Nestled in the forests of Stonington, CT is a new winery aptly named Kingdom of the Hawk. 50 acres of pristine wilderness sits adjacent to a dark gray, contemporary, barn-like structure with fabulous wine, friendly staff, and, of course, hawks in flight.
Conceptualized and designed by Michael and Merrily Connery, this winery epitomizes reimagination and, truth be told, a touch of romance. The Connery’s identified the lot and majestically repurposed the land into a burgeoning vineyard, events venue and social escape.
The wine, such as the Raptor Red and the french-forward 2022 Pinot Noir Rose, is so drinkable that it is easy to see why both local residents are regulars and travelers are taking time to visit. Add the ambiance, which often includes live music and inviting fireplaces - both indoor and outdoor - and the Connery’s have essentially designed a life they love: spirited music and must-have spirits.
Rose All Day. Wine o’clock. Wine not? And remember, Sip Happens! Ah, the battlecries of the summer season! From day trips to special gatherings (any bridesmaids out there?), a bucolic, rambling vineyard is the perfect place to while away sun-drenched hours, maybe learn a little something, nibble a little something (wine and charcuterie go hand-in-hand, after all), and sip a whole lot of somethings. Those somethings are local, delightful and flavorful, handcrafted with skill and dedication, and finished off with a wine barrel full of love. A little note for your summer ramblings and sipping: Entries with asterisks (*) are participating wineries/vineyards on the CT Wine Trail. Pet-friendliness is also noted.
Looking for something unique to do in Connecticut in the Winter months? Why not explore The Connecticut Wine Trail with their Winter Passport Program – a great opportunity for wine enthusiasts and novices alike to explore the CT countryside, visit member farm vineyards, taste delicious local wines, and win fabulous prizes – valued at over $5,000!
Through March 30th, visitors can pick up a free passport at any of the 13 participating wineries and start on a quest to visit each one. Those who get their passports stamped at all 13 wineries before March 30th become eligible to win fantastic prizes, like hotel stays, spa facials, rounds of golf, fabulous restaurant and gift cards, and of course…wine. Stamped passports must be submitted to one of the participating vineyards by the deadline date to be eligible (photocopied passports or pages will be disqualified). Winners will be chosen by random drawing on April 19th and will be notified by email or phone.
The latest Video Recipe Book from the Jacques Pépin Foundation features over 40 culinary luminaries and will be available March 9th. After a successful Vol. 1 release, The Jacques Pépin Foundation, (JPF) an organization that enriches lives and strengthens communities through culinary education, proudly debuts Cook with Jacques Pépin & Friends: Vol 2. This Video Recipe Book features over 40 lauded chefs across the country including Marcus Samuelsson, Ingrid Hoffmann, Michael Voltaggio, Rick Bayless, Michael Symon, Carla Hall, Diego Galicia, Traci Des Jardins, and, of course, Jacques Pépin.
Each dish and drink featured in Cook with Jacques Pépin & Friends includes a personal, instructional video as well a printable recipe. The Video Recipe Book is available to all JPF Members, and in addition to Vol. 2., members can access Vol. 1. Combined, nearly 100 recipes and more than 12 hours of video instruction live on the Membership site. Every JPF Membership directly supports community-based culinary training programs nationwide that provide pathways to individual empowerment, better health and employment. Membership starts at $40 per year.
How would you rank your cooking skills? Have you become a master baker or a serious mixologist at the bar? From baking or creating homemade pasta to perfecting classic cocktails, we have a list of VIRTUAL (& IN PERSON) COOKING & COCKTAILS CLASSES for you to get the creative juices flowing. Step up your kitchen and home bar chops now:
Note to Readers: Many below who offer classes in person must adhere to strIct Covid guidelines, please heed protocols. That said, there are plenty of online options as well.
Do you know of a cooking class spot we missed? Contact us.
It’s all about Tiki Tuesdays in Stamford! You and 5 other people can board the Tiki Taxi at The Crab Shell restaurant for a 30 minute spin around the harbor while listening to our tropical soundtrack and enjoying whatever you bring to drink. Price includes a complimentary Hawaiian Lei as well as our cooler loaded with ice and cups for your favorite beverage (BYOB).
For four weeks this season, Oyster Club presents “Summer Nights,” an outdoor pop-up restaurant at Stone Acres Farm. Dine outdoors under the stars amongst summer blooms in the historic formal gardens. Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night from June 18 through July 11, Oyster Club Executive Chef James Wayman and team will present a four course menu with a welcome cocktail, centered around a different theme.
Bar Rosso in Stamford is now open on Mondays! Join them for happy hour from 3-6pm and wine bottle specials after 6pm.
If you’re missing in person cooking classes or simply want to spice up your usual repertoire, Connecticut caterers, chefs, restaurants, shops, and bartenders have the perfect solution: virtual classes! Want to bake a cake? Mix up a cocktail? Cook a savory meal? Get private instruction? Do it as a group? There are opportunities for all of it! Here is a guide to virtual experiences in Connecticut.
In 2016, Forbes Magazine claimed to have discovered the “secret to happiness.” “Spend money on experiences, not things,” they told their readers. CNN took it one step further. “That's in part because the initial joy of acquiring a new object, such as a new car, fades over time as people become accustomed to seeing it every day…,” they reported. “Experiences, on the other hand, continue to provide happiness through memories long after the event occurred.”
Those looking to invest in a meaningful experience can find a solution tucked away in Wallingford, just off the highway, but hidden from view. Southern Connecticut Wine Company, located in an unassuming garage-like building behind the railroad tracks, affords people the unique opportunity to create their own wine over the course of a season. I had the chance to be an honorary co-op member for the day and witness a little bit of what they have to offer.
How often does one get to visit a vineyard that’s blanketed by crisp white snow, or highlighted by a fiery autumnal backdrop, making it even more magical than it already is? Nestled in the shoreline town of Clinton, about a mile beyond the hustle and bustle of the outlet shops is a charming vineyard that boasts over 20 acres of grapes as well as their bountiful fruit, vegetable and herb gardens. One might not consider Connecticut to be wine country, butChamard Vineyards Farm, Winery, & Bistrois worth noting. Established in 1983, Chamard’s winning Estate Reserve wines are exclusively made in their winery, and can be enjoyed in their Tasting Room or in their dining room. The bistro offers a creative farm-to-table menu featuring a French inspired American menu. Their Chardonnay and Merlot are very good.
Monday April 28, Napa & Co of Stamfordpresents FAVORITE WINES OF SPAIN. Explore the dusty, dirty and sultry wines of this HOT region from Priorat, Campo de Borja and Rioja. There will be 6 wines to experience. $50/person (exclusive of tax and gratuity).
Also on Monday the 28th, Barcelona West Hartford presents “Paella 101.” Join Chef Eric in this class dedicated to the Spanish classic – Paella! Learn how to make this delicious dish and a popular Barcelona favorite. For reservations please call the restaurant at 860.218.2100. $29 per person, plus tax and gratuity. 7pm.
Golden View Firenze Ristorante and Continental Fine Wine & Spirits will team up for a 5 course Tuscan Wine Dinner of Tuesday April 29. 5 dishes will be paired with 5 different Italian wines. $70pp plus tax and gratuity. Call 203-869-0865 to reserve.
Tuesday April 29, New Canaan Wine Merchants invites you to raid their reserve room! Between 7 and 8:30pm, guests can select 3 high end wines to open, talk about, and taste. Free event.
April 29 is also the 6th Annual Glenlivet/Cigar Dinner @ Max Fish in Glastonbury. It features cigars from "The Tobacco Shop" on Pratt Street in Hartford, CT, food, and Glenlivet pairings. $125 per person, not including tax & gratuity. Space is limited, so call for reservations today. 860.652.3474. 6-9pm.
