Frequently Asked Questions

Following are just a few of the many questions that are asked at the winery.

Do you grow all your own grapes? How many acres do you have?

A. Yes, all our grapes are grown on our 35 acres of vineyard.

Isn't your climate too cold to grow grapes?

A. The unique location of Hopkins Vineyard makes it the only vineyard in Connecticut with a microclimate influenced by an inland lake; this extends our growing season and allows us to successfully grow grape varieties which ordinarily would not thrive in our northeastern climate. We take extra care in assuring our vines are healthy so they withstand the cold.

Do you make wines without sulfites?

A. Many of our customers express concern over wines containing sulfites. Most people don't realize that sulfites are produced during fermentation and are virtually in all wines, and have been for centuries. By law, the government allows us to have 350 parts per million of sulfites in our wines. Our wines have only 25-30 ppm. Sulfites can be found in juice, guacamole, mushrooms, baked goods, shellfish and olives.

Do you make organic wines?

A. We spend a great deal of time and labor in our vineyards. We use an integrated pest management system to eliminate insects that destroy the grape plant. Good soil management also helps us control pests/insects as well as enhances the overall good health of the plant. Because we use some commercial fertilizers we cannot claim to be organic, but we are very close. We have complete control, from vine to wine; we take great pride in producing a quality product.

How old is the winery?

A. William and Judith Hopkins started the winery in 1979. The Winery is housed in a barn built in the 1850's which has been fully restored into a state-of-the-art winery. The Hopkins family farm is a Connecticut Century Farm (1757) and a National Bicentennial Farm.