ON THE MENU: Six things to know about Paradise Hills Vineyards in Wallingford

Paradise Hills Vineyards in Wallingford May 24, 2018. | Richie Rathsack, Record-Journal

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Paradise Hill Vineyards Bartender Mario Mena explains the finers points of the vineyards wines with Record-Journal Digital Content Producer Ashley Kus May 24, 2018. | Richie Rathsack, Record-Journal

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Mario Mena uncorks a fresh bottle of wine.

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Natalie Ruggiero explains the Paradise Hills Vineyards wine to visitors on Thursday at the Wallingford winery. Photos by Richie Rathsack, Record-Journal

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Paradise Hills in Wallingford won several awards for the wines, including two scoring 90 points in a Tastings.com competition.

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From left, Taylor Burgyn of Watertown, Sarah Wrabel of Burlington and Sarah Fox of Cromwell cheers while enjoying a glass of wine at Paradise Hills Vineyards in Wallingford May 24, 2018. | Richie Rathsack, Record-Journal

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Brenda Ruggiero holds her granddaughter, Annabelle Rose, at Paradise Hills Vineyards in Wallingford May 24, 2018. The vineyard has a new wine named after the new member of the family. | Richie Rathsack, Record-Journal

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Chickens look at visitors on the grounds of Paradise Hills Vineyards in Wallingford May 24, 2018. | Richie Rathsack, Record-Journal

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Paradise Hills Vineyards in Wallingford May 24, 2018. | Richie Rathsack, Record-Journal

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Paradise Hills Vineyards in Wallingford offers a beautiful outdoor setting for enjoying a glass of wine. | Richie Rathsack, Record-Journal

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Paradise Hills Vineyards in Wallingford May 24, 2018. | Richie Rathsack, Record-Journal

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Paradise Hills Vineyards in Wallingford May 24, 2018. | Richie Rathsack, Record-Journal

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From left, Brenda Ruggiero, Richard Ruggiero and Natalie Ruggiero sit at an outside table.

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On the Menu

May 24, 2018 06:32PM

By Ashley Kus , Record-Journal staff

WALLINGFORD — With recent wine releases this summer, and more to come, here are six things to know about family-owned and operated Paradise Hills Vineyards.

The winery

The Tuscan-style winery features outdoor seating overlooking 65 acres of country landscape and vineyards. The tasting room consists of a handcrafted copper bar, surrounded by chandeliers and mahogany tables.

The wine

Paradise Hills has more than 20 white and red wines including 10 award-winners. The most popular wine, according to the Ruggiero family (owners), is the Cayuga White. The white wine consists of melon and honeysuckle aromas with a “touch of soft melon fruit on the palate,” and finishes sweet. For reds, The President’s Choice is a full-bodied hit with blackberry aromas and is a top-secret Ruggiero family recipe.

The family

The Ruggiero family has owned and operated the winery and vineyards for the last two decades. The family now spans across four generations. Brenda (owner) and Richard (founder) Ruggiero’s daughters are owners and their own children have been the inspiration for recent and upcoming wine names.

New releases

The vineyard will be releasing new wines this summer including a sparkling Rose called “La Bella Rosa” named after the Ruggiero’s first granddaughter, Annabelle Rose.

The history

Ruggiero brothers, Richard and Albert Jr., grew grapes in Hamden to supply other wineries in the state for more than 15 years before moving to Wallingford in 1996 to plant their future vineyard. In 2011 they opened Paradise Hills winery and tasting room. Paradise Hills has since won multiple wine awards, including world-wide championships.

The winery also honors local history with its George Washington inspired wines signifying the first president’s travels through the property in 1775.

Hours

Winery:

Monday-Saturday: 11 a.m.to 8 p.m., Sunday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

(Wine Tastings Stop 1 hour prior to close, No Sales past 7:45 p.m. Mon-Sat or 5:45 p.m. on Sundays)

Closed:

New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Holiday Hours 2018:

May 29th – Monday – Memorial Day – Closing at 6 p.m.

July 4th – Tuesday – Open 11a.m. to 6 p.m.

September 4th – Monday Labor Day – Closing at 6pm

More information can be found at http://paradisehillsvineyard.com/