Protected by the moderating effects of the Gulf Stream and Narragansett Bay, vineyards of wine grapes are increasingly taking root in the gently rolling countryside surrounding Newport. As a result, groups will find a choice of welcoming places to taste local wines and gather in scenic surroundings.
The most extensive of these winery venues is Newport Vineyards, which recently completed a major expansion that added several event spaces designed to host events for 20 to 400 guests. The seaside, family-run winery, which produces about 30 varietals, offers a full roster of customized options for groups, according to Cassandra Earle, director of marketing.
“You can arrange for a VIP tour at harvest season, where you go out into the fields and really learn about the wine-making process,” she said. “Our culinary team can do wine-pairing dinners or tastings with selected local cheeses. We have a large lawn and meadow where you can do teambuilding challenges or have a New England clambake. There’s a lot of creativity.”
Event space at the 50-acre winery include the new Meadow Room, which has sliding doors of reclaimed New England barn wood, expansive windows and an adjoining covered porch overlooking the vineyards. Other spaces include a boardroom, the Tank Room and Brix Restaurant, a fine-dining venue available for group buyouts.
Located along the Sakonnet River five miles north of Newport in Portsmouth, Greenvale Vineyards is part of a farm owned by the same family since 1863 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The winery’s tasting room, a restored stable, accommodates up to 49 people for indoor events or up to 80 when used in combination with an adjoining terrace.
A popular site for catered events, as well as a local concert series, Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard is set on 30 acres just outside Newport in Little Compton. The winery offers an on-site café, tasting room and expansive grounds for outdoor gatherings.
Long before local wineries came on the scene, Newport, with its centuries-old history as a seafaring town, was more likely to be associated with rum and ale. That tradition lives on at Newport Distilling Co. and its sister operation Newport Storm Beers. At Newport Distilling Co., visitors can tour the facility and sample Thomas Tew Single Barrel Rum in the three stages of its aging process. Newport Storm Beers, which also offers tours and tastings, has private event space for up to 80 guests.
