If you have an oenophilic bent—that is, if grape’s your go-to—you’ll be very glad to know that we set you up auspiciously here at The Blake for sampling your way around the viticultural geography of greater New Haven. That geography happens to encompass a number of outstanding vineyards and top-quality tasting rooms, any of which make fine day trips from your chic Blake room or suite.
Here are just a few destinations for getting your grape on at a New Haven getaway at The Blake!
The Wine Thief (181 Crown St, New Haven, CT)
The Wine Thief offers a magnificent selection of wine by the bottle, with friendly experts on hand to help guide to the perfect label for your palate and your needs. Those personalized recommendations are fantastic, especially when they come delivered via the regular wine tastings the shop hosts.
Gouveia Vineyards (1339 Whirlwind Hill Rd, Wallingford, CT)
Owned by Joe and Lucy Gouveia, this vineyard celebrates the noble and deep-rooted traditions of Portuguese winemaking in a lovely setting within easy reach of New Haven. Gouveia Vineyards produces some 90,000 bottles per year, its diverse wines including Cabernet Franc, Muscat, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Rosé. Settle into the warm and welcoming tasting room and sample your way through six fine Gouveia wines.
Paradise Hills Vineyards (15 Windswept Hill Rd, Wallingford, CT)
Owned by the Italian-American Ruggiero family, Paradise Hill Vineyards occupies some 65 splendid acres a stone’s throw from Gouveia. This Tuscan-style spread grows such grapes as Seyval Blanc, Cayuga, Chardonnay, Chambourcin, and Vignoles, the bounty of which is yours to enjoy with the six wines served up in the tasting room. There’s a wood-burning fireplace in there for the ultimate ambience, and meanwhile the outdoor bar—not to mention the plentiful picnic spots out on the grounds—lure many a visitor out for some al fresco wine appreciation.
Just the Tip of the Iceberg—or the Wine Barrel
The above are merely a small sampling of wine shrines to experience during your New Haven stay at The Lloyd. You’ve got multiple other vineyards at your disposal, among them Savino Vineyards, Rose Vineyards & Winery, and Bishop’s Orchard and Winery. Then, of course, there are the prodigious wine delights of our very own Hamilton Park restaurant and our High George rooftop bar, which boast a well-curated list of wines from top vineyards the world over. Come cin, cin with us!