Maugle Sierra Vineyards, Ledyard

The tasting room at Maugle Sierra Vineyards looks more like a cozy ski chalet than a typical wine room. Here, plush arm chairs nestled around a fireplace beckon guests to kick back and stay awhile as they sip hand-crafted, small-batch wines. Proud New Englanders, the owners of Maugle Sierra Vineyards make their wines from grapes grown in their own lush vineyards, blended with grapes sourced mostly from New England. Here's a taste of what you might find:

• Rendezvous: a blend of Long Island riesling, chardonnay, and estate-grown cayuga, this refreshing, playful white is a great compliment to seafood and outdoor soirées.

• 1740 Ledyard House Red: a combination of estate-grown St. Croix, Long Island merlot, and California syrah that boasts a smooth and fruit-forward taste centered on cherry and currant flavors. It complements grilled foods, cheese, and chocolate.

• Ledyard Sunset Red: A medium-bodied blend of Long Island petit verdot, estate-grown St. Croix, and California Appellation Souzao, this dry red effortlessly combines blackberry and raisin with the subtle spice of French oak. Best paired with dark, rich chocolate truffles.

• Ledyard Estate Grown St. Croix Red: a cold-fermented wine aged in American and French oak barrels that tastes of blackberry, plum, and currant. Pair it with spicy food and chocolate.

• 1740 Ledyard House White: a blend of Long Island chardonnay and southeastern New England Appellation Golden Vidal that results in a clean, crisp finish with notes of apricot and pear. Seafood makes a mean match for this delicate wine.

• 1740 Ledyard House Rosé: Estate-grown red St. Croix grapes vinified in a white-wine style. Blended with estate-grown cayuga wine, the result is a delicate, smooth, and semi-dry finishing wine great for summer days. Pairs well with seafood and spicy food.