July 29: Wineries, Vineyards and the Connecticut Wine Trail

1. There is a 70 percent chance of rain today, with showers likely and a possible thunderstorm after noon. It will be mostly cloudy today with a high temperature of 79 °F. The storms my produce heavy winds and rain. There is a 60 percent chance of rain tonight, likely before 11 p.m. A thunderstorm is possible again this evening. It will be cloudy this evening with an overnight low of 71 °F, according to the National Weather Service.

2. Read Cami Beiter's newest edition of "That's What She Said" here. This week, Cami takes on water and why you should save, savor and appreciate it.

3. Now is a great time to delve into the big, wide world of wine. There are many reasonably priced wines, from both local wineries and abroad, available in the area. In addition, more and more wine sellers and package stores are offering wine tasting events. Don’t forget the Connecticut Wine Trail. Guests can follow the trail as it winds through some of the most picturesque towns in Connecticut to discover 24 unique vineyards. Learning enhances the enjoyment, and there are many ways to go about this fun journey.

This weekend is the , which takes place on the Goshen Fairgrounds on Saturday and Sunday. The festival is presented by the Connecticut Wine Trail, which is dedicated to the development and promotion of Connecticut as a wine-producing region. This weekend event features a wide range of award-winning local wines, specialty foods, quality artisan crafts and music. Guests will sample some of the state’s best wine from 14 participating wineries. 

Daily admission tickets are $20 in advance, available at select CVWA wineries, Adams Hometown Markets, online or by phone. Tickets cost $25 at the gate. These advance and at-gate tickets include free wine tastings, a commemorative festival wine glass and a tote bag. Tickets for guests under age 21 and for designated drivers are $10 for admission only. Wine tasting participants must be age 21 or older and bring positive photo ID as proof of age. Hours for the Festival are noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 30 and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 31. Visit the Connecticut Wine Festival Web site for complete details.

4. Uncorked Wine, a restaurant and bar in West Hartford, offers a series of wine workshops throughout the year. The Uncorked workshops include a tasting of five world-class wines with a lecture and discussion. Each class is built around a theme, with a different focus each week. Basic Workshops cost $30 to participate. Premium workshops, featuring very high-end wines, cost more. Reservations are required; call the restaurant at 860-216-2620 after 3 p.m. to make reservations.

In Manchester, Cavey’s Restaurant’s Tuesday night wine events are back, as well as its library wine tasting events. Visit Cavey’s Web site for its full schedule, prices and other details.

In Windsor Locks, stop by Bert’s Spirit Shoppe for its weekly wine tastings on Fridays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Bert’s is located at 329 Ella Grasso Tpke.

5. Read up on Cassidy Hill Vineyard in Coventry, last week’s entry in Patch’s Great Escape series, here. Think about visiting to buy a bottle, participate in the wine tastings and take in the view. Check back this Sunday for the newest Great Escape, Sharpe Hill Vineyard in Pomfret.