The Cellar: The 'New' Newport Vineyards

Steffen Rasch, GoLocalProv Wine Writer

The Cellar: The 'New' Newport Vineyards

If you haven’t visited Newport Vineyards in a while I urge you to do so soon! I recently made the trip south and was blown away by the winery’s recent and absolutely stunning transformation. The place has practically doubled in size from 18.000 square feet to more than 35.000 square feet. Among the many improvements is the creation of a bright and inviting tasting area with an open floor plan that leads out to a porch overlooking the vineyard and an increased number of the tasting stations - so there is less of a wait to be refilled. Besides from the brand new tasting room, the ‘new’ Newport Vineyards also houses a great deli restaurant, an upscale restaurant named ‘Brix’ and an expanded wine/gift shop.

On the wine side many things remain the same. The winery continues to produce a series of really good wines from the estate’s 60+ acres; wines ranging in style from bone dry to lushishly sweet made from grapes including Vidal Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon – just to mention a few. During my visit I had the opportunity to sample through the current releases of which there are many. My personal favorites were the ’14 Pinot Gris and the ’13 Cabernet Franc.

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While technically made from the same grape Pinot Gris is stylistically different than Pinot Grigio. Whereas Grigios are meant to be light and refreshing, wines made in the style of an Alsatian Pinot Gris are usually much richer both in flavor and texture. And the 2014 Pinot Gris from Newport Vineyard is both of these things. The flavors include those of ripe peach and pears with a hint of spice and just a splash of citrus essential in drying ones palate at the finish and keeping everything in balance. The finish is long and persistent – the sign of a well made wine.

The 2013 Cabernet Franc was my favorite red wine of the tasting. This delicious cool-climate grape variety grows really well here in New England and it is a wine I encourage you to try. It is a gorgeously textured, medium bodied wine with hints of green bell pepper and earthy spice, with a deep and solid core of savory dark fruit and toasted wood. Again, the finish lingers on.

Tours and tastings are available daily. Check out their online calendar for other interesting events including live music, farmer’s markets, comedy shows and even yoga classes. In September there is a 4 mile long race planned along the Aquidneck Land Trust’s Sakonnet Greenway Trail – followed by (you guessed it) a wine tasting and BBQ at Newport Vineyards.

Cheers,
Steffen Rasch is a Certified Sommelier and Specialist of Wine. Feel free to email him at [email protected] with any wine-related questions or learn about wine in person by signing up for one of his tastings through the Providence Wine Academy.

10 New England Wine Getaways

Newport Vineyards

Newport Vineyards is the perfect Rhode Island destination for wine lovers year round. Visit the winery this weekend for tastings and tours, featuring an array of award winning wines.

909 E Main Road, Middletown, RI. (401) 848-5161.

Carolyn's Sakonnet Vineya

Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyards in Little Compton is much more than just a winery—it is a place to get away from the stresses of life and indulge your senses, a place to try new things, a place to focus on you. The vineyard is open every day, and invites you to come for a tasting and tour. Try their Petite Red, Vidal Blanc, and many more of their distinctive wines.

162 W Main Road, Little Compton, RI. (401) 635-8486.

Greenvale Vineyards

Visit Greenvale Vineyards in Portsmouth to sample their estate grown and produced wine, made in small batches. While at the estate, try seven different wines and keep the wine glass for only $12. While you are tasting, take in the gorgeous views of both the vineyard and river. Besides tasting the wines, Greenvale also invites customers to tour the winery and learn about the history and process of winemaking at the vineyard.

582 Wapping Road, Portsmouth, RI. (401) 847-3777.

Maugle Sierra Vineyards

For a trip to a vineyard that includes much more than just wine, hop over the border to Ledyard, CT, to check out Maugle Sierra Vineyards. The vineyard hosts live music on Fridays and Sundays to compliment your wine tasting experience. Pack a dinner or light fare and enjoy a tasting session in the Sierra Room while you take in the sunset.

825 Colonel Ledyard Highway, Ledyard, CT. (860) 464-2987.

Nickle Creek Vineyards

Nickle Creek Vineyard is a family owned and operated Rhode Island wine treasure. The winery, located in Foster, makes it their mission to handcraft the most unique, high quality wines in the business. All wines are created in small batches, giving them a distinctly unique taste. This weekend, visit their tasting room to try their variety of wines. On your way out, be sure to pick up a bottle of Foster Nights to get you through those chilly New England evenings.

12 King Road, Foster, RI. (401) 369-3694.

Nashoba Valley Winery

Take the bite off the winter chill this weekend and take a drive to Nashoba Valley Winery in Bolton. The winery hosts tasting events everyday from 10am-4:30pm For $5, receive a free tasting glass and samples of up to five different wines. Some favorites include Strawberry Rhubarb Wine, Holiday Special Cranberry Apple (a new release in November 2013), and New English Cider. If you are in the mood for something other than wine (if that’s possible), check out their beer selection as well!

100 Wattaquadock Hill Road, Bolton, MA. (978) 779-5521.

Bishop’s Orchards Winery

The wines from Bishop’s Orchards Winery and Farm Market in Guilford, CT, have won over 179 medals since the winery opened in 2005. The tasting room at Bishop’s is open seven days a week year round, so no time is off-limits for wine tasting. Head over on the weekend to enjoy a winery tour pre or post tasting session. While visiting the winery, also be sure to check out the market for fresh baked goodies.

1355 Boston Post Road, Guilford, CT. (203) 453-2338.

Diamond Hill Vineyards

For a cool twist on classic wine labels, look no further than Diamond Hill Vineyard in Cumberland. At Diamond Hill, you can get custom designed wine labels perfect for any occasion. If you’re interested in tasting the wines, visit their elegant tasting room for samples of their high quality wines such as Cranberry Apple, Estate Pinot Noir, or Blackberry.

3145 Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland, RI. (401) 333-2751.

Westport Rivers

Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery

Tucked away on the southern coast of Massachusetts, Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery, located about an hour’s drive from Worcester, is worth the trip. For only $10, you can take home a special edition etched wine glass and enjoy a tasting of up to six of their award-winning wines. While the tasting room is open Monday-Saturday, free winery tours are also offered to the public every Saturday from 1-3pm.

417 Hixbridge Rd, Westport, MA. (508) 636-3423.

Travessia Winery

Found on the southern Massachusetts coast about 30 minutes outside of Providence, is Travessia Winery in New Bedford. This micro-winery puts a twist on traditional wine culture with its cool urban flair. Travessia is open for sales and tastings Wednesday-Sunday, and invites customers to come in and enjoy their unique variety of wines.

760 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA. (774) 929-6534.

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