Litchfield County, wine and chocolate

So, it’s not surprising that one of my favorite corners of the earth lies in northwestern Connecticut. A place quite contrary to the big-city lights of Boston or Manhattan, and even Chicago and Atlanta for that matter, Litchfield County offers a quiet solitude, cozy atmosphere, and some of the greatest hidden treasures in New England. The scenic drive to Litchfield County limits the time one has to travel on the infamous I-84, and truly shows off some of Connecticut’s green landscape, winding roads, and glorious hills and valleys. Though this slice of heaven is celebrated for it’s historic districts, town commons and greens, local growers, and natural beauty (including covered bridges: one in West Cornwall and two in Kent; a topic for an entirely different post), here are some of my favorite places:

Haight-Brown Winery is located just beyond junction 118 and 202 in Litchfield. This gorgeous winery and vineyard, constructed from a hollowed out barn offers eleven wines ranging from chardonnay to merlot to delicious dessert wines, including their decadent Apricot Moon. The atmosphere is unbeatable: upon entering, you are immediately shuffled upstairs to the loft where you can browse around, sit at the farmhouse style wine-tasting bar, or relax on the heated deck that overlooks acres of well-developed grapes for harvest. Delicious assortments of cheeses are offered for devouring whilst sampling wine in this blissful haven.


Not too far down the road, in neighboring Goshen, is another highly desirable, yet strangely familiar winery, Sunset Meadow Vineyards. Located just ten minutes from Haight-Brown, Sunset Meadow offers a homey place to sample more locally fashioned wines, ranging from the ever-popular whites, to the local favorite reds, developed by the St. Croix grape, born in the Midwest, and growing well in New England’s rough rocky soil. In addition to the delightful offering s of reds and whites, I left Sunset with an amazing rosé, Sunset Blush (reminding me of my most favorite song). If you’re ever looking for something to do, and you enjoying cruising in your car listening to Billy Joel and Carole King as you coast the scenic roads less traveled in Connecticut, and if you are a fan of wine, then I highly recommend investing the time and mileage into the Connecticut Wine Trail.


And of course, after the consumption of countless samples of taste bud-tingling swills, it’s an agreeable recommendation that you make your way to this miniature paradise overflowing with mouth-watering truffles, and various and sundry candies reminiscent of days gone by. The Litchfield Candy Company is an endearing little shoppe, jam-packed with flavor after flavor of chocolate truffles, ranging from dark chocolate to amaretto. Conveniently located alongside Rte. 202, it’s easy to miss as it holds all this marvelous wonder in a small, one room red shack. If you drive by, make sure you stop in—you won’t regret it.