Annual Meeting for the CT Chapter of the SoCR

This past weekend, we were invited to attend the annual meeting of the Connecticut Chapter of the Society of Cellar Rats. We considered it to be an honor to be asked to attend this gathering, which we heard has been taking place for at least the last 30 years. To be a member of the Cellar Rats, one must actually work in a vineyard or winery and if possible bring a sample of their labor. The last time we attended this event we had just begun our labor of love (working in the vineyard) so we had no product to share. Time passes and this year we were able to bring one bottle of our very limited edition wine. We were invited to attend this event hosted by Howard Bursen, winemaker at Sharpe Hill Winery, by Dave, the vineyard manager of Saltwater Farm.

Howard was a gracious host, providing us with home made pizzas. He was aided in the hosting of this party by Margie from Westford Hill Distillers. We were asked to introduce ourselves. I met Joe, who purchased Heritage Trail Vineyards in Lisbon and we had a nice long chat about the business. In attendance was Warren Strong, from Fitchclaremont Vineyard Bed and Breakfast in Bozrah, who hasn't changed a bit from the last time we got together. I also met Larry McCullough, who was the winemaker at Chamard. Also in attendance was our friend Steve Sawyer from Preston Ridge Vineyard and Mike McAndrew, winemaker at Stonington Vineyards along with our friend Dave and his wife Pat. I met Mike, Danny and (Justin?) from Jonathan Edwards. Mike, the winemaker, has been with Jonathan Edwards since they first began the vineyard in North Stonington. I also got a chance to speak with Danny, who is the assistant vineyard manager. It turned out that we knew his wife Lis, who became a master gardener after she met us in 2010 at Fresh, New London. It's a small world. We had a wonderful time at Howard's place.