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Road Trip
There is something inherently romantic about a journey through the world's most scenic and inviting wine-producing regions. But when your itinerary doesn't allow for, say, a bicycle tour of the Loire Valley, a gander around your own backyard can reveal some very worthy surprises. Viticultural pleasures close to home? Don't sound so surprised!
 Recently, I spent an educational and relaxing weekend touring two New England vineyards. My journey began at Sakonnet Vineyards in Little Compton, Rhode Island, a comfortable 3-½ hour drive from New York City and just 2 hours from Boston. Located on one of the peninsulas of Narragansett Bay, the winery is the largest in New England.
There, jovial owners Susan and Earl Samson produce a varied portfolio of wines that, over the years, have taken on a quality and complexity that is truly impressive. Among the offerings are a full and rich Chardonnay, a floral and fragrant Gewürztraminer and an award-winning (and worthy) Vidal Blanc. Following an informational tour of the winery, visitors can sip these wines in Sakonnet's beautifully appointed tasting room. Here other wine related items are also available. Perhaps the magazine Vineyard & Winery management said it best with an article on Sakonnet - proclaiming that Sakonnet's Rooster Crows and Grows. I could not agree more! An ongoing schedule of wine and culinary events makes Sakonnet an interesting and unusual way to spend the day. If you plan to road trip there, here are some fun things to know:
Sakonnet wines are poured in some of the nation's top restaurants, including New York's Gramercy Tavern; If you are looking for a place to stay, there is also a bed and breakfast on the Sakonnet property; Susan Samson is the known for donning some of the most attractive hats! Tell her I said hello.
Just a short drive from Sakonnet is one of the region's most attractive vineyards, the Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery in Westport, Massachusetts. Owned by the Russell family, the winery is committed to producing wines made from the classic European grape varieties - Vitis Vinifera.
Though their still wines are quite good, it is their sparkling wines that continue to put them on the map. Produced from the classic grapes used to make Champagne and vinified, or produced, in the traditional Méthode Champenoise, Westport's sparklers can stand up to the world's best sparkling competition.
 Winery tours, a tasting room, a picnic area and regularly scheduled special events make this Massachusetts a memorable stop. Driving back to New York City with an initially cynical restaurateur who accompanied me on this journey, I can only say that the quality of wines truly impressed us. There continues to be amazing potential for the wines of this region and I believe that the quality of these wines will not only be continued to be recognized on a local level, but nationally as well. While it can be said that the glass is always greener - in this case perhaps by sipping a California wine - remember that tasting pleasures can be found much closer to home.
Planning Your Trip
Sakonnet Vineyards
162 West Main Road
Little Compton, Rhode Island 02837
401.635.8486
http://www.sakonnetwine.com
Westport Rivers Vineyards & Winery
417 Hixbridge Road,
Westport, Massachusetts 02790
508.636.3423
Chamard Vineyards
115 Cow Hill Road
Stonington, Connecticut 06413
860-664-0299
Stonington Vineyards
523 Taugwonk Road
Stonington, Connecticut 06378
860-535-1222
Greenvale Vineyard
582 Wapping Road
Portsmouth, Rhode Island 02871
401-847-3777
Book Suggestion: Wineries of the Eastern States, by Marguerite Thomas
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