Best 4 Wineries in Newport: A Guide to the Top Vineyards in the Area
Newport, Rhode Island is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, historic mansions, and scenic views. However, it is also home to some of the best wineries in the region. Visitors can enjoy a day of wine tasting while taking in the stunning surroundings of Newport’s vineyards.
One of the top wineries in Newport is Shepherd’s Run, which offers a unique experience for wine enthusiasts. With both indoor and outdoor seating, visitors can enjoy a glass of wine while taking in the picturesque views of the vineyard. Another popular winery is Greenvale Vineyards, which is known for its award-winning wines and beautiful tasting room.
Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just looking for a fun day out, Newport’s wineries offer something for everyone. From the stunning scenery to the delicious wines, it’s no wonder that Newport has become a must-visit destination for wine lovers.
Understanding Newport’s Wine Region
Newport, Rhode Island is a beautiful coastal city that boasts a rich history and culture. It is also home to a growing wine region that has been gaining popularity in recent years. The region is situated along the Sakonnet River, which provides a unique microclimate that is ideal for growing grapes.
The wine region in Newport is relatively small, but it is home to several excellent wineries that produce a variety of wines. The region is known for its white wines, particularly its chardonnays and sauvignon blancs, but it also produces some excellent reds, including merlots and cabernets.
One of the most popular wineries in Newport is Newport Vineyards. This winery is situated on a 60-acre vineyard and offers tours and tastings. They produce a variety of wines, including chardonnay, cabernet franc, and merlot.
Another popular winery in Newport is Greenvale Vineyards. This winery is located on a historic farm and produces a variety of wines, including chardonnay, cabernet franc, and vidal blanc. They also offer tours and tastings.
The Coastal Wine Trail is a popular attraction in the region that allows visitors to explore the wineries and vineyards of Newport and the surrounding area. The trail includes several other wineries in Bristol County, Rhode Island, and southeastern Massachusetts.
Top Wineries in Newport
Newport Vineyards
Newport Vineyards is a popular winery in Newport that produces estate-grown wines. The vineyard is situated on 75 acres of land and offers a variety of wines, ranging from whites to reds. The winery also has a tasting room where visitors can sample their wines and enjoy the scenic views.
Website: http://www.newportvineyards.com/
Address: 909 E Main Rd, Middletown, RI 02842, United States
Greenvale Vineyards
Greenvale Vineyards is another popular winery in Newport that produces estate-grown wines. The vineyard is located on a historic farm and offers a variety of wines, including reds, whites, and rosés. The winery also has a tasting room where visitors can enjoy their wines and take in the beautiful surroundings.
Website: http://www.greenvale.com/
Address: 582 Wapping Rd, Portsmouth, RI 02871, United States
Sakonnet Vineyard
Sakonnet Vineyard is a winery located in Little Compton, just a short drive from Newport. The vineyard produces a variety of wines, including whites, reds, and rosés. The winery also has a tasting room where visitors can sample their wines and enjoy the scenic views.
Website: http://www.sakonnetwine.com/
Address: 162 W Main Rd, Little Compton, RI 02837, United States
Taproot Brewing Co.
Taproot Brewing Co. is a unique winery and brewery located in Newport. The winery produces a variety of wines and beers and also offers a farm-to-table menu featuring local ingredients. Visitors can enjoy their wines and beers in the tasting room or on the outdoor patio.
Website: http://www.taprootbeer.com/
Address: 909 E Main Rd, Middletown, RI 02842, United States
Exploring the Winery Experience
Wine tasting, winery tours, live music, and events are some of the experiences that wineries offer to their visitors. Newport has some of the best wineries that offer these experiences.
Wine Tasting Sessions
Wine-tasting sessions are a great way to explore different wines that a winery has to offer. Visitors can taste different wines and learn about the different flavors, aromas, and textures of each wine. The winery staff is knowledgeable and can provide information about the wine-making process and the history of the winery.
Winery Tours
Winery tours provide visitors with an opportunity to learn about the wine-making process. Visitors can see the vineyards, the wine-making facilities, and the barrel rooms. The winery staff can explain the different steps involved in making wine, from harvesting the grapes to bottling the wine.
Live Music and Events
Some wineries in Newport offer live music and events. Visitors can enjoy a glass of wine while listening to live music or attending an event. These events provide a great opportunity for visitors to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the winery.
Family and Group Visits
Newport’s wineries are the perfect destination for families and groups looking for a fun and educational experience. Most wineries offer tours and tastings that cater to all ages, making it a great activity for everyone.
Newport Vineyards, for example, offers tours that include a visit to the vineyard, a walk through the tank room, and a tasting of their award-winning wines. The tours are offered daily and are a great way to learn about the winemaking process. They also have a marketplace and a café that offer food and drinks that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Greenvale Vineyards is another great option for families. They offer tours that include a visit to their vineyard and a tasting of their wines. The tours are offered daily and are a great way to learn about the history of the vineyard and the winemaking process. They also have a picnic area that can be used by families to enjoy their wines and food.
For larger groups, Newport Vineyards and Greenvale Vineyards offer private tours and tastings that can be customized to fit the needs of the group. These tours are a great way to celebrate special occasions or simply enjoy a day out with friends and family.
Food and Dining Options
Newport is not only known for its wineries but also for its food and dining options. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of cuisines, from French to Mexican, and everything in between. Here are a few dining options to consider when visiting Newport.
Brix Restaurant
Brix Restaurant is a popular dining spot for visitors and locals alike. The restaurant is located at Newport Vineyards and offers a farm-to-table dining experience. The menu features locally sourced ingredients, including fresh seafood, meats, and vegetables. Visitors can enjoy a glass of wine from Newport Vineyards while taking in the beautiful views of the vineyard. The restaurant also offers private dining options for special occasions.
Food Trucks
Newport is also home to a variety of food trucks, offering a quick and casual dining experience. Visitors can find food trucks parked throughout the city, offering everything from lobster rolls to tacos. Some popular food trucks include Boru Noodle Bar, which serves up Asian-inspired dishes, and Rocket Fine Street Food, which offers gourmet sandwiches and sides. Food trucks are a great option for visitors who want to try different cuisines without breaking the bank.
Additional Attractions
Aside from the wineries, Newport offers a plethora of attractions to explore. From scenic walks to unique shops, there is something for everyone in this charming town.
One of the most popular attractions in Newport is the Cliff Walk. This 3.5-mile walkway offers stunning views of the ocean and the historic mansions that line the coast. Visitors can take a stroll or a more challenging hike while taking in the breathtaking scenery.
For those looking for something more active, Newport has plenty of options. Visitors can rent bikes or kayaks to explore the town and its surroundings. There are also several beaches where visitors can swim, surf, or simply relax in the sun.
Newport is also known for its unique shops and boutiques. Visitors can browse for antiques, clothing, and gifts in the town’s many shops. There are also several art galleries and museums to explore.
Understanding Wine Varieties
Wine is a complex and nuanced beverage that can be made from a wide variety of grapes. Each grape variety has its unique characteristics that contribute to the flavor and aroma of the wine. In this section, we will discuss some of the most common grape varieties used in winemaking and how they contribute to the final product.
Vidal Blanc
Vidal Blanc is a white grape variety that is commonly grown in the Northeastern United States. It is known for its high acidity and fruity flavors, which make it a popular choice for producing sweet and semi-sweet wines. Vidal Blanc is often used in blends with other white grape varieties to balance out the sweetness and acidity of the wine.
Albariño
Albariño is a white grape variety that is native to Spain and Portugal. It is known for its high acidity, floral aromas, and citrus flavors. Albariño is often used to produce dry white wines that are crisp and refreshing.
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc is a red grape variety that is commonly grown in Bordeaux, France. It is known for its spicy aromas and flavors, as well as its high tannin content. Cabernet Franc is often used in blends with other red grape varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, to add complexity and structure to the wine.
Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio is a white grape variety that is commonly grown in Italy. It is known for its light body, high acidity, and citrus flavors. Pinot Grigio is often used to produce dry white wines that are easy to drink and pair well with a variety of foods.
Landot Noir
Landot Noir is a red grape variety that is commonly grown in the Northeastern United States. It is known for its deep color and rich, fruity flavors. Landot Noir is often used to produce full-bodied red wines that are rich and complex.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a red grape variety that is commonly grown in Burgundy, France. It is known for its light body, low tannins, and delicate flavors. Pinot Noir is often used to produce elegant and complex red wines that are highly sought after by wine enthusiasts.
In conclusion, understanding the different grape varieties used in winemaking can help you appreciate the nuances and complexities of wine. Whether you prefer sweet or dry, white or red, there is a grape variety out there that will suit your taste preferences.