Meet Our Team

Happy Smith

Our Founder

Truly a women who needed no introduction, Happy was the matriarch of the Stonington Vineyards family, and she lived up to every sense of her name. Happy, along with late husband, Nick, created not just a destination at Stonington Vineyards, but a vineyard experience with unparalleled customer service and delectable wines. When Happy and Nick moved from New York City to Stonington in the mid 1980’s, she brought with her a sharp sense of humor, an open mind, and an even bigger heart. To know Happy was to love her, and her spirit lives on at the vineyard!
Mike McAndrew

Esteemed Winemaker | General Manager

Mike McAndrew started his long career in the wine industry selling wine in the Finger Lakes region of New York in the late 70’s. Excited about the emerging wine community in Connecticut, Mike apprenticed at another Connecticut vineyard before coming on as the winemaker at Stonington Vineyards in 1987. It was the combination of climate, elevation, close proximity to the ocean and mineral content in the soil that lured Mike to Stonington Vineyards and lucky for us, he has been our winemaker ever since. A minimalist at heart, Mike’s winemaking philosophy is as natural as possible. “Grow sound fruit, pick when ripe and make great wine.” In his free time Mike can be found practicing yoga, enjoy the slopes while the vines are dormant or spending time with his beloved family!
Linda Mason

Dedicated & Experienced Vineyard Manager

Our Vineyard Manager Linda, got her start in the vineyards because of her initial interest in plants and gardening. She has been with Stonington Vineyards for 18 years taking her direction directly from winemaker, Mike McAndrew. Stonington Vineyards has a very hands on approach to farming. The vines are all hand pruned, hedged and harvested. We strive to incorporate organic practices whenever possible and respect the unique micro-climate of the region we are fortunate to call home.
Rachel Edwards

President | Director of Operations

Rachel has a long history on the Connecticut Wine Trail having moved from Napa Valley, CA in 2001 to start another winery in the area. It is in 2001 that Rachel and Happy became friends and Rachel continued to consult for the vineyard in several capacities over the years. Rachel headed up the rejuvenation of the winery and Tasting Room in 2014 and was also charged with expanded their events and leading their marketing arm. In 2020, Rachel became the Director of Operations. In addition to Stonington Vineyards, Rachel owns her own marketing + design firm in Essex, CT and can be found gardening and caring for her chickens in her spare time!
Jim Romanski

Assistant Winemaker

Jim has been with Stonington Vineyards for the past 12 years. Working under the leadership of Mike McAndrew, Jim has helped create the quality wines Stonington Vineyards has become known for. Jim and Mike make an excellent team, and Jim’s organization and experience are paramount during harvest season. Jim resides locally with his wife Nicole, and their beautiful children Avery and Walker (with one more on the way!), who are often found helping Dad during harvest season!
Susan Larouche

Tasting Room Manager

Susan first started at Stonington Vineyards in 2013 as part of our seasonal tasting room staff and has grown to be a regular presence at the vineyard. Committed, dedicated to our customers and always willing to help, it was a natural progression for her to step into the role of Tasting Room Manager. Always with a smile and cool under pressure, Susan is someone who is definitely familiar to all you SV regulars! In her free time, you can find her at the beach or let’s be honest, doting over her beloved nephews, niece and godson!
Joshua Main

Group Tasting Manager

Joshua started at Stonington Vineyards in 2009 as part of our weekend tasting room staff. Steadfast, Joshua is always willing to meet the varied needs of our customers. His social nature, knowledge of wine and ability to charm a crowd, made him a natural to head up our group events. Joshua’s reputation to make a group smile from the moment they walk in to the tasting room, until their very last sip is a great asset to our vineyard. In his free time, he practices his culinary skills, baking and cooking for those he loves. (which luckily is sometimes our staff!)
Mikel-Ann Raposa

Retail Sales Manager/Senior Tasting Room

Mikel-Ann started at Stonington Vineyards over 12 years ago, as part of our festival team and quickly moved to weekend tasting room staff. Committed to our customers, Mikel-Ann can be seen in the tasting room after a week of teaching at a local school and university. Her commitment to customer service is evident to all those regulars who know her by name! Mikel-Ann is a devoted mother to her son, Jonathan and the wife of Lou Raposa who she married last July at Stonington Vineyards.