The story
Crafted with passion, served with love
A Connecticut Wine Bar with Recognized Pedigree
The Griswold Inn Wine Bar sits at 36 Main Street in Essex Village, Connecticut, part of the broader Griswold Inn — one of New England's most storied hospitality institutions. The wine bar brings a more intimate, convivial dimension to the property, drawing locals and visitors alike with a focused approach to wine and a menu that moves between American and Spanish influences.
Wine at the Center
Wine Spectator recognized the wine bar with its Award of Excellence, a distinction that reflects a genuinely considered wine program rather than a perfunctory list. For guests, that translates to selections chosen with care — a fitting complement to the Spanish and American dishes that anchor the menu.
What to Expect
The setting is Essex Village itself: a quiet, well-preserved Connecticut River town where the pace slows and the details matter. The wine bar format invites lingering — over a glass, over small plates, over conversation. The American and Spanish culinary thread gives the menu enough range to suit an early evening drink with snacks or a more deliberate dinner sitting.
For anyone exploring the Connecticut shoreline or the Connecticut River Valley, the Griswold Inn Wine Bar offers a grounded, award-recognized stop where the wine list has earned its reputation.
Recognition