server, with many anecdotes about Priam’s wines and a vast wealth of knowledge about wine in general. Tastings are $6.50 and include five wines and the tasting glass (a little more if you want the big glass). They have additional and reserve wines that you can taste for a few more dollars. All of Priam’s wines are made from estate-grown grapes.

The Riesling was not bad at all (red-wine-lover disclaimer applies again). The Salmon River White was interesting with an original taste. I can’t remember what I thought of the Jeremy River White. The Westchester Red pairs well with Lindt Cherry Chili chocolate. The Salmon River Red was nice. Very nice.

Of the additional wines, I sampled the Blackledge White and thought, “Wow” and “smooth.” Of the reserve wines, I tried the Essence of St. Croix, which is a port style wine. Really, really nice.

Gary Crump is their energetic vintner (pictured above).

Heritage Trail Winery

291 North Burnham Highway, Lisbon, CT 06351, (860) 376-0659

Marcus was our server. Tastings are $7 and include all seven wines. The glass is an additional $5. We had the Grand Pairing for two. Tastings are in the cafe, at a table so that if you decide to eat here, you won’t have to move. Most of their wines (except the Cab Franc) are made from estate-grown grapes.

The Quinebaug White is a blend of Cayuga White and Vidal grapes. Light and citrus-like, somewhere between grapefruit and orange. The Chardonnay was clean tasting. I liked the Winthrop White (all Cayuga White) and Cecelia did not. We found the Sweet Reserve to be citric and tart. The Shetucket Red was okay. I tasted the oak and smokiness of the Rochambeau Red, but not the “essence of vanilla” nor the “hints of dark chocolate.” I did enjoy the Cab Franc.

The cafe is lovely and the food, prepared by Chef Harry is excellent, innovative, and as local as possible. The yam chips with chili sauce and wasabi goat cheese are a must-try.

Til next time, Salut!