Eastern Connecticut Highlands AVA
| Wine region | |
Connecticut AVAs | |
| Type | American Viticultural Area |
|---|---|
| Year established | 2019 |
| Country | United States |
| Part of | Connecticut |
| Other regions in Connecticut | Southeastern New England AVA, Western Connecticut Highlands AVA |
| Growing season | 204 days |
| Climate region | Region II |
| Heat units | 2.780 GDD units |
| Precipitation (annual average) | 17.24 inches (437.90 mm) |
| Soil conditions | Lodgement and ablation “meltout” till, mineral schist |
| Total area | 797,000 acres; 3,230 square kilometres (1,246 sq mi) |
| Size of planted vineyards | 114.75 acres (46.4 ha) |
| No. of vineyards | 20+ |
| Grapes produced | Cayuga, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Dornfelder, Frontenac, Gamay, Merlot, Pinot noir, Seyval blanc, St. Croix, Traminette, Vidal, Vignoles |
| No. of wineries | 12 |
Eastern Connecticut Highlands is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) located in Hartford, Middlesex, New Haven, New London, Tolland, and Windham counties that covers the eastern third of the State encompassing approximately 1,246 square miles (797,000 acres; 3,230 km2). It was established as the state's third AVA on October 11, 2019 by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), Treasury after reviewing the petition submitted by Steven Vollweiler, president of Sharpe Hill Vineyard, on behalf of local winegrowers and vintners, proposing the viticultural area named "Eastern Connecticut Highlands."
The wine appellation is not within nor overlaps any other AVA. At the outset, there were 16 commercially producing vineyards covering a total of approximately 114.75 acres (46.4 ha) as well as 6 bonded wineries within the area. According to the petition, an additional 20.5 acres (8.3 ha) of commercial vineyards were planned in the next few years. Eastern Connecticut Highlands is composed of rolling hills with elevations of 200 to 1,000 feet (61–305 m). There are pronounced ridgelines to the east and west with higher elevations. The region is relatively cool, with a short growing season between mid-May and mid-September. Its climate is similar to the Finger Lakes region of New York and the soil is composed of glacial till. Local vintners have had the most success with cool climate Vitis vinifera and French hybrid grape varieties. The region hardiness zone range is 6a to 7a. Sharpe Hill Vineyard in Pomfret is the largest and oldest winery in the AVA. The vineyard authored the petition proposing the establishment of the AVA. The distinguishing features of the Eastern Connecticut Highlands AVA are its geology, topography, soils, and climate.