Thanks for your kind words! An extra clarifying note: the traditional start of our Christmas Tree season is the weekend before Thanksgiving, which is "about a month" before Christmas.In addition to the pumpkin and Christmas tree seasons, we would encourage you to try our strawberry and blueberry seasons which are enjoyable in their own way.We are glad you had a nice trip and hope you will visit again soon!
My husband and I recently completed our CT winery tour and of the 16-18 wineries (out of 33 in CT) we visited, we liked Jones Family Winery the best. Why? Their wines are delicious (the cabernet franc is especially good), the tasting room and adjoining patio are nicely laid out and had a beautiful view of the vineyards (are we in Italy??), and the staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Well organized operation, so even if there's a crowd, you don't feel overwhelmed or ignored. Our initial visit for the tasting was educational; we happily returned to submit our passport entries (CT winery raffle) and enjoy a glass of wine ($6 each). A relaxing way to spend a lazy afternoon.
We are sorry your visit was not what it should have been. In our effort to address your concerns, could you help us pinpoint some details regarding your experience so we can review them internally?You said your visit was Dec13. On that Saturday, which of the farm locations did you visit, our Homestead Farm or the Valley Farm?You said you were shocked at a poor selection of trees, and that is surprising for us. What variety/species of tree were you searching for? Were you purchasing from the "fresh-cut" trees our staff have harvested in advance, or were you venturing to the fields for a "harvest-your-own" tree? If the latter, what direction were you given by staff as to location of tree type you were looking for?Regarding your visit at the "Christmas Canteen" area, what time of day did you visit? Was there a waiting time to be served, and if so how long was it? The request for hot cocoa is a common one, but the farm has never chosen to serve it and rather focuses on the more nutritional and locally produced apple cider as a beverage offering.Thank-you in advance for your insight toward helping improve the experience of our guests.
We bought a Christmas tree at Jones yesterday. The staff member that helped us, Joe, was wonderful in finding us a tree. The staff helps everyone attach everyone's trees to their cars in an efficient manner. They also have garland, wreaths, etc, available for purchase. There's no mystery why we return here each December.
Pumpkins, strawberries, blueberries, Christmas trees and wine. All are fantastic. My favorite is picking strawberries and blueberries. Kids (young and old) enjoy the berry-ferry hay ride to the fields. The winery is great, especially when looking for a gift. In addition to bottles of wine they also sell a variety of unique gifts. The fields are beautiful.
We have been going to Jones since the 80's. It always seems to get us in the holiday spirit whether we get a tree from the barn or venture onto the mountain. It is a family tradition and the youngsters who loved it have grown into adults who come back excitedly from college or grad school. The new winery is warm and cheery - and the wine is excellent. Sitting by the fire pit and sipping on cider and eating cookies are treasured moments. Jones never fails us.
They have berries, pumpkins, wine, and their famous fresh cut Christmas Trees which are extremely popular throughout about a 50-70 miles radius. Total experience and hugely helpful staff. Make time for the wine tasting as all of their wines are amazing and several made with their grown fruit as well as grapes
The Jones Family has run their farm for 5 generations, an incredible feat in this day and age. With the most superlative views in all of Connecticut it truly is a miracle that the family has never sold out to real estate investors. In the summer the strawberry and blueberry picking is a fun day trip for a family. Come early before the sun beats down and make sure to call that morning for Farmer Jones' crop report. Be sure to take the Berry Ferry tractor ride over to the fields, the kids will love it! When you are fine picking step over to the shack and peruse the homemade jams and wines as well as organic veggies all for purchase. In the fall, the pumpkin picking cannot be beat. Up on Pumpkinseed Hill the entire valley is laid out below you, the sun shining on the foliage, if you hit it just right in the late afternoon, will show the entire valley glowing below. The Jones' sell decor, wine, apples and pumpkins up here. There is a corn maze and the best hayride I have ever been on- we go every year and ride it at least twice.In the winter there is no better place to hike for miles in search of the perfect Christmas tree. Wreaths and more are also available and usually Santa and Frosty stop by. Be ready to hike in comfy boots and get your muscles ready to saw down your tree and carry it down the mountain. Cash or check only , no credit cards! Worth the trip!
Thanks for your kind words Vinnie. We are glad you enjoy all of your experiences on the farm where "Memories are Always in Season"! It looks like you've had a go at everything - except for our cooking classes! Maybe that's something to look forward to trying in 2015? Thanks again. All the best.
Great place to get your Xmas tree but bring plenty of cash; no credit or debit cards. Tree prices cut or cut your own start in the $60's. The winery is good but don't expect any $10 bottles!