Saltwater Farm Vineyard - Stonington, CT
By Gary Pope
Saltwater Farm Vineyard is a breathtakingly beautiful piece of land nestled on a 108-acre nature
preserve in Stonington, Connecticut. 15 acres of which are planted with six varieties of grapes
surrounded by rolling marshes on Long Island Sound.
These grapevines are enveloping hedges, birch trees, and tall reeds along Wequetequock
Cove. The land along Wequetequock Cove is brimming with ospreys, egrets, and herons. The
winery in Saltwater Farm Vineyard shouts elegance in a homely tone.
This incredible wedding venue in Connecticut offers a variety of facilities that caters to
every style of wedding, including:
● A rustic yet industrialize chic venue.
● An impeccable feature from World War II
● A coastal sanctuary for birdlife
● Beautifully designed indoor spaces for your wedding events
● A large dancefloor for your wedding party
● A lovely haven on the water
If you are still searching for your perfect venue be sure to bookmark our List of Wedding Venues in CT!
venue spotlight
Venue name
Saltwater Farm Vineyard
Address
349 Elm Street Stonington, CT, 06378
phone number
860 – 415 – 9072
venue type
Vineyard
website
Brief History Of Saltwater Farm Vineyard
Saltwater Farm Vineyard's agrarian root is traced more than 350 years ago. The preservation of this bucolic land has the goal of sustaining the two foundations of the land: Connecticut
Farmland and the World War II-era private airport.
Walter Palmer entrenched a farm on some acres of land enclosing Wequetequock Cove in 1653. Portions of Palmer's estate continued to be utilized as farmland in the early 20th century.
William J. Foster opened a small community in the late 1930s. He built the hangar designed by John W. Lincoln. The hangar was known as Westone Airport, and it operated as an airport for several years before World War II. Henry R. Palmer Jr. rented the land from Foster in 1945. In February 1946, Palmer opened Aero-Marine Service at Foster Flying Field. It only lasted for a couple of years because the land was used as a restaurant, a warehouse, light manufacturing facility, and home to the settlers in the succeeding decades.
It was 2001 when Michael M. Conney bought the property. He acquired the 108 acres of land and converted the airfield into a vineyard while keeping the dense landing strip. The vintage
hangar was preserved and converted as a winery through the efforts of Stephen Llyod.
Noteworthy Features
Saltwater Farm Vineyard is the centerpiece of this picturesque property that has a small private airport converted into a winery. Architect John W. Lincoln designed the vintage hangar in the 1930s. The building demonstrates stunning and hefty trusses, vaulting roof, lustrous aluminum exterior, wood sheathing, and spacious assembly rooms.
Accommodations for Ceremonies
Ceremonies in Saltwater Farm Vineyard take place in an exquisitely designed indoor space with dark wood and wine aging barrels or in the industrialized chic ground overseeing the vines. It can accommodate 250 guests. The ceremony is then followed by cocktails on the patio or the Mezzanine.
They also provide a loft with a bathroom and kitchen for the bride and the entourage from 11 a.m. The kitchen must only be used for wedding preparations. The space at Saltwater Farm Vineyard is leased for a six-hour block from 4 pm to 10 pm.
Saltwater Farm Vineyard follows the city's ordinance of ending the music by 10 pm.
The soon-to-be newlyweds have to determine their vendors except for the caterers and the lighting technicians. The three caterers and the three lighting technicians are exclusive in the
Saltwater Farm Vineyard. A Thyme to Cook, Coastal Gourmet & Gourmet Galley are the three exclusive caterers in the Saltwater Farm Vineyard.
The couple needs to note that rice, birdseed, and confetti are not allowed in the venue. They must also choose a vendor with a licensed bartender to serve alcoholic beverages. Saltwater Farm Vineyard accommodates a large free parking lot for you and your guests.
Pricing, Packages, and Potential Fees
According to the Woman Getting Married, the average base cost for a wedding in the Saltwater Farm Vineyard is $35,000. The base cost includes gratuity and tax. It was calculated based on 125 guests in a high season with $150 per person for food and beverage.
The rental fee of the facility ranges from $6,500 to $8,500 during the off-season from November to April. The cost ranges from $7,500 to $12,500 during the high season from May to October. Space is rented for 6 hours of event time apart from setting up and clean-up time.
The three caterers exclusive to the Saltwater Farm Vineyard manages a full bar, waitstaff, and a tailored menu for the couple. They also handle the set-up and clean-up of the venue. The cost is from $120 to $160 per guest.
Lastly, the add-ons such as tables for $85 each, Chiavari chairs for $6 each, and a custom-designed tent for $1,500.