Nestled along the picturesque Connecticut shoreline in Stonington, Saltwater Farm Vineyard offers a unique wine tasting experience you won’t want to miss. This stunning 108-acre property features 15 acres dedicated to growing six varieties of grapes, all bordered by peaceful tidal marshes and beautiful views of Long Island Sound. When you visit Saltwater Farm Vineyard, you’ll discover a perfect blend of fine wines and fascinating history in one of New England’s most charming coastal settings.
What makes this vineyard truly special is its centerpiece – a fully refurbished World War II era airplane hangar that now serves as the Tasting Room and event space. The property even includes a small private airport dating back to the late 1930s. Open to the public from April through December, Saltwater Farm Vineyard makes an ideal stop after exploring nearby attractions like Mystic Aquarium or the historic village of Stonington.
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Saltwater Farm Vineyard
Saltwater Farm Vineyard offers a unique wine experience on Connecticut’s beautiful shoreline. Set on coastal farmland that once served as a WWII-era private airport, this vineyard preserves its rich history while creating award-winning wines.
When you visit, you’ll enjoy wines that truly capture the unique character of Stonington’s soil and climate. The vineyard takes pride in its roots, focusing on quality wines that reflect their coastal Connecticut heritage.
Beyond being just a vineyard, Saltwater Farm serves as a popular wedding venue and tourist attraction. You can sample their distinctive wines while taking in the picturesque surroundings that make this spot special.
The property perfectly blends its farming history with its aviation past, creating a destination that offers more than just wine tasting. Your visit connects you to both the land’s agricultural tradition and its unexpected airport history.
Rating: 4.6 (250 reviews)
Location: 349 Elm St, Stonington, CT 06378
Contact: (860) 415-9072
Website: Visit Website
History of Saltwater Farm Vineyard
Saltwater Farm Vineyard has a fascinating history that traces back to early colonial times, evolving from farmland to airport to the beautiful vineyard it is today.
Founding and Early Years
The land where Saltwater Farm Vineyard now stands was originally part of a tract owned by Walter Palmer, one of the area’s earliest European settlers. Through the centuries, portions of this land continued as farmland well into the 20th century.
By the early 1900s, the property was known as West Farm, owned by Herbert West who grew up in nearby North Stonington. The farm maintained its agricultural roots until a significant change occurred in the late 1930s.
In that period, William J. Foster transformed the property by opening a small community airport. This conversion marked the beginning of the land’s evolution away from traditional farming.
Transformation and Growth
The property’s aviation era flourished during World War II when the site featured an airplane hangar that still stands today. This hangar has been beautifully preserved and repurposed as Saltwater Farm Vineyard’s tasting room and event space.
In more recent times, the 108-acre property underwent its final transformation into the vineyard you can visit today. The owners planted 15 acres with six varieties of grapes, creating a working vineyard and winery surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
The vineyard is bordered by tidal marshes and offers lovely views of a cove and Long Island Sound. This combination of historic architecture and coastal beauty makes Saltwater Farm unique among Connecticut wineries.
Today, Saltwater Farm Vineyard is a popular destination on the Connecticut Wine Trail, welcoming visitors from April through December.
Exploring the Vineyard
Saltwater Farm Vineyard offers a unique experience where vineyards meet coastal beauty. The 108-acre property combines wine culture with stunning natural surroundings and historic charm.
Vineyards and Grounds
The vineyard spreads across 15 acres of the property, growing six different grape varieties that thrive in Connecticut’s coastal climate. As you wander the grounds, you’ll notice how the vineyard is beautifully bordered by tidal marshes that create a peaceful backdrop.
The property offers spectacular views of Long Island Sound that change with the seasons. You can stroll through the vineyard rows and appreciate how the grapes develop throughout the growing season.
One of the most striking features is the setting itself – panoramic acres with coastal vistas that make every visit memorable. The grounds are well-maintained and perfect for taking photos or simply enjoying a quiet moment in nature.
Tasting Experiences
You can visit the Tasting Room from April through December, with specific hours varying by season. In October 2024, they’re open Wednesday through Sunday with special Sunday music events starting October 27th.
The Tasting Room itself is housed in a refurbished World War II-era airplane hangar, adding a fascinating historical element to your wine tasting adventure. This unique space preserves the property’s past as a 1930s airport.
Their wines are crafted on-site, giving you a true farm-to-glass experience. You can sample their selection while enjoying the architectural character of the converted hangar.
For an enhanced experience, visit during one of their live music events on Sundays from 3-5pm. The vineyard is also part of the Connecticut Wine Trail, making it a perfect stop if you’re exploring multiple wineries in the region.
Events and Weddings
Saltwater Farm Vineyard offers a breathtaking backdrop for celebrations along Connecticut’s picturesque shoreline. The venue combines rustic charm with coastal elegance, making it perfect for memorable gatherings.
Event Venues
The centerpiece of Saltwater Farm Vineyard is their stunning restored 1930s airplane hangar. With its soaring ceilings, exposed beams, and original wood, the space creates a unique atmosphere for your event. Large windows flood the room with natural light and offer gorgeous views of the surrounding vineyards and marshes.
For outdoor ceremonies, you can choose the vineyard’s lush grounds that border the Wequetequock river. The property spans over 100 acres with beautiful vistas of Long Island Sound, providing countless photo opportunities for your special occasion.
The venue can accommodate both intimate gatherings and larger celebrations. You’ll feel the perfect balance of rustic charm and elegant sophistication throughout the property, making any event feel special and distinctive.
Planning Your Special Day
Saltwater Farm Vineyard hosts weddings, receptions, and rehearsal dinners with packages starting around $8,978 for 50 guests. Their experienced team helps customize every detail to match your vision.
The vineyard is conveniently located between New Haven and Providence, Rhode Island, making it accessible for guests traveling from different areas. Your celebration will be enhanced by their award-winning wines produced right on the property.
Many couples praise the venue for creating “fairy tale” wedding experiences. The staff works closely with you to ensure everything runs smoothly from start to finish.
To begin planning your event, you can contact their dedicated events team at [email protected] or call (860) 415-9072. Booking well in advance is recommended as this popular venue fills up quickly, especially during peak seasons.
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