This appellation is immediately east of New York State’s Hudson River Region AVA, and includes all of Litchfield and parts of Fairfield, New Haven and Hartford counties. Separated from the Connecticut coast by coastal plains, the Western Highlands is the state’s coolest zone. Without the moderating effects of Long Island Sound, this appellation has a mean average temperature of just 46 F. The growing season is relatively short, running roughly from mid-May to late September. The rolling hills and small mountains of northwestern Connecticut feature glacial schist and granite soils. Cool-climate vinifera and French hybrids are successful here, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Seyval, Vidal, Cayuga, Foch, Leon Millot, and Aurora.