Jones
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   Digrazia
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   Miranda
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   Land of Nod
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   Gouveia
   Bishops
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   Heritage Trail
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This family-run winery is just north of Norwich on Route 169, one of only two Connecticut roads identified as National Scenic Highways. In an area known as the "last green valley" in the Boston-Washington corridor, this artery takes the visitor through the Quinebaug-Shetucket National Heritage Corridor, a 32-mile long drive of picture-postcard New England villages between Lisbon and southern Massachusetts. In spite of the major economic and population growth of the last century, this region continues to have the attributes of a quieter past - pasture and woodland amidst rivers, ponds and lakes, small villages and towns with a rural lifestyle. The 39-acre 18th century farm, fallow for many years, was transformed into vineyards and winery by 1996 to reflect California inspiration. Visitors are invited to taste the sumptuous wines within a restored antique barn as well as to enjoy gourmet treats created by Heritage Trail Vineyards President, media chef and author, Chef Harry Schwartz. In addition, the vineyard will feature a boutique batch gelateria, smoke house for Heritage Trail Fish, and a selection of cheeses for the new café. Visitors are also welcome to explore the scenic grounds, which include two ponds, a rose garden, and New England woods.

The Wine:
A selection of six wines is made from eight different grape species in the eight acres of vineyards. Among white wines are a dry, oak-free Chardonnay and an off-dry blend of French-American hybrids called Quinebaug White, named for one of the rivers that borders the town of Lisbon. A semi-sweet, white dessert wine, Sweet Reserve complements cheeses and desserts. Two fully fermented, dry red wines are made: Cabernet Franc, blended with Merlot in the Bordeaux tradition; and, Shetucket Red, made from French-American hybrids, named after the other river bordering Lisbon. In addition, a Shetucket Sweet Reserve Red is offered as a dessert wine. These wines are estate-bottled from grapes grown at Heritage Trail Vineyards. Grapes are tended and harvested by hand, usually in the last week of September or early October, and fermentation and finishing are done at the winery.

The Vineyards:
Among the vinifera species grown in the eight acres of vineyards are Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. French-American hybrid species include Cayuga White, Vignoles, Horizon, GR7 and NY17. The Southern Vineyard is planted with white wine species, such as Vignoles and Cayuga White. The Northern Vineyard, on a hillside, contains the red wine species such as Cabernet Franc. Chardonnay occupies a small area in the Northern Vineyard.

Unique Offering:
Heritage Trail Vineyards is located on the 18th century farm of Reverend John Palmer. In a report titled "A Historic and Architectural Resource Survey of Lisbon," the Connecticut State Historical Commission has identified this farm as one of two private structures in Lisbon that deserve to be on the National Historic Register. The main building is considered an "outstanding example" of the single-story Cape Cod style dwellings of the period, and the property reflects a close approximation to a typical farm of the late 18th century. The winery is located on Route 169 in Lisbon, one of the most scenic highways in the country and the main artery through the Quinebaug-Shetucket National Historic Corridor. Sophisticated antique shops are nearby.

Guests may tour the vineyards independently. The grounds in season provide an exceptional site for picnicking and for scheduled private events. The café will open in the fall of 2008.

Special Awards/Recognitions:
Heritage Trail Vineyards wines are award-winning wines in state and national competitions.

"The Chardonnay is remarkably fragrant and has a delicate apple and ripe pear nose. It's definitely a food wine. Its clean and dry style lends itself to white fish and light meat dishes." Bob Chaplin, Norwich Bulletin, September 1999.

“Among the wines are Quinebaug White, an off-dry - which is to say slightly sweet - blend of Vignoles and Cayuga, and Shetucket Red, a blend of Baco Noir and Buffalo, another American hybrid; both wines are named after local rivers. There's also Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc." - Marguerite Thomas, Wineries of the Eastern States

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