A Playful Grape-Stomp Engagement Session at Priam Vineyards in Colchester, CT
If you’ve been dreaming of an engagement session that feels fun, authentic, and totally different from anything your friends have done… let me introduce you to one of Connecticut’s most charming gems: Priam Vineyards in Colchester. Nestled in the rolling hills of eastern Connecticut, this award-winning vineyard offers sweeping views, romantic fields, a serene pond, and rows of grapevines that glow at golden hour. It’s the perfect mix of rustic charm and elevated elegance—ideal for weddings and unforgettable engagement sessions.
For this session, I photographed one of the most unique, joy-filled experiences a couple can have at Priam: a custom grape stomp set up by the venue. Yes, you read that right—an actual grape-filled barrel where you can pour, stomp, laugh, and create the most unexpectedly adorable photos you'll treasure forever. This experience isn’t just for engagement sessions, either! Priam offers grape stomping as a fun “mess-the-dress” activity for couples getting married on-site, making it one of the most playful and memorable wedding venues in Connecticut.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about Priam Vineyards—from wedding details and pricing to the grape stomp that made this engagement session one of my favorites ever.
Where Is Priam Vineyards?
Priam Vineyards is located at:
11 Shailor Hill Rd, Colchester, CT
Tucked away on 40 acres of private, peaceful property, it feels like a little escape into the countryside—without being too far from anything. It’s roughly:
- 40 minutes from Hartford
- 35 minutes from Mystic
- 1.5 hours from Boston
- 2.5 hours from NYC
Couples love this venue because it’s easy for guests to get to, but once you arrive… it truly feels like you're stepping into a serene vineyard getaway.
What Makes Priam Vineyards a Beautiful Wedding Setting
Priam is known for its quiet, romantic landscapes and beautifully preserved natural surroundings. It’s one of those places that feels effortlessly elegant without needing much decor. The venue is surrounded by:
- Lush vineyards that turn golden at sunset
- Wide-open fields with panoramic views
- A tranquil pond perfect for portraits
- Rolling hills that create a dreamy backdrop year-round
- A gorgeous tented outdoor wedding space
For weddings, Priam offers a large, airy tent set up beside the vines, allowing couples to celebrate surrounded by the colors and textures of the vineyard. The ceremony site is often set overlooking the vines or fields, creating a scenic and peaceful atmosphere. It’s perfect for couples who want an outdoor feel with a bit of vineyard romance mixed in.
Because the landscape changes with the seasons—deep greens in summer, warm gold in fall, and soft neutrals in early spring—it’s also incredibly versatile for photos.
Priam Vineyards Wedding Price Range
Pricing can vary depending on the time of year and guest count, but most couples can expect to invest around $8,000–$15,000 for their Priam Vineyards wedding, not including catering. This typically covers:
- Access to the vineyard grounds
- The large reception tent
- Ceremony setup
- Tables and chairs
- On-site staff
- Use of the property for photos
Catering is brought in by preferred vendors, allowing couples to customize their menu and stay within their budget.
For couples looking for that rustic-luxury vineyard vibe without the price tag of Napa or the Newport mansions, Priam is an amazing option—especially given how much you get with the setting alone.
Engagement Sessions at Priam Vineyards
When Priam hosts your wedding, they allow you to return to the vineyard for your engagement session—such a sweet way to connect your wedding story from start to finish. Engagement sessions can take place anywhere on the property, including:
- The sprawling vineyard rows
- The hilltop overlooking the pond
- The romantic tree-lined pathways
- The open fields with sweeping views
But then… there’s the grape stomp.
And that deserves its own section.
The Grape Stomp: The Most Unique Photo Experience Ever
This couple wanted a session that felt fun, carefree, and truly “them.” And Priam delivered with what might be one of the most unforgettable engagement photo experiences I’ve ever photographed.
If you’re getting married at Priam Vineyards, you can request your own grape stomp experience for your engagement session—or even on your wedding day for a mess-the-dress moment!
Here’s how it works:
The vineyard brings out a rustic wooden barrel and fills it with grapes. You get a pitcher or bowl of extra grapes to pour in while the two of you climb in, hold onto each other, and start stomping away like you’re in your own personal episode of I Love Lucy.
The moment the grapes go in, you can see couples go from soft, romantic energy to pure laughter, squeals, and playful chaos—and it photographs beautifully.
Why the grape stomp is so perfect for photos:
- You can’t help but laugh the entire time
- It creates candid, joyful interactions that look and feel real
- It adds movement and texture to your gallery
- You get a mix of romantic vineyard photos and fun, whimsical ones
- It’s completely unique—your friends definitely won’t have these photos
This couple dove right into the experience: stomping grapes, splashing juice, making faces at each other, pouring more grapes into the barrel, and laughing nonstop. It brought out such genuine connection and reminded me exactly why I love photographing couples in the first place—moments like these can’t be staged.
The stomp ended with stained feet, messy hands, and the biggest smiles. And to balance it out, we finished with dreamy golden-hour portraits among the vines, blending elegance with pure fun. Truly the best of both worlds.
Why Priam Vineyards Is Perfect for Adventurous, Easygoing Couples
Some venues photograph beautifully but lack personality. Priam has both.
Not only is the location stunning with endless natural backdrops, but they truly embrace creativity. They encourage couples to explore the grounds, wander the vineyard rows, and make the property their own. The grape stomp alone proves how much they value fun, authentic, joy-filled experiences on top of the traditional vineyard romance.
If you’re a couple who loves to laugh, wants something different, or enjoys a little adventure mixed into your session or wedding day… Priam might be the perfect fit.
Looking for a Photographer for Your Priam Vineyards Engagement or Wedding?
Hi, I’m Chelsea Rush, a Connecticut-based wedding and engagement photographer with a love for true-to-life colors, candid moments, and fun, adventurous sessions. I always bring Polaroids on wedding days, and I’m here to help you feel comfortable, confident, and fully yourselves in front of the camera.
Priam Vineyards is one of my favorite places to shoot—there’s so much variety, and couples always have the best time there (especially if you’re up for the grape stomp!).
If you’re getting married at Priam or want to schedule your engagement session there, I’d love to be your photographer.
Let’s make something unforgettable together.
