HARTFORD, Conn. – The 2024 Passport to Connecticut Wine Country, a program of the Connecticut Farm Wine Development Council (CFWDC) administered by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, begins Saturday, May 4, 2024. The Passport program offers visitors a Opportunity to connect with the state's award-winning agricultural wineries, collect stamps to enter raffles, create lasting memories and explore all Connecticut has to offer.

This year's Passport trip added two new stops – Independence Vineyard in Lebanon and Tranquility Vineyard & Winery in Middlebury. They will join established agricultural wineries in every county in the state. For a complete list of participating wineries, visit ctwinecountry.com.

“We welcome these new additions to the Passport to Connecticut Wine Country and encourage travelers to visit alongside the perennial favorites. This program has a long history of helping agricultural wineries gain traction by attracting new consumers, and we look forward to watching them grow,” said Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt. “As visitors map their travel destinations, this is a chance to discover hidden gems in our state. Consider stopping at nearby farm stands to pick up groceries for your charcuterie board or tomorrow’s meal, visit a local restaurant, or visit a nearby attraction.”

Participants can pick up a printed book at participating wineries or download the digital app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Both the printed book and the app are available free of charge.

At each participating winery, users can collect a digital or physical stamp equivalent to one reward tier point. When you reach a price level, these points take part in a raffle. There are more than 100 prizes available, totaling more than $10,000, divided into three prize categories. The three levels are taster (12 or more stamps), sommelier (18 or more stamps) and winemaker (35 or more stamps). Participants who visit all 38 participating farm wineries will also be eligible to receive a commemorative gift where up to 50 names will be randomly drawn to recognize their support of Connecticut farm wineries.

The 2024 Passport Program ends December 31, 2024 and the prize draw will take place no later than January 31, 2025. For more information about Connecticut Farm Wineries or the Passport to Connecticut Wine Country, visit their website at ctwinecountry.com.

About Connecticut Farm Wineries

A volunteer council consisted of winery owners, research institutions and representatives from the Connecticut Department of Agriculture and the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development. The council is responsible for promoting state wines and related products, offering educational programs, recommending research projects, and advising groups on farm wine development.

The mission of the Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) is to promote a healthy economic, environmental and social climate for agriculture by developing, promoting and regulating agricultural businesses. protection of agricultural and aquacultural resources; enforcing laws regarding pets; and promoting citizens' understanding of the diversity of Connecticut agriculture, its cultural heritage, and its contributions to the state's economy. For more information visit www.CTGrown.gov.

–Connecticut Department of Agriculture