The high sun and summer heat can only mean one thing for us in New England: fairs, festivals, BBQ and lots of wine. In two weeks the 2012 Connecticut Wine Festival presented by the Connecticut Wine Trail will take place offering a chance for the uninitiated to get a taste of many vineyards in one day.

While you won’t be able to get your wine trail passports stamped by each vineyard here, there is a page in the book for the wine festival event itself. Visit 16 of the 32 wineries and submit your passport by November 11 to be entered to win amazing prizes such as a trip for two to Benalmadena Costa, Spain.

Below is a list of the participating vineyards at this year’s festival:

Bishops Orchards Winery

DiGrazia Vineyards

Gouveia Vineyards

Jonathan Edwards Winery

Jones Family Farms Winery

Hopkins Vineyard

Miranda Vineyard

Priam Vineyard

Sharpe Hill Vineyard

Stonington Vineyards

Sunset Meadow Vineyards

Taylor Brooke Winery

White Silo Farm Winery

Numerous food vendors, too.

So, are you curious about what to expect? We’d recommend bringing extra cash for food, to purchase glasses and full bottles of wine from your favorite vineyards. Make sure to wear plenty of sunscreen as shady spots are prime real estate this weekend and drink plenty of water.

Remember, purchase your tickets in advance to save $5 per ticket and the pre-sale ends July 22. For photos from last year’s Festival visit here or check out our full album on Pinterest here.