Albanian-American entrepreneurs Neviana Zhgaba and Ardian Llomi have reached another major milestone in the United States, with their Aquila’s Nest Vineyards in Connecticut named the #5 Best Wine Tasting Room in the country in the 2026 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
The recognition places the Albanian-owned vineyard among the 10 top wine-tasting rooms in the United States. Aquila’s Nest was one of 20 destinations initially selected by a panel of journalists, editors, writers and wine experts before the final ranking was determined through public voting. The vineyard made the list for the first time and was the only wine-tasting room in New England to reach the national Top 10.
Located in Newtown, Connecticut, Aquila’s Nest sits on a 41-acre former farm dating back roughly 200 years. Zhgaba and Llomi purchased the property in 2015, initially intending it as a place for their family. They later saw an opportunity to transform the property into a destination that could bring people together around wine, art, culture and nature. The vineyard opened in 2020.
Both Zhgaba and Llomi grew up in Albania. Their background has played a major role in shaping Aquila’s Nest, with the vineyard drawing heavily on Mediterranean heritage and incorporating elements of mythology, art and astronomy into its identity.
The connection is visible in the wines themselves. Aquila’s Nest says each wine is named after a woman from ancient history or mythology and carries a constellation-themed label, creating a concept that goes beyond traditional wine tasting.
The tasting room itself covers approximately 2,000 square feet and includes a baby grand piano, while the property offers private gazebos, fire pits and views across the vineyard. The venue also hosts live music, culinary events, stargazing, cultural experiences and seasonal celebrations throughout the year. USA TODAY highlighted the combination of its handcrafted wines and immersive experience when selecting the vineyard for its national ranking.
The recognition adds to an already impressive list of achievements for the Albanian-American-owned business.
Aquila’s Nest was named one of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Top 70 Small Businesses in America in 2023, selected from businesses across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. The company was also named Connecticut Manufacturer of the Year through the SBA in 2024 and won the National Small Business Award that same year. Connecticut Magazine has also recognized Aquila’s Nest as the Best Winery in Connecticut, including its 2025 award.
The vineyard has also built sustainability into its business model. Aquila’s Nest became Climate Neutral Certified, reflecting its efforts to reduce and offset its carbon footprint. The founders have connected that approach to values they developed growing up in Albania, where agriculture and the relationship with the land were part of everyday life.
