Passport to Connecticut Wine Country announces 2025 prize winners after 30,000+ winery visits

The 2025 Passport to Connecticut Wine Country program has concluded, with more than 100 prizes awarded to participants who explored farm wineries and vineyards across the state.

Organized by the Connecticut Farm Wine Development Council and administered by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, the annual program invited wine enthusiasts to visit 36 participating farm wineries from May through Dec. 31. Participants used a free mobile app or printed passport book to collect stamps at each location.

Over the eight-month program, visitors logged more than 30,100 winery visits statewide. The three most visited wineries were Gouveia Vineyards in Wallingford with 2,153 visits, Hawk Ridge Winery in Watertown with 2,013 visits, and Paradise Hills Vineyard & Winery in Wallingford with 1,967 visits.

See the Message Center below for Connecticut’s top events in February — from Hartford Wolf Pack games to events at Fairfield Theatre Company — and don’t miss our patrotic merch to celebrate America’s 250

“Connecticut’s farm wineries are a real gem — a mix of agriculture, craftsmanship and tourism that creates memorable experiences,” Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt said in a statement. “The Passport program encourages people to discover new places, learn about different regions of our state and make lasting memories.”

Prizes were contributed by 27 Connecticut businesses, including restaurants, destinations and excursion providers. Each participating winery donated two bottles of wine, and 50 participants who completed all 36 stops received a commemorative gift.

The top prize winners were:

— Grand Prize #1: A luxury getaway at The Delamar in Mystic, awarded to Diane Morrow.
— Grand Prize #2: A helicopter experience with HTX Helicopters, awarded to Peter Pekarovic.
— Runner-Up: A stay at Great Wolf Lodge in Mashantucket, awarded to Natalie Basile.

A full list of winners is available at ctwinecountry.com.

The 2026 Passport to Connecticut Wine Country program is scheduled to begin in May. Organizers encourage residents and visitors to participate in another season of exploring the state’s farm wineries.

Don’t miss

• Bartaco unveils February specials featuring Roll the Dice, new family packs, and expanded reservations
• Simple Plan to bring ‘Bigger Than You Think! Tour – The Sequel!’ to Bridgeport on August 18
• The Australian Pink Floyd show returns to Mohegan Sun Arena this September

••••••• Message center – Connecticut savings and messages from our sponsors •••••••

February events at Fairfield Theatre Company

2/13 – Gabe Dixon
2/13 – Mystic Dead
2/15 – Young Dubliners
2/18 – James Canning
2/19 – Mad Dogs & Englishmen
2/20 – Phoebe Katis
2/20 – Pink Talking Fish Ensemble
2/21 – Masters of the Telecaster
2/24 – Oscar Shorts – Live Action
2/26 – Matilda The Musical
2/26 – Oscar Shorts – Animation
2/27 – Matailda The Musical
2/27 – Zebra
2/28 – Matailda The Musical

Click here for more information & order tickets.

Learn to cook this winter with AMG Catering

AMG Catering & Events in Wilton, Connecticut, is kicking off 2026 with a brand-new culinary class series packed with bold flavors, global inspiration, and seasonal comfort. Each session offers hands-on instruction, perfectly paired beverages, and a full menu of dishes to make together — all designed for home cooks of every skill level who love great food and a fun night out. Classes start January 14, 2026.

Click here for more information.

February events at PeoplesBank Arena

2/20 – Utica Comets vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
2/21 – Boston College vs UConn Men’s Hockey, click here to purchase tickets
2/21 – Belleville Senators vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
2/25 – St. John’s vs UConn Men’s Basketball, click here to purchase tickets
2/26 – Georgetown vs UConn Women’s Basketball, click here to purchase tickets

Connecticut Merch

Finding Connecticut’s patriotic merch celebrates state pride and American spirit, just in time for the lead-up to America 250. Featuring classic red, white, and blue style, the collection is a nod to where we’ve been and where we’re headed. As the nation prepares to mark 250 years in 2026, these pieces are an easy way to show pride in both Connecticut and the broader American story—past, present, and future.

Click here to shop

Your ad here

The Message Center on Finding Connecticut appears on every post across the site, giving your message maximum exposure to a statewide audience. Whether you’re promoting an event, business, product, or service, your message will be seen by thousands of engaged readers exploring Connecticut content every day. Placement runs monthly, making it an ideal option for consistent visibility without the need for daily management. With prominent positioning and a streamlined setup process, the Message Center offers an affordable, effective way to get your message in front of locals—right where they’re already paying attention. Reserve your spot today to get noticed. Click here for more information on Message Center ads. Click here for more advertising opportunities.

Gourmet Cookies

Indulge in Keksi gourmet cookies, featuring classic flavors such as chocolate chip and snickerdoodle, as well as new monthly creations. Made with the highest quality ingredients, each bite is a delicious treat. Perfect for any cookie lover!

Save on CBD!

My name is Jillian, and I am the editor here at Finding Connecticut. When I came across New England Hemp Farm a few years ago, I had recently had my ankle fused. New England Hemp Farm’s Sports Relief Rub and 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil have helped with everyday and weather pain.

Finding quality products that can improve your day-to-day life can be tough, but with New England Hemp Farm, getting a good night’s sleep or relieving your pain and anxiety has never been easier. Plus, using our code Findingconnecticut35, you’ll save 35% on your first purchase. And don’t forget, returning customers can use code Findingconnecticut20 to save 20% on orders. Let us help you find relief and savings with New England Hemp Farm.

Products we use here at Finding Connecticut include Sports Relief Rub • 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil • Pet Drops • Pet Treats

Let’s create with Victory Designs

Need help with your creative needs? Our team has 20+ years of experience with Adobe, Shopify, and WordPress, and we offer affordable graphic design and web services. Let Victory Designs assist you with bringing your ideas to life.

Connecticut business owners:
Are you a local business owner in Connecticut looking to boost your visibility and reach more customers? Look no further! Our platform provides a unique opportunity to showcase your business to an engaged audience of people who love and live in Connecticut. By partnering with us, you can reach potential customers who are actively seeking things to do, places to dine, and local merchants and service providers to support. Don’t miss out on this chance to grow your business and connect with the local community!

Connecticut with us!

Stay informed with daily news directly in your inbox! Our service is completely free, and we guarantee your privacy – your email and information will never be shared, traded, or sold.

Stay connected with us on social media

Facebook • Instagram • Threads • Tiktok • X • Newsbreak • Bluesky
Join our Reddit community

Share your Connecticut experiences with us by using #findingconnecticut on Instagram

Click here to return to Finding Connecticut’s home page

Don’t miss our reviews

Concert reviews • Restaurant reviews • Family restaurant reviews

Looking for the latest news by region, topic, and events

Foxwoods celebrates culture, legacy, and live entertainment this February

ICYMI: Our top 5 visited stories of the week

Passport to Connecticut Wine Country announces 2025 prize winners after 30,000+ winery visits