Mystic CT Wine Weekend: A 3-Day Itinerary for Wine Lovers

An easy three-day itinerary featuring one vineyard each day

Few places in New England combine coastal charm, award-winning wineries, fresh seafood, and walkable historic villages as well as the Mystic and Stonington area. Located in southeastern Connecticut, this region is home to several excellent vineyards, scenic back roads, and one of New England's most picturesque waterfronts.

This itinerary is designed for a relaxing Friday through Sunday getaway with just one vineyard each day, leaving plenty of time to explore the area's shops, restaurants, and coastal scenery.

Why Wine Lovers Choose Mystic and Stonington

Unlike larger wine regions where you'll spend hours driving between wineries, the Mystic area offers several vineyards within 15–20 minutes of downtown. That means less time in the car and more time enjoying wine, waterfront dining, and charming New England villages. The southeastern Connecticut wine region is especially known for cool-climate varietals such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Cabernet Franc, and Rosé.

Day 1: Friday — Arrive and Visit Saltwater Farm Vineyard

Morning

Arrive in Mystic and check into your hotel.

Popular places to stay include:

• The Whaler's Inn

• Delamar Mystic

• Inn at Stonington

• House of 1833 Bed & Breakfast

Spend the morning exploring downtown Mystic before the afternoon tasting.

Walk Around Downtown Mystic

Take your time browsing:

• Independent boutiques

• Bookstores

• Art galleries

• The historic Mystic Bascule Bridge

• Waterfront boardwalk

Stop for coffee and pastries before heading to the vineyard.

Afternoon

Visit Saltwater Farm Vineyard

One of Connecticut's most recognizable wineries, Saltwater Farm Vineyard occupies a beautifully restored World War II airplane hangar overlooking vineyards and coastal marshes.

Highlights include:

• Large outdoor patio

• Modern tasting room

• Scenic marsh views

• Excellent Sauvignon Blanc

• Chardonnay

• Rosé

• Cabernet Franc

The combination of aviation history and coastal scenery makes this one of the state's most photographed wineries.

Allow about two hours for your visit.

Evening

Drive a few minutes to historic Stonington Borough.

Spend the evening:

• Walking Water Street

• Watching boats in the harbor

• Visiting Stonington Point

• Enjoying sunset over Little Narragansett Bay

Finish with dinner overlooking the water before returning to Mystic.

Day 2: Saturday — Jonathan Edwards Winery

Morning

Start with breakfast in Mystic.

Then spend several hours at:

• Mystic Seaport Museum

• Mystic Aquarium

• Downtown shopping

Choose whichever interests you most.

Afternoon

Visit Jonathan Edwards Winery

Located in nearby North Stonington, Jonathan Edwards Winery blends New England charm with both Connecticut-grown and California-grown wines.

Visitors enjoy:

• Beautiful stone patio

• Rolling vineyard views

• Seasonal events

• Wine flights

• Indoor and outdoor seating

Popular wines include:

• Chardonnay

• Cabernet Sauvignon

• Pinot Gris

• Sauvignon Blanc

• Merlot

• Cabernet Franc

Bring a picnic or enjoy one of their seasonal food offerings if available.

Evening

Return to Mystic for dinner.

After dinner:

• Walk along the Mystic River

• Browse evening shops

• Enjoy dessert by the waterfront

• Watch boats pass beneath the drawbridge

Mystic has become one of New England's top culinary destinations thanks to its concentration of acclaimed restaurants and fresh local seafood.

Day 3: Sunday — Stonington Vineyards

Morning

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before taking a scenic drive through Stonington's coastal back roads.

Stop at:

• Barns

• Stone walls

• Coastal overlooks

• Small farm stands (seasonal)

Afternoon

Visit Stonington Vineyards

Established in 1987, Stonington Vineyards is one of Connecticut's oldest and most respected wineries.

Known for:

• Beautiful vineyard views

• Relaxed tasting room

• Live music on select weekends

• Spacious lawn for picnics

• Daily tastings

Signature wines include:

• Chardonnay

• Riesling

• Rosé

• Cabernet Franc

• Seaport White

Many visitors bring lunch and spend several relaxing hours enjoying the grounds. The vineyard frequently hosts seasonal music and special events throughout the warmer months.

Before Heading Home

If time allows, make one final stop at:

• Mystic River Park

• Olde Mistick Village

• Stonington Lighthouse Museum

• DuBois Beach (seasonal)

It's a peaceful way to end the weekend before heading home.

Suggested Packing List

Item	Why You'll Want It
Comfortable walking shoes	Historic districts have brick sidewalks and uneven streets
Sunglasses	Many tasting patios are outdoors
Light sweater	Coastal evenings can be cool, even in summer
Picnic blanket	Perfect for winery lawns
Reusable water bottle	Stay hydrated between tastings
Camera	The vineyards and waterfront are incredibly photogenic

Best Time to Visit

Season	Why Visit
Spring	Blooming vineyards and fewer crowds
Summer	Outdoor tastings, live music, harbor activity
Early Fall	Harvest season and beautiful vineyard colors
Late Fall	Cozy tasting rooms with quieter weekends

Tips for Planning Your Wine Weekend

• Designate a driver or use a local transportation service if everyone plans to taste.

• Visit vineyards earlier in the afternoon to avoid crowds.

• Bring a cooler if you plan to purchase bottles to take home.

• Leave time to explore both Mystic and Stonington Borough—they're just as memorable as the vineyards themselves.

  
  

  Extend Your Weekend: Visit Connecticut's Resort Casinos

  
  

  One of the advantages of staying in the Mystic and Stonington area is how close you are to two of the largest resort casinos in the Northeast. Even if gambling isn't part of your plans, both destinations offer upscale hotels, award-winning restaurants, shopping, spas, entertainment, and live shows, making them worthwhile evening excursions after a day of wine tasting.

  
  

  Foxwoods Resort Casino (Approximately 15–20 Minutes from Mystic)

  
  

  Foxwoods Resort Casino

  
  

  Located about 10 miles (15–20 minutes) from downtown Mystic, Foxwoods is the closest casino to the area.

  
  

  Highlights include:

• 
  

  • Multiple hotel towers for overnight accommodations

  • Dozens of restaurants ranging from casual cafés to fine dining

  • Premium outlet shopping

  • Live concerts and entertainment

  • Spa and wellness services

  • Golf course and seasonal attractions

  
  

  If you're looking to turn your wine weekend into a luxury getaway, Foxwoods makes an excellent home base with everything available in one destination.

  
  

  Mohegan Sun (Approximately 25–30 Minutes from Mystic)

  
  

  Mohegan Sun

  
  

  Located roughly 20 miles from Mystic, Mohegan Sun is an easy drive and offers another full-scale resort experience.

  
  

  Visitors can enjoy:

  
  

  • Luxury hotel accommodations

  • A wide variety of restaurants, from quick bites to upscale steakhouses

  • Live entertainment and concerts

  • Spa and fitness facilities

  • Shopping

  • Beautiful indoor architecture and seasonal displays

  
  

  Many visitors enjoy spending an afternoon exploring Mystic before heading to Mohegan Sun for dinner and an evening show.

  
  

  Should You Stay at a Casino or in Mystic?

  
  

  Both options offer different experiences.

  
  

  Stay in Mystic or Stonington if you want to:

  
  

  • Walk to waterfront restaurants

  • Explore local boutiques and galleries

  • Enjoy a quieter coastal atmosphere

  • Spend more time visiting vineyards

  
  

  Stay at Foxwoods or Mohegan Sun if you want to:

  
  

  • Enjoy nightlife after dinner

  • Catch a concert or comedy show

  • Have numerous dining options under one roof

  • Relax at a resort with on-site accommodations, entertainment, and amenities

  
  

  Many travelers choose to spend their days exploring Mystic, Stonington, and the nearby vineyards before returning to one of the casinos for dinner, live entertainment, or an overnight stay. Since both resort casinos are less than a half-hour drive from Mystic, it's easy to enjoy the best of Connecticut's wine country and resort experiences during the same weekend.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do you need for a wine weekend in Mystic and Stonington?

Three days is ideal. A Friday through Sunday itinerary gives you enough time to visit one vineyard each day while also enjoying Mystic's waterfront, Stonington Borough, local restaurants, and shops without feeling rushed.

Is it better to stay in Mystic or Stonington?

Both are excellent choices. Mystic offers more hotels, restaurants, and nightlife, making it convenient if you like having everything within walking distance. Stonington provides a quieter, more relaxed coastal atmosphere and is only a short drive from Mystic.

Should you make reservations at the vineyards?

It's a good idea, especially during summer weekends and fall foliage season. While some wineries welcome walk-in visitors, reserving a tasting in advance can help ensure availability and make your day more relaxing.

What should you wear for a vineyard visit?

Casual, comfortable clothing works well for most Connecticut wineries. Since you'll likely spend time outdoors walking through vineyards or sitting on patios, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a light sweater for cooler evenings are good additions.

Can you buy bottles of wine to take home?

Yes. Most vineyard visitors enjoy purchasing a favorite bottle or two after their tasting. If you're visiting multiple wineries, consider bringing a small cooler to help protect your wine during warmer months.

Is this itinerary enjoyable if only one person drinks wine?

Absolutely. The Mystic and Stonington area offers scenic drives, waterfront walks, shopping, museums, beaches, and excellent restaurants. Even someone who doesn't drink wine can enjoy the beautiful vineyard settings and relaxed atmosphere.

When is the best season for a Mystic wine weekend?

Every season offers something different. Spring brings blooming vineyards, summer features outdoor patios and coastal activities, fall showcases colorful foliage and harvest season, while winter offers cozy tasting rooms and fewer crowds.

Can this itinerary be completed without feeling rushed?

Yes. By visiting just one vineyard each day, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy each tasting, explore the surrounding towns, and stop whenever something catches your attention. The goal is to experience the region at a leisurely pace rather than trying to check off as many wineries as possible.