Maugle Sierra Vineyards

Wineries in CT. Who knew? My tendency is to compare them with Long Island wineries but that is unfair since the LI wineries have been around for a lot longer and produce different varieties due to the micro climate on the East End.  This winery is set in the woods overloking a small valley where the grapes are grown. Outside patios and Adirondack chairs for enjoying your wine among the trees. The only thing preventing 4 stars here is the tasting menu. There was 1 choice only 8 wines for $14. They didn't offer a smaller menu for those of us who don't want 8 ounces of wine at 11 in the morning.

This is one of my top 3 favorite vineyards on the trail. A beautiful new tasting room opened over the last year or so, and the atmosphere is really nice, both inside and outside, with lots of shady spots to sit, fun ornaments and statues, and artsy decor. There is frequently live music here as well.

The tasting is $14 for 8 wines, which is a little steep, but most of the wines are great...different from what you typically find at the rest of the wineries. The Rose is great, but we left with a bottle of the new Rendezvous, a Riesling blend good for summer, and the St. Croix, a sweet, semi-dry red.

I was sad to see the dessert wines weren't offered as part of the tasting or by the glass; they used to be, and they are delicious, but given the $35+ per bottle price, I'm not going to buy a bottle without sampling first. That, along with the high tasting price, are the only reasons this review isn't 5 stars!

I've visited 3 times and always had tastings with Paul, the owner, who is very knowledgeable about wine and always extremely nice. I'm sorry to hear other reports of bad service, but it's just never been my experience.

Still a five, I just had to add that the last time I went they had a musical trio ....and they played Driving in My Car by NRBQ....one of my favorite songs that nobody knows.  It made my day.