The Rhode Less Traveled: 4 East Coast Wineries

Move over California, Oregon and Washington, wine growers in Rhode Island are working their magic with a little help from Mother Nature to ensure spectacular vintages worth a vineyard-hopping road trip.

Growers - particularly those in the northeast United States - are met with a smorgasbord of challenges each growing season. Cooler, less stable weather can lead to the ruining of crops, or a reduction in the quality of the final wines. Vignerons along the state's southern coast have to be more adept at predicting how the climate any given year will affect the crop. They have to pay particular attention to the layout and the placement of the vines, and be more flexible when planning. Most of all, winemakers have to cope with the inevitable heartbreak that can occur when growing in less predictable climates.

Rhode Island vineyards produce far more whites than reds. Coastal breezes, fluctuating temperatures and moist air produce crops that are akin to Germany or northern France. All of the following vineyards will feature selections of the likes of Moscato, Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Ice Wine, and Gew�rztraminer; and in some cases, a few good reds as well.

Autumn is a perfect time to tour Rhode Island's gorgeous coastal vineyards to experience the yield of that tenacious planning and changing climate. Placed conveniently along the state's southern coast, their close proximity to each other mean that you could do all four in a day, or break them up with overnights in Newport or South County to make it a longer getaway. Plan to start in Westerly and end in Little Compton, or vice versa.

The following is a list of those that are open for tours and tastings:

Newport Vineyards

Newport, RI
This vineyard was originally planted in 1977 with the goal of preserving the coastal land. Captain Richard Alexander planted 10 acres of French-American grapes in 1977 with the help of his family, friends, and neighbors. In 1988, in partnership with the Nunes family, Captain Alexander established his first winery. In 2002, the land was placed into perpetual preservation through a partnership between the Nunes Family, the Aquidneck Land Trust, and the State of Rhode Island.

Tours and tastings occur Sunday - Friday at 1 and 3 p.m. and hourly on Saturday from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. $12 per person for 5 samples; $15 per person for 5 samples plus signature glass.
www.newportvineyards.com

Greenvale Vineyards
Portsmouth, RI
Located along the beautiful Sakonnet River, Greenvale Vineyards has been in the family since 1863 and is listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. Cortlandt Parker, the farm's fourth generation, and his wife Nancy started to grow grapes here as a hobby in the 1960's. In the early 80s, the Parkers decided to embark on the development of a commercial vineyard. The focus is on conservation of open space, preservation of historic buildings and the education of its visitors.

Tastings occur daily and cost $12 for 7 varietals; tours are daily at 2 p.m. and are $15 per person for the tour and tasting.
wwwgreenvale.com

Langworthy Farm Winery

Westerly, RI
Langworthy Farm was built in 1875 on the historical home site of Governor Samuel Ward. Owners Joe and Gail Sharry first planted vinifera grape vines in 2002 and produced the first barrel of Chardonnay in stainless steel that same year. They now produce more than a dozen varietals, including 7 reds. Alongside the vineyard is a Victorian farmhouse bed and breakfast that the Sharrys operate in season. Meals, of course, are always paired with house wines.

Tastings run daily from July 4 through Labor Day and are $7 per person for 5 wines.
www.langworthyfarm.com

Sakonnet Vineyards
Little Compton, RI
A popular and iconic Rhode Island vineyard, Sakonnet was founded in 1975 and for over 30 years has pioneered the production of ?ne wines in New England. Several vinifera varietals including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer, Cabernet Franc, and the unique hybrid Vidal Blanc are grown, and Sakonnet also produces an award-winning Sparkling wine. This is Rhode Island's largest vineyard, producing upwards of 30,000 cases annually.

Tours and tastings occur daily between noon and 3 p.m. and are $10. There is also a caf� and outdoor seating.
www.sakonnetwine.com