Awards & Recognition

Aquila’s Nest Vineyards is a scenic 41-acre winery and event estate in Newtown, CT, recently voted Best Winery in Connecticut. Founded by Neviana Zhgaba and Ardian Llomi in 2016 on a former 200-year-old farm, the vineyard blends Mediterranean heritage, mythology, art, and wine to create an unforgettable experience that begins at the driveway and unfolds with Mediterranean statues, immersive wine tastings, and breathtaking views of the stunning sunset from igloos, gazebos, and cozy fire pits.

Since opening in October 2020, Aquila’s Nest has become a community hub, hosting live music, dueling pianos, tribute shows, comedy nights, murder mysteries, and craft workshops, complemented by gourmet food pairings such as artisanal cheeses, fine pastries, and locally made chocolates. Guests also enjoy signature sangrias, wine slushies—including shareable slushy towers—and seasonal offerings.

Aquila's Nest Vineyards has received several recognitions for its exceptional wines and outstanding winery experience.

• #5 Best Tasting Room in America (2026) – USA Today 10Best Awards

• Best Winery in Connecticut (2026, 2025 & 2023) – Connecticut Magazine

• Double Gold Medal Winner - Native American and Hybrid Wines 2026, Libation Awards

Aquila's Nest Vineyards wines were recognized with a Double Gold Medal, 3 Gold Medals, and 2 Silver Medals at the National Small Producer Wine Invitational organized by Libation Awards.

• National Small Producer of the Year 2025, Libation Awards

Aquila's Nest Vineyards wines were recognized with a Double Gold Medal, 4 Gold Medals, and 1 Silver Medal at the National Small Producer Wine Invitational organized by Libation Awards.

• National Small Business Award 2024 Winner - Connecticut Manufacturer of the Year

• Best Winery in Connecticut 2024 Finalist, Connecticut Magazine

• US Chamber of Commerce Top 70 Small Businesses in America 2023

Aquila's Nest Vineyards was one of 70 small businesses across the country, and only one of two from Connecticut to receive this recognition out of 15,000 businesses. The Chamber’s “America’s Top Small Business Awards” celebrates the pioneers of innovation, entrepreneurship, and community engagement.

• Best Agrotourism in the Diaspora 2023, Albanian Excellence & Balkans Travel Magazine

• Best Winery in Connecticut 2022 Editor's Choice Winner, Connecticut Magazine

• Climate Label Certified 2022 - 2026

• Emerging Leader Award 2026, Fairfield Chamber of Commerce

• Woman of the Year Award 2026, AAWO Motrat Qirjazi Organization

• Women Innovator Award 2024, Westfair Business Journals

• Most Unique Places to Propose in 2024, Connecticut Magazine - The Connecticut Bride

• Connecticut 40 Under Forty, Class of 2023, Connecticut Magazine

• Fairfield County 40 Under Forty, Class of 2022, Westfair Business Journals

• Aquila's Nest Vineyards was featured as one of the top 100 Things to Do in Connecticut by author Anastasia Mills Healy! Check out the other 99 by picking up a copy.

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Since opening in October 2020, Aquila’s Nest has become a community hub, hosting live music, dueling pianos, tribute shows, comedy nights, murder mysteries, and craft workshops, complemented by gourmet food pairings such as artisanal cheeses, fine pastries, and locally made chocolates. Guests also enjoy signature sangrias, wine slushies—including shareable slushy towers—and seasonal offerings.

At Aquila’s Nest we don’t just bottle wine—we bottle experiences.