10 Rhode Island Vineyards and Wineries to Sip Your Way Through this Summer
There's no time like the present to tour through some of Rhode Island's world-class vineyards and wineries.
Note: This article has been updated from a previous version first published in March 2023.
Sakonnet Vineyard
Now under the direction of former anchor & Hope founders, Marissa Stashenko and James Davids, New England’s oldest vineyard has launched a number of new wines, revived its culinary legacy and implemented organic and sustainable farming.
TRY: The rich, estate-grown Belcourt White.
HOURS: Open Wedenesday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
SPECIAL: In honor of National Wine and Cheese Day on Friday, July 25, Sakonnet Vineyard will offer a guided wine and cheese tasting from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for $30 per person. The tasting will feature three Sakonnet Vineyard wines (two ounces each) paired with three cheeses from Sweet and Salty Farm.
DETAILS: 162 West Main Rd., Little Compton, 401-635-8486, sakonnetwine.com
Diamond Hill Vineyards
A small family-run winery that’s cultivated pinot noir grapes since 1976 using French barrel oaks for aging. You can purchase wine to drink by the glass or bottle and enjoy in the large outdoor area and/or under the covered, heated front porch.
TRY: The Scarlet Run red or the luscious cranberry apple variation.
HOURS: Open Friday through Sunday from 12–4 p.m.
DETAILS: 3145 Diamond Hill Rd., Cumberland, 401-333-2751, diamondhillvineyards.com
Mulberry Vineyards
Located on the Andrew Brown homestead (circa 1730). Take advantage of their wine and pierogi pairings, live music, and yoga events.
TRY: The smooth, green apple- and pear-flavored pinot gris.
HOURS: Tastings available Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
DETAILS: 95 Pound Rd., Chepachet, 401-217-9288, mulberryvineyards.com
Verde Vineyards
A tranquil, picturesque vineyard overlooking Moswansicut Lake in Johnston. Verde uses traditional wine making techniques and hand-picked grapes. Its open fermentation and oak barrel aging process produce a wine reminiscent of the southern Rhone Valley.
TRY: The award-winning St. Croix (a medium-bodied red hybrid with fruit and soft tannins), or the new Rosé (with flavor notes of red raspberry, strawberry, cherry and watermelon).
HOURS: Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. (or until 8 p.m. June through August).
DETAILS: 50 Hopkins Ave., Johnston, 401-934-2317, verdevineyardsri.com
Leyden Farm Vineyard and Winery
An active farm for three generations, Leyden began the process of producing fruit-essence (i.e. strawberry, blueberry) wines in 2010. No reservations needed and patrons are encouraged to bring their own food.
TRY: The sweet Strawberry Fields white blend or the zesty American Cranapple riesling.
HOURS: Tastings are available daily from noon to 4 p.m.
DETAILS: 160 Plain Meeting House Rd., West Greenwich, 401-392-1133, leydenfarm.com
Gooseneck Vineyards
Co-founded and run by two cousins, Gooseneck seeks out and relies on the best grape-growing regions in the world for their wines. Learn more about its new location here.
TRY: The citrussy-up-front Prosecco, the summery sweet Brut Rosé or the fruity and luscious Rhody Red.
HOURS: Open daily from noon to 9 p.m.
DETAILS: 1340 Tower Hill Rd., North Kingstown, 401-229-9862, gooseneckvineyards.com
Newport Vineyards
Situated on more than 100 acres of historically preserved farmland. Offers estate-grown wines and locally sourced food (plus an on-site restaurant and brewery).
TRY: The tropical Great White, the cherry and nutmeg Gemini Red or the new fizzy Friz Sparkling Rosé.
HOURS: Winery Tours are offered at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. daily. Wine and beer tastings are available via walk-in during operating hours: Sundays from 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Mondays and Tuesdays from 11 a.m.–7 p.m., Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m.–8 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
DETAILS: 909 East Main Rd. (Rte 138), Middletown, 401-848-5161, newportvineyards.com
Greenvale Vineyards
Greenvale is a sixth-generation family farm nestled along the Sakonnet River. The vineyard is known for producing small quantities of exceptional estate-grown wines. Enjoy live music and food trucks from the picnic area on weekends.
TRY: The well-balanced, smooth and oaky Greenvale Select Chardonnay.
HOURS: Open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m.–5 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.
DETAILS: 582 Wapping Rd., Portsmouth, 401-847-3777, greenvale.com
Shepherd’s Run
Get a taste of both local and global offerings at the state’s newest addition to the wine world. Don’t sleep on this all-in-one wedding destination, offering guests to sip, stay and play at this picturesque manor leading up to the wedding day.
TRY: A wine flight with a chocolate pairing from Hauser Chocolatier.
HOURS: Open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
DETAILS: 4780 Tower Hill Rd., South Kingstown, 401-386-4956, shepherds.run
Nickle Creek Vineyard
Ten acres featuring a variety of grapes, including Cayuga White, Noiret, Riesling and Chambourcin. Join their Select Cru wine club and receive four hand-selected bottles three times a year, plus other perks like membership discounts.
TRY: the crisp and refreshing, estate-grown Foster White or the succulent Wicked Peach white wine.
HOURS: Tasting room is open Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.
DETAILS: 12 King Rd., Foster, 401-369-3694, nicklecreekvineyard.com
Don’t Miss:
WinterHawk Vineyards in West Kingston
Langworthy Farm in Westerly
Jonathan Edwards Winery in North Stonington, CT