Connecticut Farm Wineries

Project Description

Connecticut has launched a digital passport app for its farm wineries, replacing traditional printed booklets. Developed by Daruma Tech and sponsored by state agricultural authorities, the mobile application allows wine enthusiasts to explore 35 participating wineries, plan visits, and earn rewards by digitally tracking their winery tours.

The app has been remarkably successful, garnering over 3,000 downloads in its first month—a significant improvement over the previous paper passport system. Inspired by the successful Connecticut Beer Trail app, the new wine passport program aims to support local businesses and create engaging tourism experiences.

Beyond just promoting wineries, the app encourages broader regional exploration by highlighting nearby attractions like restaurants, breweries, and shops. It features interactive elements such as push notifications about events, digital badges, and leaderboards to motivate users to visit more wineries.

The app is free for both users and participating wineries, and is being promoted through state tourism websites and organizations. While currently attracting mostly local residents, the app has potential to draw broader tourism interest.