Wine Tastings Newport Rhode Island
Newport Vineyards Greenvale and Sakonnet Vineyards andTasting Rooms
Million dollar views and historic mansions. Newport County is the perfect setting for award winning wines, tastings, tours, wine seminars and black tie affairs.
Mansions like Rosecliff and Marble House recently hosted a gala celebration of fine wines along with world famous chef Jacques Pepin, wine expert Kevin Zraly, seminars and cooking demonstrations. Local restaurants in the area often host wine tastings and mini wine courses for a small fee.
Rhode Island Wines:
Why go all the way to California or Europe when some of the best wines can be found in New England? Located on the east coast, the vineyards in Newport County Rhode Island, are known for their buttery Chardonnays, and crisp Rieslings. The cool climate and close proximity to the ocean make for some truly sophisticated wines. The Pinot Noir is smooth and fruity, and the Ice Wine is so velvety it's almost sensual. Harvest time in the vineyard happens in autumn, with vines so lush and full with ripe grapes they groan under their weight. Just walking though the rows, the smell of sweet grapes makes your mouth salivate.
Tasting Room Accessories:
These vineyards all have tours and tasting rooms. You can usually get a 2-for-1 coupon on their website for a free tasting, and most include a collectors glass with your tour. Another feature is the case discounts they offer. Most offer a mix and match case of 12 wines starting at 10% off. This is an excellent way to start or replenish your wine collection. Each shop has a full line of accessories such as elegant wine glasses and corkscrews, picnic and wine baskets, cheese boards, and wine charms.
Things to do in Newport Rhode Island: Vineyards and Tastings
Newport Vineyards Located a few miles north of Newport, Newport Vineyards is located on route 138 in Middletown. Their bottling room is state of the art with immaculate, shiny stainless equipment. Newport Merlot, Malbec, Rochambeau, and a collection of Vintner's Select wines, White Merlot, and Sparkling Wine round out the selection. Expect prices from $11.00 to $19.00 per bottle.
Greenvale Vineyards is located along the Sakonnet River in Portsmouth, approximately one mile north of Newport Vineyards, just off route 138. They have a tasting room, give daily tours and have jazz concerts every Saturday through the fall. The vineyard has been in the same family since 1863, and is on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. The Cabernet Franc is an exceptional red estate grown wine. Prices range from $12.00 to $25.00 per bottle.
Sakonnet Vineyards From Greenvale Vineyards, take a right on route 138 N, merge onto route 24 N, then route 77 S into Little Compton. Sakonnet Vineyards has an amazing Hospitality Center set up for tours and tastings. Both the 2002 Port, aged for 2 years and fortified to 18% alcohol, and the 2005 Winterwine, are classified as dessert wines and come in beautiful bottles just right for a hostess gift. Prices range from $11.00 to $25.00.
Take your time and sit at one of the picnic tables with your purchase, or throw down a blanket in the vineyard and toast the harvest!
For a California Wine Tasting see: Wine Tastings Murphys California
Take a strange culinary trip and Eat Your Way Though Rhode Island
