Connecticut
Passport to Connecticut Wine Country offers prizes
Make Mother’S Day Memorable With These 8 Activities In Connecticut
Mother’s Day falls on Sunday, May 10, and Connecticut is full of ways to celebrate.
The Passport to Connecticut Wine Country program is kicking off its latest season, offering residents and visitors a chance to explore the state’s farm wineries and win prizes.
The program, which begins May 1 and includes 37 participating wineries — three of which are new for 2026 — according to a community announcement.
The new wineries are Ox & Oak Vineyard in Lebanon, Spring Hill Vineyards in New Preston and Long View Ciderhouse in Southington. Each offers a unique experience, from a quiet woodland backdrop to a historic farm setting and a branch-to-bottle cidery.
This year, the program is introducing a new feature to the passport booklets. A QR code on the inside cover allows users to register their booklet, making it easier to enter the end-of-season prize drawing.
Farm wineries will also have the option to use a live QR code to issue stamps onsite. Visitors can collect stamps by scanning the QR code at the winery, tapping “stamp my passport” within the mobile app or having their printed booklet marked during the visit.
“There’s nothing like summer in Connecticut! And the Passport to CT Wine Country is exactly what you need to help discover all our state has to offer,” said Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz. “As you explore our beautiful farm wineries, there is so much more to explore in each town, from fabulous shops to stunning walking trails, delicious restaurants and so much more.”
The Connecticut Farm Wine Development Council has increased the total prize allocation this season to $15,000. The prizes will be divided among multiple drawings within three categories: Taster (12 or more stamps), Sommelier (18 or more stamps) and Winemaker (35 or more stamps), according to the announcement.
Connecticut is home to more than 45 licensed farm wineries, each required to use at least 25% Connecticut-grown fruit. Some producers participate in a voluntary designation that highlights wineries using 51% or more Connecticut-grown ingredients.
The Passport program runs through Dec. 31, 2026. Prize drawings will take place no later than Jan. 31, 2027, according to the announcement.
More information about Connecticut farm wineries and the Passport to Connecticut Wine Country program is available at ctwinecountry.com.
The Connecticut Farm Wine Development Council, administered by the state Department of Agriculture, is a voluntary council made up of winery owners, research institutions and representatives of the Connecticut Department of Agriculture and Department of Economic and Community Development. The council is responsible for promoting state wines and related products, offering educational programs, recommending research projects and advising groups on farm wine development.
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