First Farm Brewery Opens in North Branford This Weekend

NORTH BRANFORD, CT — DeFrancesco Farm Hops in North Branford joins the fast moving world of farm brewing this weekend as it opens for business.

Its mission is to brew only the finest beer using Connecticut fresh, locally-sourced ingredients from their family farm DeFrancesco Farm Hops and other CT Hop Growers.

CtBeer.com said: “Lets raise a glass and welcome them to the CT Beer Community. All the best. Cheers!”

North Branford's first farm brewery operation and retail patron site will be established at 418 Forest Road.

Back in January, the Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) voted unanimously, 4-0, to approve the farm brewery's special permit request and site plan. The application was brought by co-owner Alex DeFrancesco, a member of the North Branford DeFrancesco Farms family. DeFrancesco, who is also a member of the PZC, recused himself from the commission's review.

The DeFrancesco family will combine two parcels of farmland behind 418 Forest Road into one, creating a single parcel of at least 10 acres of active farm, as required by the town's farm brewery zoning text amendment approved in 2018. Once combined, the new parcel at 418 Forest Road will be over 16 acres.

It will accommodate an average of 98 patrons in its first-floor Tap Room and outdoor patio area. A new addition at the back of the building will house the brewery operation and beer manufacturing facility.

The retail hours will be Friday from 4 p.m. – 10 p.m., Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.; with no retail hours Monday through Thursday.

The property is currently used as a farm today and will not change with this proposal. The addition will be added to the back of the building.

Alex DeFrancesco has been very active in the movement of planting hops for beer growing in Connecticut.

DeFrancesco said since the state legislature passed legislation allowing the brewing of beer under a manufacturing permit on a farm it has been his intention to do so.

DeFrancesco has worked with Town Planner Carey Duques on making sure his plan would work with town regulations in mind. Others who want to operate similar operations can apply under approved regulations.

North Branford has stepped up its game on the spirits field recently.

Rose Vineyards and Winery near the Branford line opened for business a few weeks ago.

Rosabianca Vineyards in Northford has been open for years.