You don't have to go all the way to California to experience beautiful grape vineyards and artful, handmade wines. Hopkins Vineyard, located in scenic New Preston Connecticut, produces award-winning wine with their own carefully grown grapes. 

First settled by Elijah Hopkins in 1787, Hopkins Vineyard is one of the few working Bicentennial Farms in Connecticut. In its early years, the farm produced tobacco, sheep and horses, and before becoming a winery in 1979, it was a dairy.Come to Hopkins Vineyard for a tasting of sweet, semi-sweet, and dry wines. If you'd like to have more than just a taste, enjoy wine by the glass or bottle at the Hayloft Wine Bar along with a nice selection of cheeses, country bread and a beautiful view of Lake Waramaug.To see how it's all done, take one of Hopkins Vineyard's guided tours through the winery and cellar, and learn how great wine is made.