Western Connecticut Highlands AVA

Created: 1988

Size: 1,000,000 acres total (400,000 ha)

Climate: Cool continental

Soils: Glacial schist, granite, and gneiss

First planted: Mid-1800s

Number of wineries: 7

This AVA is located in the Litchfield Hills, a part of the Appalachian mountain chain. This hilly geography defines the AVA and sets it apart from the rest of Connecticut. Most of the AVA consists of low, rolling hills with favorable southwestern exposure, resulting in excellent sunlight interception and decreased spring frost risk. Frosts are, however, still a significant threat and can be a major threat to early budding varieties.

The continental climate here is not mitigated by proximity to the sea, so the growing season is shorter. Early- and mid-ripening grapes are the preferred vineyard material. Cool-climate white wines and some reds are produced, including light, fresh Cabernet Francs and Merlots and hybrids such as Marechal Foch and Chambourcin.

Not much winemaking occurred here before the Farm Winery Act was passed in 1978. European wine was readily available to settlers, and there was a general lack of winemaking and viticultural expertise in the region until the mid-19th century. Passage of the Act, however, piqued the interest of farmers due to the newfound ability to sell directly to consumers, and the wine industry here was born. Today quality is increasing, vineyard land is expanding, and wines are beginning to make their presence known in the wider market.

Eastern Connecticut Highlands AVA

Created: 2019

Size: 797,440 acres total (322,712 ha)

Climate: Cool continental

Soils: Glacial till, schist

First planted: 1996

Number of wineries: 12

This AVA consists of a series of rolling hills, with elevation between 200 and 1000 feet. The eastern and western edges of the AVA have steeper ridgelines. This is a relatively cool region with conditions much less mild than to the south, resulting in a short growing season suitable for later budding, earlier ripening varieties. French hybrid grapes and cool climate V. vinifera are most successful here, especially Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Vignoles, and St. Croix.

Southeastern New England AVA

Created: 1984

Size: 1,875,200 acres total (38,850 ha)

Climate: Moderate maritime with a slight continental influence inland

Soils: Silt and loam

First planted: early 1800s

This AVA spans 13 counties in three states: Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. It includes all of the coastal islands (including the famous Martha's Vineyard, which has its own independent AVA) and a wide coastal plain within 15 miles of the coast.

The surrounding bodies of water, namely Long Island Sound, Cape Cod Bay, and Massachusetts Bay, are the major mitigating factors here keeping the region moderate. The Atlantic Gulf Stream brings warm waters from Florida, resulting in a much longer growing season than regions farther inland. Humidity is high, so most vineyards are planted on slopes to take advantage of coastal breezes and frost risk reduction.

Irrigation is typically not necessary, as the silty, loamy soils here retain water well. Cooler-climate V. vinifera varieties can do very well in most of the areas within this AVA. Chardonnay, Riesling, Vidal, and Pinot Noir are the region’s most important grapes.