New England viniculture, French winemaking, and small production vintages are not the only unique qualities you’ll drink in during a trip to Saltwater Farm Vineyard. The centerpiece of the 100+ panoramic acres, bordered by tidal marshes of the Wequetequock Cove and vistas of Long Island Sound, is a former WWII-era airport hangar. Lovingly converted to a winery, it is spectacular with its vaulted roof, timber trusses, and silvery milled aluminum exterior. When owners Michael and Merrily Connery purchased the property in 2001, they had no pre-conceived plan to start a vineyard. But within minutes of your first visit, you’ll feel firsthand that their journey from planting the first vines to re-imagining the hangar couldn’t be anything but a labor of love. And in its fifth season, it is nothing short of popular. On a cold and rainy April Saturday, the tasting room was packed to the gills with wine-lovers cozying up to the fireplace sipping a glass of 2013 Sauvignon Blanc, 2013 Estate Chardonnay, 2012 Estate “Gold Arc” Chardonnay, or 2010 Cabernet Franc/Merlot Blend. Tastings $10 per person. Open April through November on Wednesdays and Thursdays 11am-5pm; Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays 11am-3pm. Come for live music on Mother’s Day, Memorial Day (and all other Monday holidays), Sunday afternoons in June 3-5pm, and Thursday evenings in July and August 5-7pm.