Reviews of Sharpe Hill Vineyard (Winery)

Francine Christiansen

This is one of our favorite restaurants. Their food is delicious with the wood burned stove flavor; the setting and décor is charming and the owners have such attention to detail from dishes chosen for everything served and the way the food is plated to the little herbs that accompany even the doggy bags. We recommend the Delmonico Steak and ask for the Bearnaise Sauce on the side. Also the Jamaican chicken and shrimp creole are delicious. And if you can sit by the fire that is the best. You really feel like you have been someplace special after a visit to Sharp Hill.

Carrie Clark

Great afternoon! The wine was okay (although I'm not overly impressed with any of the CT wines), but the location is gorgeous and the staff was fabulous - knowledgeable & friendly!

David Bourque

It's very good

sarah smigal

The place is beautifully appointed in a gorgeous secluded location. The restaurant is marketed as fine dining. Babies aren't welcome and children are required to sit throughout the meal. There is no posted dress code on their website however... here's the reason for the 2 stars. We had reservations for a party of 11 secured with a $200 deposit. We arrived and entered together. Some of us may not have been their "normal" type of patrons. We're an eclectic group. Our outfits ranged from business casual to a 14 year old in jeans and a hoodie. Our group was seated upstairs and I took the opportunity to use the restroom while they went to the table. Their walls are thin. So thin that the conversation between the hostess who sat us and the waitress that was with her was crystal clear. She stated that she just sat another "cheap" table. I was livid. They preceded to discuss other "cheap" tables and situations where the patrons attire dictated how they were treated and the resulting tip that was left. I left the restroom wanting to leave. We didn't because we drove an hour for the experience. Now. The food was excellent tasting but the questions we were asked were insulting. When approached by the waitress in regards to food it wasn't, "Would you like to try one of our appetizers?" It was, "Do you want appetizers or are we just going to skip to the entrees?" We weren't revisited as often as other tables. Our meals came out staggered. They didn't have any more scallops or key lime tarts but that wasn't presented until people actually tried to order them. Coffee was never offered, we had to ask. All in all we were treated "less than". The staff assumed and we left a 25% tip. We will never be back and will be telling our friends (who can definitely afford to go) to not bother. A great meal but horrible attitudes. Ever watch Pretty Woman?? Maybe you should show your staff.

Cheryl Mackinney

Beautiful location, some of our meals were delish, others so-so, wine O.K but honestly the fighting between mother and daughter while we were trying to decide what level tasting we wanted was a horrible experience. The mother (owner) was overbearing and rude. While we (6 of us) were waiting to finish our tasting, six other people got up and left saying they were not going to pay for rudeness. I don’t get it! We’ve been many times but this may be our last. Yelling at staff in front of us! Rude to us! Pompous attitude....we can spend our money where the staff and customers are appreciated.

Alexander Zybrands

Was here for a tasting, bought the full 14 wine one, there was one person that was providing the wine for the tasting under the trees. This one person talked to everyone for 10-15 minutes per round of wine. Block off at least 3 hours if you intend on going here for a tasting. If going here just for the passport stamp, SKIP THIS ONE. The absurdly long time it takes to get a tasting at this vineyard wouldn't be quite as bad if they allowed outside food. Just sitting, waiting for Chatty Cathy to get around to pouring the next wine is painfully frustrating.

Michael Joyce

Horrifying, was very excited to visit this winery heard great things, first off it was my sister in laws 50th birthday, we brought a special custom birthday cake to celebrate, the owner replied "have you ever heard of a restaurant allowing food to be brought in" which I guess I get and understand their position but she was incredibly blunt and rude about it! It was raining out so we went into the tasting area, the place wreaked of mold. We finally get to the restaurant, we arrive before the four other couples that would dine that night and we were seated before all of them, all four couples ordered were served ate and left before our party of ten saw any food, no biggie but then it dragged on 2 hours after we ordered the food began to arrive piecemeal, first two plates then another couple finally after an additional fifteen minutes everyone was able to eat, to no one's surprise it was cold. A woman in our party was pregnant she ordered the lamb chops well done after a two-hour wait they came out raw, when asked if we wanted it re-cooked we said how long will that take another half hour, we said we were good we asked to speak to the manager, she never came, keep in mind we are the only party in the restaurant and it is only 9:00 PM. One in our group went downstairs and spoke with the owner he brought the raw food and she said she would take care of it. She never arrived at the table we wait to speak to her before paying the bill. We give our credit card to the waitress the owner refuses to speak with us, we ask her to contact us tomorrow to address our concerns, we leave bill unpaid them holding our card, she the owner then calls the state police, Really? WTF never going back! Waitstaff excellent, everything else not so good, Wine, of the thirteen we paid for two were sold out, they claimed it was a typo only tasted one that was palatable! Incredibly frustrating and just annoying! Never going back! Good luck! Very Disappointing!

Patricia Flaherty

Absolutely beautiful outside area and we loved our sweet server, Felicity. We both were surprised when the bottle of wine we ordered was ten dollars more than the price on the wine menu the hostess gave us as we were waiting to be seated for lunch. When we questioned this, our server said there is another price list for the restaurant but we were not given that price list. Food was very good as was the wine and ambiance!

Joseph Santos

Great wine and enjoyable staff but they *really* need a bigger tasting room for the winter months!

nathan wang

(Translated by Google) Terrrrrrrifico !!!! (Original) Terrrrrrrifico!!!!

Loni Brockett

Not allowed to bring in any outside food mostly dry wines

Michelle Trim

Nice place, good service once you get past the type-A folks at the register. Servers should stop sending people to the Courthouse in nearby town to eat -- it is terrible. Otherwise, decent experience.

Amanda Lopez

The scenery is beautiful. The wines weren't my favorite, a couple "sweet" ones, but mostly dry. The samples were very small versus the other wineries I've been to and even in the area. The prices were high for how much you get in each sample. 6 samples for $10 seems excessive.

Stephan Mehling

Nice wines, the full tasting was nice, with friendly service, and it's nice to sit outside when the weather is good

Bill Emerson

Best wines in Connecticut.

Rachael Formica

I've been several times to Sharpe Hill, and I've yet to have a bad experience. To me the dining room is at it's best on a spring or autumn day when it's warm enough to open the windows and the ''door'' -- the restaurant is in a loft room. The seating is an eclectic mix of padded arm chairs and wooden seats. The seating is limited, and more conducive to very small groups. You will be very close to another table, but I've never had an issue there with being bothered by anyone. It's not a place that lends itself to rowdy conversation, but it's not dead silent either. I haven't had an issue with the food at Sharpe Hill. Their presentation is usually lovely, and it's really the type of restaurant where you should plan to spend a while to enjoy an Appetizer, a Meal and a Dessert with your coffee. The servers have always been polite, and are open to talking with you. You can usually see the same server the second time you visit, as they don't have a lot of change. My grandparents visit this place often, and they always tell me how their server asked about their grandchildren and remembers details from their previous visits. This is part of the service you are tipping for. I've always enjoyed going there. My husband is not as fond. You will pay "Pomfret prices" for your meal. The theme of the restaurant is more high class country kitsch than high class modern restaurant. However it doesn't feel faded or tacky. The access to the restaurant is a semi-steep set of stairs. If you have severe trouble navigating stairs (wheelchair access, etc) there is no alternate entrance. In the summer they do have an open courtyard, usually for wine tastings, and may be able to serve your party there.

Jeny Blaze

I've gone to Sharpe Hill three times and loved 2 of 3 times. The third time was for an important occassion. I ordered their filet mignon medium rare. A $30 steak came to me medium well so I sent it back. The owner of the vineyard came over, plopped this disgusting looking plate back down in front of me and said "this is our medium rare." I was astonished by her response that I couldn't even say anything! I was so upset she ruined my special occassion! I didn't order anything else and they did end up taking it off the bill, but they would have spent the same amount of money by cooking me another. I will NEVER go back there now and have told many people how rude and completely unprofessional the owner was. She has lost a few customers and my mother, who was with me and owns a liquor store, is not carrying their wine anymore. I hope she's proud of herself and likes to lose customers.

Ina Thompson

We used to frequent this vineyard often. We stopped going years ago after being treated extremely rudely by the owner. It was always a place where people brought food and we arrived one Saturday with a light snack. Multiple parties on the patio were doing the same. I imagine this is because there was no sign posted at the time informing customers the policy had changed. In the middle of our conversation a woman started yelling at us stating that food isn’t allowed. We tried to explain we were unaware of the change since it wasn’t posted anywhere but she wouldn’t even let us get the words out as she proceeded to cut us off and repeat herself. I’m not sure why she behaved so hysterically? Perhaps she wanted to make an example out of someone so everyone on the patio would take note. I can’t be sure but it was absolutely heinous customer service. We decided at that moment to move on to a more pleasant vineyard experience.

Marc Hurwitz

Friendly people, beautiful location, decent wines (not spectacular, but decent), and rustic atmosphere inside the place. I have yet to hit the restaurant, but that'll be next (hopefully soon).

Krystal Santiago

We had such a good time here. Great tasting, knowledgeable and very friendly staff. A good variety with something for everyone. Plus they do dinners with reservations of course on Friday, Saturday and sundays.

Tony Phalstaf

Nice place to visit and hang out for the afternoon. Great people there too.

John Popiak

Wonderful place to visit. Outstanding cuisine. Not to mention the excellent wine.

Nicholas Petrillo

Beautiful environment, delicious wine, and a very knowledgeable staff. $10 for 6 wines, $15 for 13, and you get to keep the glass, which is etched with the logo. A lovely way to spend the day conversing with old friends or making new ones. There is also a restaurant on premises and cheese platters are available with the tasting.

potslayer39

Best restaurant I've been too. Went for first anniversary going back for tenth

Jen L

Just average visit on this day

Terri Brophy

Excellent wines and beautiful surroundings! Take a walk up the hill for spectacular views!

Mark Fontanella

Beautiful vineyard out in the country with a surprising variety of both red and white selections, and a very attentive staff! Our server Nick was very knowledgeable.

Thomas Burris

Love the food and the service we go once or twice a year for the last 10 years.

Marsha Creese

We've been coming to Sharpe Hill over all the years they've been serving meals. We have never been disappointed! Everything is a feast to the senses, done perfectly down to the last detail. Call way ahead for lunch/dinner reservations.

Michelle Hoyt

Sharpe Hill is a beautiful setting to enjoy a superb meal and taste some wonderful wines. For those who favor sweet wine, this place is not for you. The barn restaurant provides a romantic dining experience and much ambiance, candles lit all around, ice buckets at each table to keep your wine chilled to perfection. We were seated at a table for two by the gas fireplace, which is an amazingly authentic replica of an antique open kitchen fireplace. Right down to the ashes, this fireplace looked authentic. It throws some heat, so if you are shooting for this table, dress accordingly. The waitstaff was gracious and attentive. My husband ordered the Fench onion soup for an appetizer, and it was the very best he has tasted. The aroma was wonderful. The only thing I would say in caution about this restaurant is that to get to the dining area you have to climb a fairly steep staircase. For older people or those with knee or hip problems, this might prove difficult. Please take this into consideration. Overall, we had an absolutely perfect night out for our anniversary!!! Thank you!!!

Julie Dalpe

Was a great way to spend time, an enjoy a quiet Sunday afternoon.

Cheryl Hefft

Wonderful place! Food superb, Tricia and Mitch were both terrific!

Jeanine Penta

Yummy wine tasting. Very reasonable

Carmen McDermott

I loved it , the food is delicious. The personal wonderful. We took friends for Massachusset they enjoy and love the food and the wine.Beautidul place.

Aubri Drake

I visited Sharpe Hill for a wine tasting. The wines were nice and the decor was quaint.

Kerri Gravel

Restaurant was closed but they don't allow outside food nor do they sell food. Person performing the tasting was not knowledgeable about the wines. Person was also rude and didn't want to let me taste a wine on the menu because they were "almost out and you don't look like the type of person that would buy a bottle of it". The wine was mediocre at best. Left and I'll never go back. Plenty of amazing wineries in the area to visit.

Patricia Adams

Went for a full tasting around the holidays. Such a great variety of wines...loved all! Decor was fabulous, warm hospitality and our guide Mitchell imparted so much knowledge of each wine and the winery and it's history. Will definitely return!

Frances Ethier

My first visit to a vineyard. Did the wine tasting with Nancy & Albe.

Christian Petrarca

Two sides to Sharpe Hill: The restaurant is a fine dining experience with food that is out of this world. The Vineyard is a treat for anyone that enjoys wine. Take a walk to the top of the hill and see into three states.

Kevin Thomas

Great place to go for a tasting or glass. If you can make appointment for dinner you will love it. We went down to get 3 bottles that are only there.

Nathan B

This is a nice place. Good wine. I can't wait to try the dinners here. People here are very friendly. Very rustic and great atmosphere.

Fritz Maurer

Enjoyed tasting wine with friends. Very relaxed atmosphere. Served and educated about their wines by a wonderful young man.

Rion Lindsay

Great food and wine. Offers table service

Usborne Books & More - Kathryn Hnat

We have been coming to Sharpe Hill for years. We love the wines but we have been slowly getting annoyed at how they operate. First off having one barista do the entire patio and lawn area while I see five different people handle the restaurant is absurd. Also having caterpillars fall into wine glasses (which yes is an act of nature) but you then need umbrellas for each of the tables so we aren't having them go down our shirts and into our snacks. We asked for an inside tasting and they said no. We did that because our allergies were awful (there were people in the inside tasting room when we arrived so it wasn't a crazy request). To top it off if you just want to enjoy a bottle or want to do a bottle after a tasting and enjoy it onsite they are charging you to do so. That's right. They are charging you an additional $5 per bottle to drink onsite, FIVE dollars. What is that about?????????? I'm blown away by this. Needless to say we might go to a local package store and purchase from there in the future because it is beyond me what management is thinking here.

Tony

The wine was delicious. Service could stand to be overhauled, starting with that greeting staff.

Maryjane Chmielecki

Fantastic food, atmosphere and service. Wine is exceptional too. One of the best places around.

Alessandro Palazzetti

The only vineyard that I've found who will come serve you wine. Find a great view on their patio or grounds and let them fill your glasses.

anthony damato

Amazing food and atmosphere

Ryan Given

This place is beautiful. The first winery in Connecticut that I actually liked all the wines in the tasting. The only negative is that the tasting is outside and the service was very slow. It was a holiday weekend so I have to give them a little slack.

Albert Hendrickson

Excellent experience. Super accommodating staff. Wonderful atmosphere. Great choice for an afternoon with friends. My one recommendation would be to visit on a summer night. We visited in winter and our ability to enjoy the property was limited. Will visit again

David Terricciano

Best wine in the state! However, its kind of a slap in the face to buy a bottle and be charged open it. Staff is knowledgeable and efficient, I love the civil war era landscape.

TR Nichols

Fantastic vinyard food is top notch.Wines are good to midlin.Great place to visit and eat.

Joe Rosshirt

Greeted by an extremely rude and arrogant owner with unprovoked hostility to my entire party. Horrible experience. Mediocre wine. Not worth the stress. Take a hard pass. I hope she works out her personal issues soon or she will single handedly bring a decent business to the ground.

Gary R Bedard

Gary R Bedard and his wife Terri L Ahern shared an excellent evening at this great winery,,sharing great wine with an excellent meal,had a very nice evening

Brent Tuttle

Excellent food and great atmosphere

Jeff Kreeger

Best Connecticut winery so far. Best wines... Almost all of those I tasted were far superior to those of other CT wineries. Awesome!

Gabe Calvo

Always nice at the Hill...

Julie Christianson

Lovely venue. Was great to enjoy the wines in the shade of a huge oak tree, looking over the vineyards. Wine was fine. I enjoyed the red seraph the most. The wine servers were very kinda and knowledgeable. We didn't eat, but the restaurant smelled delicious, and others said it was delightful. Reasonable priced tasting $10/6 wines or $15/13 (which was all of their varietals).

Crystal Miller

This was a wonderful experience. The wine was amazing and the food was very good. Friendly staff, they made the experience worth the drive.

Trapper Urban

We have eaten at Sharpe Hill for many years. We bring our friends and relatives but we haven’t invited children for one.basic reason, the dining area is way too small for fidgeting children (there is hardly any space for the wait staff). A crying baby will ruin everyone’s dinner, which usually costs $70+. A table of 11 is horrible for everyone. We were at a birthday party, 11 adults. Just trying to talk to someone in the midpoint created excessive noise. We dress shirts and jeans (men), and slacks and shirts (women). We are very polite to the person who seats us, our wait staff, and the owner. I had to send something back, and she was very accommodating and apologized for the problem, and had a replacement to me faster than we thought could happen. If there is something anything someone wants from specials (lobster), we reserve them at the same time we book the table. As this is a small place, they will run out of things. I would recommend that you tell the wait staff at the time you order the appetizer or your beverage. If the staff “says” that you don’t give good tips, it may be that families with babies and children typically need more service, make more noise, may annoy other diners, and the other diners lower their tips. We lowered our tip at a beautiful restaurant where at ten forty five on New Year’s Eve, this couple with a 6 week old baby was seated next to my table. The evening was ruined not by the parents and baby, but by the wait staff forgot we existed for the rest of the night...they earned the lousy tip (15%) about 10 years ago You can’t keep writing about a bad experience. We make a rule to say “it was awesome, (fill in the blank), or the last we were there, (fill in the blank). We follow that up with “but it may have changed since our last visit.