J. Edwards Winery and the Allure of Mystic - wine and pizza in Connecticut

The European Adventure, a whirlwind of exploration and camaraderie, had finally concluded with our arrival in Rome. It was time to bid farewell to our traveling companions and embark on our own uniquely American journey: the Cowboy Somm 50 State Wine Challenge.

A transatlantic flight swiftly transported us from the vibrant Italian capital to Boston, Massachusetts, a city that had long captivated Mrs. Kay's imagination. Stepping onto American soil, I could almost feel the excitement radiating from her. This had been a lifelong dream, and now, it was finally unfolding.

A few days were dedicated to immersing ourselves in the rich history and vibrant culture of Boston. We walked the hallowed ground of the Freedom Trail, tracing the footsteps of history at the USS Constitution, the majestic wooden warship that played a pivotal role in the American Revolution. We explored the Old State House, a poignant reminder of the city's colonial past, and stood solemnly at the site of the Boston Massacre, a chilling testament to the events that ignited the flames of revolution. We witnessed the chilling legacy of the Boston Tea Party, a pivotal event in the American struggle for independence, and indulged in a bowl of creamy clam chowder at the historic Union Oyster House, a Boston institution since 1826.

A marker on the Freedom Trail in Boston

Our culinary adventures extended beyond the traditional. We delved into the vibrant flavors of Chinatown, exploring the bustling markets and savoring authentic Cantonese cuisine. We also indulged in the soulful and sophisticated fare at Buttermilk & Bourbon, a renowned restaurant known for its innovative takes on classic American dishes. These culinary experiences provided a delightful counterpoint to our historical explorations, offering a taste of Boston's vibrant and diverse culinary scene.

Delicious meal with hot pot in China Town in Boston.

This Bostonian interlude, however, was merely a prelude to the true purpose of our journey: to explore the diverse wine regions of the United States. Our next stop: J. Edwards Winery in North Stonington, Connecticut, a scenic two-and-a-half-hour drive south of the city. Prior research had revealed that the winery encouraged guests to bring their own picnic, a fortunate circumstance given the delectable chicken and biscuits we had savored the previous evening. We headed out the next day with our leftovers from the night before in tow.

The drive through the Connecticut countryside was a delightful journey of discovery. The vast landscapes of the West Coast, so familiar to us, seemed a distant memory as we traversed rolling hills, charming villages, and picturesque farmlands. We passed through quaint towns, each with its own unique character, and marveled at the verdant scenery that unfolded before us.

We arrived at J. Edwards Winery, a picturesque estate nestled amidst rolling vineyards. The main building, a charming farmhouse, served as the tasting room, exuding a warm and inviting atmosphere. We were greeted by Melanie, a knowledgeable and engaging wine aficionado with WSET Level 2 certification.

As we sampled the wines, our conversation was joined by another pair – a mother and daughter. Intrigued by our conversation about the 50 State Wine Challenge, they inquired about our itinerary. Upon learning of our ambitious plan to visit seven New England states, the mother, Alice, shared her deep knowledge of the Finger Lakes region, our final destination. She even mentioned Dr. Konstantin Frank, a legendary figure in the history of Finger Lakes winemaking, whose pioneering efforts had played a pivotal role in establishing the region as a renowned viticultural area. Her insights added a layer of excitement to our upcoming visit, deepening our anticipation for the journey ahead.

After the tasting, we ventured out to explore the winery grounds. We strolled through the vineyard, admiring the rows of vines laden with ripening grapes, and marveled at the meticulous care that went into cultivating these precious fruits. We also explored the festive atmosphere of the summer party tent, imagining the lively events that would undoubtedly take place there throughout the season. Finally, we settled under at a patio table out front to enjoy our picnic lunch, the aroma of the chicken and biscuits from the night before mingling with wine in our glass, all made complete with the gentle breeze. Filming our picnic experience proved to be a bit of a challenge, a recurring theme throughout our journey. Luckily we know that with experience will come more success.

We departed from J Edwards Winery and made our way back into town where Mrs. Kay and I had spotted a bridge crossing adjacent to a brewery and post office. We had hoped for this to be the perfect backdrop for our intro clip. Despite our best efforts, the idyllic setting was repeatedly disrupted by the incessant rumble of passing trucks, effectively sabotaging our filming attempts. Undeterred, we continued our search, and soon, the name "Mystic" came up on our map and sparked a memory. Was this the same Mystic, Connecticut, as in the beloved film "Mystic Pizza"? A quick confirmation later, we knew we had to detour.

Mystic lived up to its cinematic charm. The picturesque harbor town, with its iconic drawbridge spanning the Mystic River, perfectly mirrored the idyllic setting of the film. We couldn't resist a visit to the famed Mystic Pizza, enjoying a slice of cinematic history. The combination of wine and pizza in Connecticut was complete.

Mrs. Kay and Cowboy Somm in front of Mystic Pizza on main street in Mystic, Connecticut

After a leisurely stroll down Main Street, browsing the charming boutiques and antique shops, we stopped at a quaint bookstore where Mrs. Kay indulged her passion for literature. We then reluctantly bid farewell to Mystic and headed back to Boston, another state conquered and another day filled with adventure and unexpected discoveries etched into our memory.