William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty Lists Connecticut’s First Winery

Litchfield, Conn. (PRWEB) March 26, 2014

A Litchfield, Conn. vineyard on the Connecticut Wine Trail, established in 1975 and known as the first and oldest winery in the state, is the exclusive listing of William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty, the firm has announced. Washington Depot agent John Sniffen has the listing, which is offered at $1,475,000.

The business was originally opened as Haight Vineyards Inc. by Sherman Haight, who sought to produce vinifera fine wine grapes including Chardonnay and Riesling. After he petitioned the state to create legislation recognizing farm wineries, his vineyard became the state’s first with an established winery. The business was renamed Haight-Brown Vineyard in 2007 after it was purchased by Amy Senew and Courtney Brown, who pledged to uphold the legacy of Sherman Haight.

Part of this legacy was to continue in Haight’s pioneering spirit, and the vineyard became the first in the state to host educational events and classes including its popular Wine, Cheese and Chocolate Pairing class.

“Patrons like the laid back atmosphere we created at Haight-Brown Vineyard,” said owner Amy Senew. “We place an emphasis on education without intimidation. People leave here saying they learned a lot and had a great time doing it.”

The turnkey property includes a 6,816 square-foot retail space with a large open foyer and side room for small gatherings or private tastings; a farm shop that sells wine, cheese, chocolates and other gourmet foods; and a tasting room with a custom-built wine bar, two fireplaces and an upper deck overlooking the vineyard. Private event rooms on the first and second floors are available for private wine-themed events. Bottling rooms, coolers and a storage room are also included. The property was extensively renovated by the current owner, who added new floors, doors, roof sidings, porches, patios and more while replacing fields, trellises and purchasing new field equipment.

“The welcoming and relaxing atmosphere—combined with the fun and educational experience that people have when they come here—has helped to make this vineyard one of the top winery destinations in the state for wine lovers everywhere,” said Sniffen.

The winery offers a broad portfolio spanning whites, reds and Connecticut apple-based wines. The vineyard produces varietals that include Chardonnay, Chardonelle, Marquette, Foch, De Chaunac and Seval Blanc. Haight-Brown Vineyard is located in the bucolic town of Litchfield, perched high on Chestnut Hill. The vineyard is included on the Connecticut Wine Trail, which invites participants to tour up to 25 wineries throughout the state.

The property consists of two lots, each on 4.55 acres for a total of 9.1 acres. Some of the vineyard is on leased land.

For more information on the property, located at 29 Chestnut Hill Road, visit the firm’s website here.

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