New Farm Brewery Draws Standing Room Only Crowd In North Branford

NORTH BRANFORD, CT — If the first two weekends is an indication, North Branford’s first farm brewery is in for a long, successful run in town. The brewery had big crowds both weekends, as evidenced by the pictures accompanying this story.

DeFrancesco Farm Hops in North Branford has joined the fast moving world of farm brewing, opening “Stewards of the Land Brewery.”

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.

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 has combined 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 is over 16 acres.

It can 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 are 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 has been 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. Their wine can be bought at the brewery as well as take out food from Giovanni’s pizza restaurant located on nearby Forest Road.