I love getting day trip referrals! When I heard that Gouveia Winery in Wallingford, CT holds an annual harvest event that makes you feel that you’re in Europe, I signed up.

Following a quick tutorial, I became a member of the army of volunteers that harvested 75% of the grape fields. The weather was perfect, the views from the field spectacular and the earthy feel was healing. I didn’t see anyone on a cell phone for hours.

Then the celebration began! Volunteers were treated to a Portuguese buffet, generous wine tastings, wine stomping, dance and musical performances. I joined a large table. where there was lots of travel talk about Portugal and recent vacations. And of course, talk about wine. Volunteers reminisced about past harvests, shared information about the family who established and runs the winery. All said that they would return next year. So will I.

Where do you get the best day trip referrals?