The 2024 Passport to Connecticut Wine Country program, an initiative of the Connecticut Farm Wine Development Council and administered by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, concluded on December 31, 2024. Winners have been drawn for more than 100 prizes. This hybrid program, available as a digital app and paper passport book, featured 38 locations across the state to attract both in- and out-of-state visitors to tour farm wineries and vineyards. Both formats were offered free of charge.
“Connecticut’s farm wineries are a true treasure – a combination of agricultural heritage, manufacturing, and tourism to create lasting experiences for visitors,” said Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt. He added that the Passport program encourages wine enthusiasts to explore new locations within the state while making memories along the way.
The program saw over 36,200 unique visits to farm wineries from its start on May 4 until the year’s end. The top three visited wineries based on passport stamps were Gouveia Vineyards in Wallingford with 1,886 visits, Paradise Hills Vineyard & Winery in Wallingford with 1,756 visits, and Hawk Ridge Winery in Watertown with 1,721 visits.
Prizes from 27 Connecticut-based businesses were awarded through the program. Each participating winery donated two bottles of wine with separate winners drawn for each donation. Fifty participants who visited all locations received a branded wine tote as a commemorative gift.
Grand Prize #1 was awarded to Melanie Deninger for a private champagne charter flight in an air balloon with Aer Blarney. Grand Prize #2 went to Patricia Zullo for a stay at Saybrook Point Resort & Marina in Old Saybrook. Runner-up Matthew Broder received a sailing charter from Poet’s Lounge out of Mystic.
A complete list of winners is available on the Passport to CT Wine Country website. The next edition of this program will commence in May 2025.
For further details about Connecticut Farm Wineries or the Passport program, visit ctwinecountry.com.
