Description

Staehly Farms & Staehly Farm Winery Overview

Staehly Farms and Staehly Farm Winery, nestled in East Haddam, CT, present a unique blend of agricultural activities and winemaking, offering a diverse experience across all four seasons. This family-run enterprise highlights its dedication to both traditional farming and innovative wine production.

History and Background

• Established by Chris Staehly in 1985 originally as a Christmas tree farm, Staehly Farms has evolved significantly.
• The early 2000s saw expansion with greenhouses and a farm stand to support year-round operations.
• 2014 Expansion: Introduction of the farm winery with a tasting room.
• The subsequent addition of the hard cider facility on Petticoat Lane further diversified the offerings.
• Operational Management: The farm is still managed by Chris, along with Gail and their son Kevin, ensuring the continuation of family-oriented agriculture.

Vineyard Details and Wine Production

• Fruit Production: The farm grows a variety of fruits including raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, peaches, plums, and apples in the Petticoat Lane orchards, designed for both commercial and pick-your-own opportunities.
• Winery: Staehly Farm Winery produces 14 different wines, specializing in premium fruit wines made from farm-grown fruits. Wine styles vary from Sauvignon Blanc to Riesling, offering a fruit-forward experience.

Visitor Information and Experiences

• Pick-Your-Own Fruit: Available from June through October, providing visitors with a hands-on farming experience.
• Christmas Tree Harvesting: Starts the day after Thanksgiving, featuring a wide selection of tree varieties available for a flat-rate price, promoting a festive, family activity.
• Winery Tasting Room: Open from May through December, where visitors can taste a rotating selection of wines.
• Yankee Cider Company: Located at 23 Petticoat Lane, offers 12 rotating hard ciders on draft, housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century barn with bonfires and outdoor seating available in favorable weather.

Notable Wines or Specialties

• Fruit Wines: Produced using a variety of farm-grown fruits, these wines are celebrated for their distinct and delightful profiles.
• Hard Ciders: A significant part of their production focusing on innovative and appealing cider varieties.

Contact Information and Location

• Address: 278 Town Street, East Haddam, CT 06423
• Secondary Location (Cider Company): 23 Petticoat Lane, East Haddam, CT 06423
• Email: staehlys@att.net
• Phone: (860) 873-9774
• Note: The farm and winery are closed for the winter and will be reopening in May 2025.

Staehly Farms & Winery offers a comprehensive agricultural and viticultural experience, inviting visitors to partake in the beauty and bounty of farm life across the seasons. Whether it’s picking fresh fruit, tasting unique wines, or selecting a Christmas tree, Staehly provides an enriching, family-friendly environment.