Connecticut Wine Trail

Our Story

Stonington Vineyards, a founding member of the Connecticut Wine Trail, is best known for its barrel fermented Chardonnay and its proprietory blends Seaport White and Triad Rose. We also produce Reisling and Cabernet Franc. Our SV team values the strength of connections, the spirit of community and a love for the land. Stonington Vineyards is a special place where laughs are shared, memories are created and the wine flows!



 

 

1987

Stonington Vineyards was founded in 1987 by Nick and Happy Smith, who saw something special in the rolling 58-acre landscape of the Stonington Uplands. The land, already home to young wine grapes planted earlier in the decade, offered the perfect foundation for their dream—to create a vineyard rooted in quality, community, and a deep appreciation for the art of winemaking.

Stonington Vineyards
Stonington Vineyards Wines

1988

On July 4th, 1987, Mike McAndrew joined Stonington Vineyards as winemaker—and from that day forward, his vision helped shape our wines into what they are today. With a focus on elegance, balance, and a distinctly European style, our handcrafted wines are meant to be enjoyed with food and shared with others—especially our celebrated Chardonnays. Stonington Vineyards commitment to quality over quantity has earned Stonington a lasting reputation for excellence, with numerous accolades and awards recognizing our wines over the past four decades.

1989

In 1989, the winery was thoughtfully constructed to blend modern innovation with time-honored winemaking traditions. By incorporating the latest technology alongside classic techniques like barrel fermentation, Stonington Vineyards was built with a clear purpose: to craft exceptional wines in a place that felt as welcoming as it was beautiful. From the very beginning, the vision was to create a destination. A place where friends and families could gather, sip, and savor; where memories are made over shared glasses and scenic views. Stonington Vineyards was, and still is, a place to slow down, connect, and enjoy a truly memorable wine tasting experience.

2014

In the spring of 2014, we completed a thoughtful renovation of our Tasting Room, creating a space that’s as warm and welcoming as the wines we pour. The updates included a beautiful stone patio perfect for relaxing with a glass in hand, along with enhancements to our gift shop and surrounding grounds. These improvements have only added to the natural charm and beauty of Stonington Vineyards, making it an even more inviting place to gather, unwind, and soak in the view we’re lucky to call home.

2025

A new chapter is unfolding at Stonington Vineyards! In 2025, Ann Houston and her family became the proud new stewards of our cherished winery, bringing fresh energy and a deep appreciation for everything that makes this place so special. With exciting events, new offerings, and a vibrant community of wine lovers by our side, we’re raising a glass to the future. Whether you’re a longtime friend or visiting for the first time, we can’t wait to welcome you and create new memories together at the vineyard. The best is yet to come!

Ann Houston

1987

Stonington Vineyards was founded in 1987 by Nick and Happy Smith, who saw something special in the rolling 58-acre landscape of the Stonington Uplands. The land, already home to young wine grapes planted earlier in the decade, offered the perfect foundation for their dream—to create a vineyard rooted in quality, community, and a deep appreciation for the art of winemaking.

Stonington Vineyards

1988

On July 4th, 1987, Mike McAndrew joined Stonington Vineyards as winemaker—and from that day forward, his vision helped shape our wines into what they are today. With a focus on elegance, balance, and a distinctly European style, our handcrafted wines are meant to be enjoyed with food and shared with others—especially our celebrated Chardonnays. Stonington Vineyards commitment to quality over quantity has earned Stonington a lasting reputation for excellence, with numerous accolades and awards recognizing our wines over the past four decades.

Stonington Vineyards Wines

1989

In 1989, the winery was thoughtfully constructed to blend modern innovation with time-honored winemaking traditions. By incorporating the latest technology alongside classic techniques like barrel fermentation, Stonington Vineyards was built with a clear purpose: to craft exceptional wines in a place that felt as welcoming as it was beautiful. From the very beginning, the vision was to create a destination. A place where friends and families could gather, sip, and savor; where memories are made over shared glasses and scenic views. Stonington Vineyards was, and still is, a place to slow down, connect, and enjoy a truly memorable wine tasting experience.

2014

In the spring of 2014, we completed a thoughtful renovation of our Tasting Room, creating a space that’s as warm and welcoming as the wines we pour. The updates included a beautiful stone patio perfect for relaxing with a glass in hand, along with enhancements to our gift shop and surrounding grounds. These improvements have only added to the natural charm and beauty of Stonington Vineyards, making it an even more inviting place to gather, unwind, and soak in the view we’re lucky to call home.

2025

A new chapter is unfolding at Stonington Vineyards! In 2025, Ann Houston and her family became the proud new stewards of our cherished winery, bringing fresh energy and a deep appreciation for everything that makes this place so special. With exciting events, new offerings, and a vibrant community of wine lovers by our side, we’re raising a glass to the future. Whether you’re a longtime friend or visiting for the first time, we can’t wait to welcome you and create new memories together at the vineyard. The best is yet to come!

Ann Houston

The majority of our wines are sold from the tasting room with the balance sold to fine restaurants and wine shops throughout Connecticut and Rhode Island. We have grown slowly, with the emphasis on quality not quantity. We produce 6,000-7000 cases per year and sell about 90% of our production at retail from our tasting room.