On this sixth installation of Passport to Connecticut Wineries, Sophie and Cecelia hit the trail, this time with Phyllis in tow. Standard disclaimers apply: we are not a professional wine connoisseurs—we’re just enjoying local wines.

On Saturday, September 26, 2009, we visited Hopkins Vineyard and Jones Winery.

Hopkins Vineyard

Johanna was our server. Tastings are $6 and include seven of 10 wines and the glass.

The duet 2008 was a blend of Chardonnay and Vidal Blanc and was light and crisp. The Vineyard Reserve 2007 was Pinot Grigio-like. The Lady rose 2008 didn’t leave an impression at all. The Cabernet Franc 2008 was kind of flat. Sachem’s Picnic was not too sweet and actually quite pleasant. The Westwind 2008 was a Riesling-like white and was pleasant enough. The Red Barn Red was my favorite of the tasting and would probably go with just about anything.

Jones Winery

Jim was our server. Tastings are $6 and include six of 12 wines and the glass.

The Stonewall White was a dry white from Seyval Blanc and Cayuga White grapes. Not bad, not special. The Pinot Gris 2008 was really nice. The Pure Rosé was said to be “serious” and did not have much of a finish. Seriously. The estate grown Cabernet Franc 2007 was worth the trip. The Ripton Red was okay, but had too much California. The Raspberry Rhapsody would have been nice for breakfast.

Visit the recap collection page for a menu of sorts…

This is the fifth 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. Another note: I cannot emphasize enough the value of writing these posts as soon after the tastings as possible. I don’t understand half of my notes!

On Sunday, August 30, we visited Rosedale Farms & Vineyards, Jerram Winery, and Connecticut Valley Winery.

Rosedale Farms & Vineyards

Paul was our server. Tastings are $5 and include six wines and the glass.

This year, all of Rosedale’s whites are estate grown. The Simsbury Celebration is a creamy white. Serendipity is nice as well. Three Sisters has a bit of a bite, but very nice. The Summer Bouquet was sweet. The Farmington River Red disappeared on the finish. Lou’s Red was the best of the lot, but there’s California inside.

Jerram Winery

Jim (the vintner) was our server. Tastings include six of their 11 wines and the glass.

Jerram’s wines are made from about 80% of their own grapes. The White Frost, a Chardonnay, was very delicate. The Seyval Blanc was tart and tangy. The Aurora was sweet. The Highland Reserve was entirely estate grown Cab Franc and Foch. The Marechal Foch is a delicate red. The Nor’easter was somewhat sweet, in a pleasant way.

UPDATE: I’d brought home a few bottles of the Marechal Foch. Out of the shadows of it’s “siblings,” this wine’s character has a chance to blossom. It’s fast becoming one of my favorites.

Connecticut Valley Winery

Judy Ferraro was our server. Tastings include 10 of the 12 wines.

The Chardonel was light and slightly sweet. The Chianti (yes, an American Chianti) is 66% estate grown and is smooth for a Chianti. The Black Tie Cabernet Franc was my favorite (despite the California inside). The Black Bear port was outstanding. I also tasted Ruby Lite, Deep Purple, Midnight, Just Peachy, Raspberry Delight, and Dolce Vita but my notes on these wines are sorely lacking. Clearly another visit is in order.

Visit the recap collection page for a menu of sorts…

Sophie & Cecelia’s adventures on the CT Wine Trail will resume this weekend. Here’s a little something to tide you over while you wait.