You might ask yourself, are we in the Bordeaux region of France? Napa Valley? Certainly seems like it. But alas, a local winery committed to excellence makes fine wines right on our door step in Middletown. If you have not had the opportunity to visit Newport Vineyards, put it on your calendar, you won’t want to miss it.

The Kitt Shepley House 23 Division Street Newport, RI 02840 877.362.8664 Kitt1932@aol.com www.kittshepleyhouse.com

Captain Richard Alexander originally planted Newport Vineyards in 1977 with a goal of producing fine table wines as well as preserving the land for agricultural use. Aquidneck Island is set apart as one of the most advantageous locations for farming. The islands micro-climate creates a unique growing season for increasing the essentially complex flavors in wine by a mixture of warm waters of the Gulf Stream and the effects of Rhode Island Sound, The Sakonnet River and Narragansett Bay.

Because the location is only a few miles from the ocean, the debut vines are protected from hard frosts as a continuous sea breeze creates an air flow protecting them from disease and frostiness.

John and Paul Nunes, the present co-owners of Newport Vineyards are committed to hard work and a strict standard of excellence. John Nunes, Vintner, Paul Nunes, Vineyard Manager along with George Chelf, winemaker offer the wine enthusiast an experience vs. a stock winemaking tour. Collectively they have perfected winemaking and its many presentations.

The grapevine varieties were vigilantly selected to match the climate and soil to present superior grapes and consistency in wine making. French and American Oak Barrels are used to concentrate the flavors and allow for minute evaporation. The French Oak Barrels are much more expensive than the American and create a softer more delicate flavored wine contrasted with the American Barrels producing a more robust, heavier wine.

An excellent tour of the history, growing of grapes, and bottling of wines is offered daily. As you walk through the bottling plant, you'll discover the newest in equipment and sanitation.

Daily tours are followed by a unique wine tasting with your choice of five different varieties.

The Reserve Chardonnay is dry, rich and full bodied. It can be paired with seafood such as salmon, lobster or tuna. For cheese, appetizers and a lighter cuisine, try the Great White, a semi dry fruity flavor. Sauvignon Blanc is dry with a touch of passion fruits and has a crisp finish. Pair with feta, chevre, grilled vegetables, oysters and scallops.

The red wines are my favorites. The Merlot has extended oak aging. The currant, raspberry and blackberry flavors are harmonizing with veal, pork and light meats. The Rochambeau is a blend of Australian grapes with a bright berry fruit flavor to accent pairings of cheese, pasta and spicy meats. It is very light with a tart aftertaste.

Some of the dessert wines were fabulous! Newport Jazz bottled in a sleek and gorgeous cobalt blue bottle, should be served with a warm dessert of fruit and chocolate. Vidal Ice Wine is harvested after the third hard frost and pressed frozen to capture the peach and apricot flavors that explode on your palate. Serve with very rich dark chocolate or fresh fruits with apricot glazing.

The Vineyard offers up to 30 different varieties of wine from the White, Blush, Red, Dessert and Specialty Products. You are sure to find many that please your palate.

Special Events are hosted in the Private Wine Garden, with on-site catering and personal wine tasting being very popular. A private party for rehearsal dinners, weddings, corporate events, and birthdays harmonized with wine and dinner in the 50' x 120' private garden area, clothed with a 40' x 40' anchor tent. Its French windows and white sidewalls boast with ambiance and appeal. Outdoor events are planned 3-4 times per year and platform the local, wine, cheese and chocolate establishments.

Not only does Newport Vineyards have a Case Club, offering discounted prices of up to 20%, the Retail Shop is full of premiere wines and accompanying items to compliment your experience. To fashion a special occasion, their in-house designer will create a keepsake for your event showcasing your Personalized Wine Label.

Make Newport Vineyards one of the highlights of your Newport exploration.

Don’t miss the one of a kind experience!

Newport Vineyards is located on 909 East Main Road (Rte. 138) Middletown, RI 02842. The Vineyard is open year-round 7 days a week and just minutes from downtown Newport. Tours and wine tasting are offered twice per day, 1pm and 3pm. You can visit their website at www.newportvineyards.com

About the author, Linda S. Manning: Linda S. Manning is the definition of a take charge person, continually seeking new avenues to expand her creative talents. In addition to a quarter of a century as a real estate broker, former elementary teacher and current Bed and Breakfast owner in Newport, Linda is also a licensed Captain, PADI Dive certified, artist and has written travel articles and short stories about life in Newport and beyond. A former runner up for Miss Rhode Island World, she was born in Providence has resided in Newport for 8 years with her husband Paul.

Photos courtesy of Newport Vineyards [an error occurred while processing this directive] [an error occurred while processing this directive]