Nestled in the charming shoreline town of Clinton, Connecticut, Chamard Vineyards offers a delightful escape for wine enthusiasts and food lovers alike. Founded in 1983 as one of the Connecticut Wine Trail’s original members, this beautiful estate takes advantage of its unique marine microclimate between the Long Island Sound and Connecticut River to create exceptional wines.
You’ll find an impressive variety of European-inspired wines at Chamard, including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir, all crafted with care in this picturesque setting. Beyond the vineyard itself, you can enjoy their on-site bistro serving delicious food pairings in an elegantly decorated space. The entire property showcases Connecticut’s natural beauty, making it a perfect destination for your next weekend adventure.
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Chamard Vineyards Bistro
Nestled within the picturesque Chamard Vineyards in Clinton, the Bistro offers you a charming dining experience that perfectly complements your wine tasting adventure. The cozy French restaurant brings farm-to-table cuisine directly to your table, creating dishes that pair beautifully with their estate-grown wines.
You’ll find a diverse menu featuring French-inspired fare, from delicious sandwiches to carefully crafted small plates. The Bistro takes pride in sourcing ingredients locally whenever possible, ensuring freshness and supporting Connecticut farmers. This commitment to quality shines through in every bite.
The warm, inviting atmosphere makes the Bistro an ideal spot to relax after touring the vineyard. Large windows overlook the scenic property, allowing you to soak in views of the vineyard while enjoying your meal. Whether you’re stopping in for lunch or planning a special dinner, the attentive staff will make you feel welcome.
The Bistro serves as the perfect centerpiece for your visit to Chamard Vineyards, offering you a complete wine country experience without leaving Connecticut. You can make a day of it by touring the vineyards, sampling wines in the tasting room, and then settling in for a memorable meal.
Rating: 4.5 (668 reviews)
Location: 115 Cow Hill Rd, Clinton, CT 06413
Contact: (860) 664-0299
Website: Visit Website
History of Chamard Vineyards
Chamard Vineyards has a rich history dating back to the early 1980s, establishing itself as one of New England’s most traditional and beautiful wineries.
Founding and Early Years
Chamard Vineyards was established in 1983 by William R. Chaney, who was the CEO and Chairman of Tiffany & Company. The undeveloped property in Clinton, Connecticut at 115 Cow Hill Road became the foundation for what would grow into a premier vineyard.
The first vines were planted in spring 1984, creating a 5.5-acre vineyard. These initial plantings consisted mostly of Chardonnay grapes with smaller amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir varieties.
Construction of the present winery building was completed in 1988, giving Chamard its distinctive traditional New England character that you can still enjoy today. That same year marked an important milestone when Chamard produced its first commercial vintage – the 1988 Chardonnay – which was officially released on November 3, 1989.
Growth and Development
Between 1986 and 1992, Chamard expanded significantly. The remaining acreage was prepared and planted during this period, bringing the total vineyard area to 20 acres. This growth phase solidified Chamard’s position in Connecticut’s emerging wine scene.
Under the guidance of winemaker Larry McCulloch, Chamard quickly gained recognition for quality. By 1999, just ten years after its first commercial release, The New York Times declared Chamard “by far Connecticut’s best winery” – high praise that reflected the vineyard’s dedication to excellence.
Today, when you visit Chamard, you’ll find it has evolved into a complete wine destination. The vineyard operates Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 9PM and Sundays from 11AM to 5PM, welcoming you to experience the results of decades of passionate winemaking.
Wine Production Process
Chamard Vineyards combines traditional winemaking techniques with modern equipment to create exceptional wines. Their careful process begins in their vineyards and continues through fermentation and aging, resulting in distinctive New England wines.
Grape Varieties
Chardonnay is the star at Chamard, making up most of their original 5.5-acre vineyard planted in 1984. This classic European grape thrives in Clinton’s coastal climate. You’ll also find smaller plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir, which add variety to their wine portfolio.
Their first wine release was a 1988 Chardonnay, which hit the market in November 1989. Today, the vineyard produces about 6,000 cases annually, focusing on wines made from classic European grape varieties.
When you visit, you can taste the difference terroir makes in their wines. The unique Connecticut soil and coastal conditions create distinctive flavors you won’t find elsewhere.
Sustainable Practices
Chamard embraces sustainability throughout their winemaking process. You’ll notice their commitment to the land as you stroll through the vineyards, where they use environmentally friendly growing methods.
The winery blends time-honored techniques with state-of-the-art equipment. This balanced approach allows them to create world-class wines while minimizing environmental impact.
In the production facility, they focus on efficiency and waste reduction. Their careful use of resources shows their dedication to preserving the beautiful Clinton landscape for future generations.
The vineyard’s sustainable practices contribute to the distinctive character of their wines. You can taste this commitment to quality and environmental stewardship in every bottle they produce.
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