Sunset Meadow Vineyards sits beautifully on 170 acres in the charming Litchfield Hills of Connecticut. This family-owned winery offers visitors a chance to sample award-winning wines while enjoying the peaceful countryside views of Goshen. You can taste over 15 varieties of wine made from sustainably farmed grapes grown right on the property.
When you visit this New England gem, you’ll experience the true meaning of their motto “From Ground to Glass.” The vineyard has earned recognition from Yankee Magazine as New England’s Best Family Winery and has been featured in major publications like the New York Times and Wall Street Journal. The inviting atmosphere makes it perfect for both wine experts and casual sippers to enjoy a memorable day in Connecticut’s wine country.
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Sunset Meadow Vineyards
Nestled in the scenic Litchfield Hills, Sunset Meadow Vineyards offers you a delightful wine experience in Goshen, Connecticut. This family-owned winery, run by the Motel family, has established itself as a premier destination for wine lovers seeking quality estate-grown wines.
When you visit, you’ll have the opportunity to sample their award-winning selection in their welcoming tasting room. Their wines perfectly capture the character and charm of the Litchfield Hills region, giving you a true taste of Connecticut’s wine country.
The vineyard’s current featured wine is Root 63 Red, a versatile semi-sweet option with strawberry, pomegranate, and raspberry flavors. You’ll find it pairs wonderfully with casual fare like pizza and burgers, or can be enjoyed alongside a cheese and fruit platter.
Your visit to Sunset Meadow Vineyards promises not only excellent wines but also an inviting atmosphere that makes for a perfect day trip. The beautiful farm setting creates a relaxing backdrop for your wine tasting adventure.
Rating: 4.6 (247 reviews)
Location: 599 Old Middle St, Goshen, CT 06756
Contact: (860) 201-4654
Website: Visit Website
History and Heritage
Sunset Meadow Vineyards has a rich story that beautifully blends with the picturesque landscape of Connecticut’s Western Highlands. The property’s stunning views and family-driven passion have shaped it into one of New England’s premier wineries.
Founding of Sunset Meadow Vineyards
The story begins in 1995 when George Motel first spotted the breathtaking sunset views that would inspire the vineyard’s name. The property’s natural beauty in Goshen, Connecticut, with its rolling hills and perfect growing conditions, caught his attention immediately.
What started as appreciation for the land’s beauty evolved into a vision for creating exceptional wines. The Motel family transformed the once ordinary hillside into a thriving vineyard dedicated to high-quality, estate-grown wines that showcase the unique character of the Litchfield Hills.
The rich soil and ideal climate of the Western Connecticut Highlands provided the perfect foundation for growing various grape varieties that would eventually produce award-winning wines.
Family Ownership and Legacy
Today, Sunset Meadow Vineyards remains family-owned and operated, continuing the tradition of excellence that George Motel established. Their commitment to quality has earned them impressive recognition throughout New England.
You can feel the family’s dedication in every aspect of the vineyard. Sunset Meadow was voted New England’s Best Family Winery by Yankee Magazine, a testament to their warm hospitality and exceptional wines.
The vineyard’s reputation has spread beyond Connecticut, with features in prestigious publications like The New York Times and Wall Street Journal. Their excellence is further proven by their impressive collection of Gold Medal wines – seven different varieties have earned this top honor.
The family’s commitment to the land and winemaking has earned them a place among the “Best 101 Wineries in America,” a remarkable achievement for a Connecticut vineyard.
Vineyard Experience
Visiting Sunset Meadow Vineyards offers a delightful escape into Connecticut’s wine country. The rustic charm and scenic views create a perfect backdrop for wine enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
Tasting Room Ambiance
The tasting room at Sunset Meadow Vineyards welcomes you with its warm, rustic atmosphere. Housed in a converted barn dating back to 2008, the space blends farmhouse charm with modern amenities.
Large windows frame picturesque views of the rolling vineyard landscape, making every sip more enjoyable. The friendly staff creates a relaxed environment where both wine connoisseurs and newcomers feel comfortable asking questions.
You’ll find a cozy interior with wooden accents that reflect the vineyard’s farming heritage. The gift shop section offers wine-related merchandise and local products to bring home as souvenirs.
During cooler months, gather around the fireplace while sampling their award-winning selections. In warmer weather, the outdoor patio provides a perfect spot to enjoy your wine with stunning views of the Litchfield Hills.
Seasonal Events and Activities
Throughout the year, Sunset Meadow Vineyards hosts a variety of seasonal events that enhance your wine country experience. Summer brings live music weekends where you can relax with a glass of wine while listening to local artists.
Fall harvest celebrations showcase the vineyard in its most vibrant colors. You can witness the excitement of the grape harvest and participate in special tastings of limited-edition wines.
Winter features cozy indoor events like wine pairing dinners and holiday markets. Spring awakens the vineyard with new growth and Earth Day celebrations.
Special events include:
- Wine and chocolate pairings
- Cooking demonstrations
- Seasonal festivals
- Holiday markets
- Vineyard yoga sessions
These activities make every visit unique and give you reasons to return throughout the year to experience the changing seasons at this beautiful Goshen vineyard.
Tour Options
Sunset Meadow Vineyards offers several tour options to explore their 52-acre property. The standard vineyard tour takes you through the rows of carefully tended vines, where guides explain the different grape varieties they grow in Connecticut’s climate.
For a more educational experience, try the winemaking tour where you’ll visit the production facilities, barrel room, and laboratory. You’ll learn about the journey from grape to glass and the unique challenges of New England winemaking.
Private tours can be arranged for special occasions or groups. These customized experiences often include premium tastings of reserve wines not available to the general public.
Tour highlights:
- Vineyard walks: Learn about sustainable growing practices
- Winemaking demonstrations: See behind-the-scenes production
- Barrel tastings: Sample wines still in development
- Food pairings: Experience how wines complement different foods
Reservations are recommended for tours, especially during peak season weekends when the vineyard welcomes visitors from across New England.
Sustainable Practices
Sunset Meadow Vineyards takes pride in their eco-friendly approach to winemaking. The family-owned vineyard embraces sustainability throughout their operations while maintaining their status as Connecticut’s largest grape producer.
Eco-Friendly Farming Techniques
Sunset Meadow Vineyards implements numerous sustainable practices in both their vineyard and winery operations. Their commitment to the environment shapes how they grow their award-winning grapes and produce their wines.
The vineyard uses natural pest management techniques that reduce the need for chemical interventions. They also practice water conservation methods that help minimize waste during the growing season.
Cover crops between vine rows help prevent soil erosion and add natural nutrients. This reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers and improves overall soil health.
Their sustainable harvesting practices ensure minimal impact on the land while maximizing grape quality. These techniques have helped them earn recognition as one of the “101 Best Wineries in America.”
Community Involvement
Sunset Meadow Vineyards actively participates in Goshen’s sustainability initiatives. They work closely with town government and local organizations to promote environmental responsibility throughout the community.
The vineyard is a proud participant in the Goshen Open Farm Tour, which showcases sustainable agriculture in the region. This event helps educate visitors about eco-friendly farming practices.
They also support the Sustainable CT initiative, which helps communities across Connecticut become more resilient and environmentally conscious.
You’ll appreciate how the vineyard welcomes community members and their four-legged friends, making sustainability a family-friendly experience. Their dog-friendly policy encourages outdoor enjoyment of the beautiful Litchfield Hills setting.
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