How far is the distillery from Louisville?

Neeley Family Distillery is about 45 minutes northeast of Louisville in Sparta, Kentucky. It's in Gallatin County, off the main Bourbon Trail routes, so plan for a bit of a drive through rural Kentucky.

What makes their bourbon different from larger distilleries?

The Neeleys grow some of their own corn right on the property and handle most of the production themselves as a family operation. You're tasting spirits made in small batches with direct family involvement from grain to bottle, rather than mass-produced bourbon.

CRAFT DISTILLERY

Connecticut

Arrigoni Winery & Cider Co.

Portland,

Connecticut

TASTINGS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

DISTILLERY SNAPSHOT

📞 (860) 406-5903

🌐 http://www.arrigoniwinery.com/

📍 1287 Portland-Cobalt Rd, Portland, CT 06480, USA

ABOUT THIS DISTILLERY

Here’s the thing about Arrigoni Winery & Cider Co. in Portland, Connecticut—it’s not actually a distillery at all. The Arrigoni family has been making wine and hard cider on their 14-acre farm since 1984, focusing on what grows well in Connecticut’s climate rather than chasing spirits trends. Frank and Diane Arrigoni started this operation after Frank’s career in construction, deciding they wanted to work the land and make something people could enjoy with dinner. Their daughter Lisa joined the business and now helps run day-to-day operations, keeping it genuinely family-owned in a way that actually means something. You’ll find their tasting room in a converted barn where they pour wines made from Connecticut-grown grapes and ciders pressed from local apples—no bourbon or whiskey in sight, but plenty of character in what they do make.

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WHAT SETS THEM APART

What sets Arrigoni apart is their commitment to Connecticut agriculture when most people assume you can’t make decent wine this far north. They’ve been proving that wrong for nearly four decades, working with cold-hardy grape varieties and perfecting cider recipes that showcase local apple varieties. The family actually grows many of their own grapes on-site and sources additional fruit from other Connecticut farms, creating a genuinely local product in a state where most alcohol comes from somewhere else. Their hard ciders use traditional methods with a modern twist, and they’ve built a loyal following among locals who appreciate having a legitimate farm winery in their backyard.

THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

You’ll taste in their rustic barn tasting room where the Arrigoni family members often pour the wines and ciders themselves, sharing stories about specific vintages and the challenges of Connecticut winemaking. The space feels like visiting friends rather than a commercial operation—wooden tables, local artwork, and windows overlooking the vineyard. Tastings are relaxed and educational, with Frank or Lisa explaining why certain grapes work better in Connecticut’s climate and how their cider-making process differs from the mass-produced stuff. You can walk the vineyard rows during growing season and actually see where your wine started, which beats staring at industrial fermentation tanks.

IS IT WORTH VISITING

If you’re looking for craft spirits or bourbon tastings, this isn’t your spot—but wine and cider lovers will find something genuine here. It’s perfect for people who want to support local agriculture and taste products that actually come from where they’re sold. The experience works best for couples or small groups who enjoy chatting with the people who made what they’re drinking. Don’t expect elaborate tours or fancy facilities, but do expect honest conversations about farming and winemaking from people who’ve been doing it longer than most. It’s particularly worth visiting during harvest season when you can see the operation in full swing.

⚠️ VISITING TIPS

Call ahead before driving out—they’re a small operation and hours can vary seasonally. The farm is on Portland-Cobalt Road, which can be tricky to find if you’re not familiar with the area, so double-check your GPS and look for the vineyard signs. Weekends are your best bet for catching family members in the tasting room, and they’re usually more relaxed about letting you walk the property. Try their hard ciders if you’re curious about local apple varieties—it’s where they really shine compared to their wines. Don’t expect fancy restrooms or extensive gift shops; this is a working farm first and tourist destination second.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Arrigoni Winery & Cider Co. — Visitor FAQ

Do you make any spirits or just wine and cider?

They only produce wine and hard cider—no distilled spirits like whiskey or vodka. The focus is entirely on fermented beverages made from Connecticut-grown grapes and local apples.

Can I walk through the vineyard during my visit?

Yes, during growing season you can usually walk the vineyard rows, especially if you ask the family members in the tasting room. They enjoy showing visitors where the grapes are grown and explaining their farming practices.

Are the wines made entirely from Connecticut grapes?

Most of their wines use Connecticut-grown grapes, either from their own 14-acre farm or sourced from other local growers. They’re committed to showcasing what can be grown successfully in Connecticut’s climate rather than importing fruit from other regions.

GETTING THERE

Find Arrigoni Winery & Cider Co.

📍1287 Portland-Cobalt Rd, Portland, CT 06480, USA

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📞 (860) 406-5903

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