We went for a visit and the place was packed. The 'taster' was only available to drop a dribble of wine in our glasses on her way by and say "this is the first one on the list." We took it in stride and bought a few bottles based on our tasting. As it turns out, the wines we liked were not introduced in the correct order on the list. We liked #1 as introduced as the River Blend. The bottles we purchased were not the wine that we were told was River Blend. At $17.50 a bottle, it's a huge mistake. So far calls and emails have gone unanswered. Guess I need to haul back out to Portland or give the rest as gifts. The atmosphere was hurried and uncaring. The scenery was beautiful. I'd rather go to any number of the other fine wineries in our state.
We first visited this winery recently and enjoyed tasting their wines, they have some interesting wines including pumpkin and chocolate! there is also a small shop with a lot of Yankee Candles to purchase. the staffed seemed knowledgable as well. we will definitely go back!
Patio is lovely as is the store and inside room. Wines are adequate as are most Connecticut wines but definitely drinkable. They've done a nice job of converting the old barn into a lovely wine shop and tasting room. The owner wasn't there (read some of the other reviews) and our hostess was fine...not terribly knowledgeable or engaging but ok.
A newer vineyard...none of their vines are yielding yet so they buy grapes "locally"...they are located roadside right on Route 66. The rustic building has a store where you can find almost anything wine related you can think of. The tasting room is in the back. There's also a patio outback for enjoying a bottle after a tasting and a pavillion as well.They offer red, white and specialty wines. 14 in all.The white are the usual Connecticut Seyval and Cayuga. The specialty are a little different; offering apple wines and flavors such as maple, pumpkin, and chocolate. While the specialty were a bit too much and too sweet for my taste the whites and reds were quite drinkable. They were mostly simple, not complex in taste, with a thin to medium body. They also boasted a famous sangria and frozen concoction that looked interesting but we didn't get a chance to try.A tasting is 5 wines and you keep the glass. Additional wines can be tried for a dollar or two. Bottle pricing was moderate for the local industry. There were a few nibbles available as well. We got the cheese plate while we did the tasting. The cheese was ok but the crackers were soggy and stale. The wine hostesses were not as knowledgable and friendly as I have found at other vineyards. They know a little memorized description for each wine but really weren't knowledgeable beyond that nor very personable. They didn't give me a warm, welcome feeling or any connection to the wine.
I like the atmosphere of the winery, but the cheese plate that came with the groupon was a joke. Literally five pieces of cheese (small pieces) and a handful of crackers- that was supposed to be a $15 value? Really? The tasting is priced higher than average at $9 for 5 wines.
Arrigoni used to be one of my favorite stops on the CT wine trail- the staff is great and the wine is good. Sadly we met the owner this past weekend and his lack of customer service and people skills and his rude and condescending behavior prompted me to leave this negative review. Thankfully there are plenty of wineries on the CT Wine Trail who appreciate my business. I will not longer be spending time or money at this one- Very unwelcoming and unprofessional.
I was surprised to learn they buy grapes, as their is no vineyard to speak of. A small planting in the rear is for show. They offer music in the tasting room and behind the covered. You can purchase a bottle of wine and enjoy it there. If you want, there is no objection to bringing your own snacks to enjoy. I would not buy the small paper plate of cheese and crackers.The wine servers were cheerful, but you need to make yourself known for service. They were reluctant to discuss the so called vineyard or where they purchase grapes. All in all, I have been to better for sure. The covered patio is what I would go for.
My 2 step daughters and their mom went with me on Sunday to the Arrigoni Winery in Portland for a wine tasting. I had been there before and really enjoyed it. Although the 3 of them live in Portland none had been there. It was a very busy day as they were celebrating their 2nd year anniversary of being open. The owners are wonderful, friendly and out going people. They had live music and a cake shared by all. The wines were wonderfully light and fruity, perfect for a hot summer day. My favorite was the red chocolate wine, absolutely delicious. They have a very nice outside seating area, part of which is covered and can become rain proof with just a few snaps and plastic side are up. They also have propane heaters for those chiller days. I highly recommend a trip to this winery. Pack a lunch and sit outside if the weather is nice and enjoy one of their many tasty wines.
Nice shopping, small tasting room, right on the main road and they have entertainment that over looks the vines.
The wine is nice. The host kept leaving us during the wine tasting...The cheese plate was very good.