Top Wineries & Vineyards to Visit Near Mystic, Connecticut (Plus the Smart Way to Plan Your Day)

If you’re looking for the best wineries near Mystic, Connecticut, you’re probably picturing a perfect day—beautiful views, great wine, maybe a little buzz, and absolutely no stress.

And honestly? That does exist here.

But what most people don’t realize when they start searching for things to do in Mystic or nearby is that a winery day can go one of two ways: either it’s relaxed, fun, and memorable… or it turns into a rushed, confusing blur where someone ends up playing designated driver and missing half the experience.
I know this because I’ve done it both ways.

How It All Started (aka “The Lost Summer”)
Back in July of 2018, the Fourth of July fell on a Wednesday. Everything was closed, the big parties weren’t happening until the weekend, and someone posted in a local Facebook group listing a few vineyards that were open. One of them was Stonington Vineyard, and I already knew Susan, the tasting room manager, so we decided to go. That one decision turned into what we now call “The Lost Summer.”

We discovered the Connecticut Wine Trail Passport that day and spent the rest of the summer driving all over the state, visiting wineries and vineyards, collecting stamps, and chasing that last stop like it was a prize. We didn’t win anything… but we absolutely won. 

That summer is when we realized vineyards aren’t just places to drink wine—they’re places to spend time. To relax. To connect. To make a whole day out of it. Fast forward to now, and let’s just say I’ve spent enough time at Stonington Vineyard that during big events, I’m allowed to use the staff bathroom. If you know, you know. 😂

Read More