Stonington Vineyards — Attraction in Stonington

Visited as a part of a group with a reservation. The reservation was for a party of 12. When directed to our table by Susan, it was a standard picnic bench for a party of 6. The winery was completely empty outdoors and we were the only party sitting on a picnic table. There were at least 6 other open picnic benches, not to mention the plethora of other open seating on the decks. Thinking nothing of it, especially since there is nothing anywhere at this establishment that suggests it operates on a reservation only basis, our group moved a second picnic table over to fit the second half of our party. Susan immediately ran over and attacked the group, claiming she “needed the open tables for other guests during the busiest hours” (again, the winery was completely empty outdoors, and rain was in the forecast within the hour, meaning there was no reasonable way to think or assume that the winery would magically fill to capacity within the time we had our section reserved), as opposed to having a calm and collective conversation about what we could do to rectify the situation.

When another member in our party asked Susan what would have happened if we came in without a reservation, Susan stated that the seating was first come first serve both inside and outside of the winery, and we wouldn’t have had to pay for the second table had we been walk-ins. She confirmed, verbatim, that the establishment is NOT reservation only. Make it make sense?

We had no problem paying for the second table, and in fact we did before we left, but the staff’s attitude, unprofessionalism, and chaotic approach is a completely unnecessary and misplaced.

This establishment has also falsely responded to similar reviews (both to our group and to other groups unaffiliated with this occurrence) with false information to try to save face.

Staffing aside, the wine is ok. The grounds lack landscaping, and the overall ambiance could be greatly improved if the staff cared as much about their business as they did about where people sit.

In conclusion, there is absolutely no reason to select this winery when there are far better options in the area that are clean, friendly, and have great wine. If you do opt to visit this establishment, save yourself some money and do not make a reservation. With a business model like this one, seats will...

Let me start by saying this is the first review I’ve ever written on Google. Came to this establishment yesterday for a bachelorette outing. We made a reservation for 12 girls which included wine glasses and a table. When we arrived, they brought us to picnic table with a “Reserved” sign. There were 5 other picnic tables open, so we didn’t think anything of bringing an additional table over to seat the 12 people in the reservation.

Susan came out to us and told us we needed to put the table back because they had other reservations and it was their busy time. Since no other table had a reserved sign on it, we were puzzled, and asked how 12 girls with a reservation that we paid for were supposed to sit at one picnic table.

Susan proceeded to be unprofessional, which ultimately led to us paying for yet another table. I understand a reservation policy and requiring payment in order to make one, clearly we were fine with that. But when you make a reservation for a party of people and don’t even have enough space for them, and have to then pay more money when the place is EMPTY and walk-ins can sit anywhere they would like is mind boggling. Let me also mention that IS NOT a reservation only vineyard which she made very clear when I asked her directly what would have happened if we just walked in without one.

Contrary to other guest comments, we did pay for two tables, we paid for 4 bottles of wine, none of which were complimentary, and we left after 20 minutes to go to a more accommodating vineyard. They essentially got a very generous donation from a party of women that were appalled by the staffs behavior.

Wine is mediocre and on the sweet side, grounds are sub par, and views are non existent in comparison to other vineyards in the area.

Icing on the cake: staff encouraging other guests to leave reviews with information they clearly would not have gathered on their own (ex: complementary bottle of wine for the bride) because they knew that bad reviews were likely on the way. Classless move...

You will not find a cooler more friendly staff at a winery in all of southeastern CT, or maybe in all of CT! We’ve done a good bit of the wine trail and although we rarely find winery staff that we take umbrage with, but the Staff at Stonington Vineyard is some of the best! (Susan, Josh, & Matthew especially!)

So to be honest with the rating, we are regulars, case club members, huge fans. This is our “Cheers”. We love it here. In the winter, the fireplace adds a delightful ambiance and coziness to the tasting room. We often bring trivia games to keep ourselves entertained and more often than not find others who want to join in on the fun!

In the summer, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained, whether you are doing a tasting or you know what you love already (Seaport White please). There’s corn hole, fantastic local bands and vocalists providing outdoor music, food trucks, and really cool people to Meet and become friends with! They also have pretty awesome Summer Mysic Festival nights with live bands and sometimes even movies nights!

The bathrooms are clean and well appointed. I can’t and won’t comment on the wine because taste buds are taste buds, what some people love other people hate. Once upon a time someone tried to sell me some (organic, nitrate free blah blah blah) wine and I had to tell her, I don’t go to vineyards because I love wine, I go to vineyards because I love the ambiance and the ambiance here is ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.

If you’re here and you see someone with a splash of pink in their hair (probably playing trivia and or cornhole,) come say hi!! If you haven’t gone there yet, GO! tell them...