MIDDLEBURY, Conn. — Tranquillity Vineyard in Middlebury has opened to the public and, early in the season, they are already stamping Connecticut Wine Passports, officially called the Passports to CT Wine Country.
Up and running since May 1, the Wine Passport Program has returned for 2024, and this year, visitors can get a stamp either digitally through the app or they can go the old-fashioned route and use the paper booklet version.
Ally Hughes, coordinator of the Connecticut Farm Wine Development Council, which falls under the Dept. of Agriculture, said, “the Wine Passport involves 38 wineries across the state of Connecticut in all of the eight counties and we offer a great environment for Connecticut wine country.”
Hughes said the Wine Passport Program is another way to promote agritourism statewide.
“Agritourism is really kind of the aspect of getting people to the farms to experience what farm life is like as well as directing consumers to the farm wineries," Hughes said.
Across 45 scenic acres of grapes at Tranquillity Vineyard, Kendall Purdy, the vineyard manager said they have already seen the Wine Passport Program pay dividends. As a new venue, Tranquillity is looking to appeal to a wider audience and attract guests from around the area.
Purdy said, “people are very committed to this (Wine Passport) program, some people just like the fun of it and I say what better way to spend a weekend and taste good wine.”
Hughes added, “get out and enjoy your local wineries -- they’re here, they are small local businesses, they’re family run so support them and drink some Connecticut wine.”
As part of a Farm Wine Council contest, there are prizes for those who collect the most passport stamps. To learn more about the Passport to CT Wine Country click here.
Jimmy Altman is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at jaltman@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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