jones family farm

Thanks for your kind words! An extra clarifying note: the traditional start of our Christmas Tree season is the weekend before Thanksgiving, which is "about a month" before Christmas.In addition to the pumpkin and Christmas tree seasons, we would encourage you to try our strawberry and blueberry seasons which are enjoyable in their own way.We are glad you had a nice trip and hope you will visit again soon!

We are sorry your visit was not as expected, and we hope you will reconsider returning to the farm fields this year. As your review in March 2015 was eight months later (you mention your visit was July 2014), I offer some insight and suggestions as a refresher to make any future trip to the strawberry fields more enjoyable.First, know that Strawberry season occurs in harmony with what weather Mother Nature brings, and thus it can shift on the calendar, however it is typically during a four week period of June, beginning shortly after Labor Day. We grow several varieties of strawberries that vary in their bloom period so that we can create that longer four week period of a harvest. Toward the end of a harvest period, the strawberries can be smaller but are more powerful in flavor (and thus favored by those making jams). The smaller yet flavorful crop of that later season can require more effort to find them among the plants, and thus we understand your impression that our fields are "over picked", as opposed to other periods where the larger sized berries leave the impression that there is more of them. The best way to learn about up to the minute crop conditions (for not only strawberries, but all seasons throughout the year) is to call our Crop Report Message (203-929-8425) which is updated frequently as conditions change. Please know, that if at anytime a guest is unsatisfied with a particular row assignment for berry picking, they can ask one of the staff to be reassigned and they will be directed toward a new location.The Berry Ferry travels over our unpaved farm roads to the fields where harvest is taking place. Our farm roads have what are known as "water bars", which act as a mechanism for rain water running off the fields to be diverted toward streams that ultimately feed ponds from which we can later draw from for irrigation needs. Our drivers are aware of each nuance of our various farm roads, but these water bars can understandably be a surprise for the unprepared, not unlike a speed bump. Alternatively (during Strawberry season) we have walking signs that can direct you to the particular fields we are harvesting from at that moment.We do instruct guests verbally and with signage in regard to the proper way to harvest strawberries: They should pick ONLY the ripe red strawberries. Green strawberries should be left on the stem to continue ripening. Flowering strawberries should be left to form into buds for the future growth of the plant. There is a tremendous amount of care and hand-work that goes into preparing a tender strawberry plant for harvest and our staff are very passionate on ensuring that our crops are being properly interacted with from guests. We will review our instruction signage and placards, and ambassador greeter talking points, to ensure our message is more effectively communicated in advance of a guest's arrival in the fields.Again, we hope you will reconsider visiting the farm again and enjoy picking our deliciously flavorful strawberries.

Thanks for your kind words Vinnie. We are glad you enjoy all of your experiences on the farm where "Memories are Always in Season"! It looks like you've had a go at everything - except for our cooking classes! Maybe that's something to look forward to trying in 2015? Thanks again. All the best.

We are sorry your visit was not what it should have been. In our effort to address your concerns, could you help us pinpoint some details regarding your experience so we can review them internally?You said your visit was Dec13. On that Saturday, which of the farm locations did you visit, our Homestead Farm or the Valley Farm?You said you were shocked at a poor selection of trees, and that is surprising for us. What variety/species of tree were you searching for? Were you purchasing from the "fresh-cut" trees our staff have harvested in advance, or were you venturing to the fields for a "harvest-your-own" tree? If the latter, what direction were you given by staff as to location of tree type you were looking for?Regarding your visit at the "Christmas Canteen" area, what time of day did you visit? Was there a waiting time to be served, and if so how long was it? The request for hot cocoa is a common one, but the farm has never chosen to serve it and rather focuses on the more nutritional and locally produced apple cider as a beverage offering.Thank-you in advance for your insight toward helping improve the experience of our guests.

We have been going to Jones since the 80's. It always seems to get us in the holiday spirit whether we get a tree from the barn or venture onto the mountain. It is a family tradition and the youngsters who loved it have grown into adults who come back excitedly from college or grad school. The new winery is warm and cheery - and the wine is excellent. Sitting by the fire pit and sipping on cider and eating cookies are treasured moments. Jones never fails us.

We bought a Christmas tree at Jones yesterday. The staff member that helped us, Joe, was wonderful in finding us a tree. The staff helps everyone attach everyone's trees to their cars in an efficient manner. They also have garland, wreaths, etc, available for purchase. There's no mystery why we return here each December.

Pumpkins, strawberries, blueberries, Christmas trees and wine. All are fantastic. My favorite is picking strawberries and blueberries. Kids (young and old) enjoy the berry-ferry hay ride to the fields. The winery is great, especially when looking for a gift. In addition to bottles of wine they also sell a variety of unique gifts. The fields are beautiful.

Great place to get your Xmas tree but bring plenty of cash; no credit or debit cards. Tree prices cut or cut your own start in the $60's. The winery is good but don't expect any $10 bottles!

They have berries, pumpkins, wine, and their famous fresh cut Christmas Trees which are extremely popular throughout about a 50-70 miles radius. Total experience and hugely helpful staff. Make time for the wine tasting as all of their wines are amazing and several made with their grown fruit as well as grapes

If you haven't visited Jones Family Farm you are missing a real treat.If you want to pick blueberries off the bush,you can.If you want to go to their mini farm market you can.If you really want to relax then go on a Friday,in season,and enjoy a glass of their fine wine on the patio and listen to music or just people watch.Have a piece odffresh made pizza and another glass of wine and take a deep breath of the fresh air and you're in heaven.,

The Jones Family has run their farm for 5 generations, an incredible feat in this day and age. With the most superlative views in all of Connecticut it truly is a miracle that the family has never sold out to real estate investors. In the summer the strawberry and blueberry picking is a fun day trip for a family. Come early before the sun beats down and make sure to call that morning for Farmer Jones' crop report. Be sure to take the Berry Ferry tractor ride over to the fields, the kids will love it! When you are fine picking step over to the shack and peruse the homemade jams and wines as well as organic veggies all for purchase. In the fall, the pumpkin picking cannot be beat. Up on Pumpkinseed Hill the entire valley is laid out below you, the sun shining on the foliage, if you hit it just right in the late afternoon, will show the entire valley glowing below. The Jones' sell decor, wine, apples and pumpkins up here. There is a corn maze and the best hayride I have ever been on- we go every year and ride it at least twice.In the winter there is no better place to hike for miles in search of the perfect Christmas tree. Wreaths and more are also available and usually Santa and Frosty stop by. Be ready to hike in comfy boots and get your muscles ready to saw down your tree and carry it down the mountain. Cash or check only , no credit cards! Worth the trip!

My husband and I recently completed our CT winery tour and of the 16-18 wineries (out of 33 in CT) we visited, we liked Jones Family Winery the best. Why? Their wines are delicious (the cabernet franc is especially good), the tasting room and adjoining patio are nicely laid out and had a beautiful view of the vineyards (are we in Italy??), and the staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Well organized operation, so even if there's a crowd, you don't feel overwhelmed or ignored. Our initial visit for the tasting was educational; we happily returned to submit our passport entries (CT winery raffle) and enjoy a glass of wine ($6 each). A relaxing way to spend a lazy afternoon.

Jones Farm is alot of fun! Good fun! I love the berrie ride! Come to Jones Farm for ALOT of fun and good food!

Stopped here on a rainy and had a wonderful time. Did the wine tasting and had a great conversation with Cindy. She was friendly and extremely knowledgeable about the farm. We'll be back!

This place has lots to see and do. It is somewhat seasonal. Christmas there are Xmas trees, wine year round that is made there, fall items,spring flowers. Worth a trip