Winery FAQs
Do you do weddings?
Due to zoning regulations, we do not host wedding ceremonies or wedding receptions at Gouveia Vineyards. If you are interested in having a vineyard wedding, you should visit the CONNECTICUT WINE TRAIL website www.ctwine.com and click through the various wineries to see which wineries do host wedding ceremonies and receptions.
Are large group parties allowed?
We encourage our guests to come to the winery and spend some time however, we are not a banquet facility and we ask that you please reserve your large group parties at another venue. We have a 200 person capacity and want to be able to accommodate all our guests. Please call our office if you have any questions about this policy.
Do you allow picnics?
We do have outside seating and you are welcome to bring your picnic lunch with you. We do not allow grills or catered food.
Do you have a restaurant?
No we don't have a restaurant but we will gladly give you a few take-out menus if you want to have food delivered.
Why do you not allow outside beverages?
As you will see from our many signs, we ask that you do not bring in any outside beverages (including water) - This is a restriction of our FARM WINERY PERMIT. Any violation of this restriction puts our permit in jeopardy. Our license depends upon cooperation from our guests. We have soda, coffee, tea & water for sale and juice (free to children) available at the wine bars.
Why can't we bring our own water bottles?
We have had problems with guests filling their water bottles with vodka and bringing it to the winery. This is a violation of our Farm Winery License. If anyone is seen with outside beverages, we will ask you to leave the premises. This will be strictly enforced.
If we don't finish our wine, can we take the opened bottle home?
Yes. You just need to bring it to the bar so we can legally bag it for you.
Do you donate wine?
No we don't donate wine but we will try to accomodate your request for a donation. Please send us a request on your letterhead.
Do you sell your wine to local liquor stores?
No we do not because we want you to come and visit us!
Do you put sulfites in your wine?
Yes, we do put a minimal amout of sulfites in our wine.
Are dogs allowed?
You are welcome to bring your dog with you when you visit GOUVEIA VINEYARDS. However, your pet must not be left alone, and you must clean up after him/her if necessary. No pets, except official guide dogs, are allowed inside the winery.
Also, keep in mind that there may be many children running around at any given time, so your pet must be not left alone - for his safety as well as the safety of all of our guests.
Do you take reservations?
We do not take reservations. Seating is first come, first serve.
Can we take our engagement photos at the vineyard?
We are open 11-8 on Thurs, Fri & Sat, as well as 11-6 on Sunday, and you are welcome to take your engagement or wedding photos on the premises. Please call in advance to let us know you will be coming.
Do you accept credit cards?
Yes, we accept Visa, MasterCard, & Discover. We do not accept checks.
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Do you do wine tours?
We do wine tours on Saturday and Sunday at 2 pm and 4 pm only. You are welcome to take a self guided tour of the vineyard.
Do all your grapes come from your vineyard?
We produce enough grapes to sell to other CT wineries and MA wineries but we do have to bring in some of the reds to make the quantity that we would like.
When is your harvest?
Harvest takes place Late September, early October. Check the Events page of our website or Facebook if you would like to volunteer.
Are you handicapped accessible?
We are wheelchair accessible. Handicapped parking is on the left side of the winery right next to the door to the large tasting room. It is very accessible as there are no stairs to negotiate.
Liquor permit: 0000055
Gouveia Vineyards
1339 Whirlwind Hill Rd
Wallingford, CT 06492
(203) 265-5526
Some Interesting Notes...
About Our Vines
Our vineyard has a 4 acre test plot for the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.
We're helping to research different ways of growing grapes to see what methods are best for future CT growers.
Each vine row is planted at different spacings and pruned in different ways. At harvest time, the grape clusters are counted, weighed and documented and CAES will be able to know what methods work best for CT soils and climate for years to come.
Visit our Wines Page to learn more about our varietals, and their tasting notes.
Our Wines

