A Local’s Guide to the Best Wineries in Newport, RI

Are you a wine enthusiast planning a getaway to the Ocean State? Wondering how to make the most of your trip? Why not check out the wineries in Newport, RI!

Newport may be renowned for its Gilded Age mansions that once hosted extravagant wine parties (Champagne fountains and all). But even without your own mansion, there’s a lot to uncork and explore in the area, especially if you’re a wine lover.

As a certified wine expert and local New Englander, I’ve visited Newport and its wineries many times. And I put together this guide to the top ones to visit.

Find out the perfect time to visit and the must-try wines. Plus, all the extras like food, live music, and fun events. So, let’s start planning your Newport wine tasting trip!

The Best Wineries in Newport, RI

Greenvale Vineyards

Tucked down a winding road behind a polo club and a golf course in Portsmouth, RI, you’ll find Greenvale Vineyards. Pulling into the parking lot, you’ll be greeted by rows upon rows of lush grapevines lead down to sweeping views of the Sakonnet River.

The first grapes were planted on the land in the 1700s by a merchant from Portugal. A couple hundred years later, the Parker family arrived. Cortlandt Parker Jr. started off with several types of hybrid grapes, including Marechal Foch, Vidal Blanc, and Cayuga.

Since then, the vineyard has passed to Cortlandt’s daughter, Nancy Parker Wilson. Her family now runs Greenvale Vineyards. And they’ve expanded the plantings to include international varieties.

All the wines are estate grown and hand harvested. And they focus on low-intervention winemaking methods to bring out the natural flavors of the fruit.

Wines to Try

Greenvale makes a range of white wines like Chardonnay, Vidal Blanc, and Albariño. And their red wines include Cabernet Franc and a Meritage blend (i.e., a Bordeaux-style blend).

I love their Cabernet Franc. It’s blended with a little Merlot to add softness and fruit flavors like lush cherry. These balance nicely with the pepper and spice notes from the Cab Franc.

And if you’re into skin-contact wines, try the Pinot Gris Ramato. The Ramato style comes from Friuli in Northeast Italy, where the grape is known as Pinot Grigio. The juice spends time on the skins, giving it a coppery tint, more texture, and flavors of dried fruits.

Visiting

Greenvale’s lawn is perfect for a winery picnic. Speckled with vineyard-side tables, there’s ample outdoor seating to stake your claim even if you have a larger group.

Once you’re settled in, head to the outdoor tasting bar. You can get a glass or build your own wine flight.

Greenvale is open year-round, and reservations are not required for wine tastings. But if you’d like to do a wine tour, be sure to book in advance. And check the event calendar for the on-site food trucks and seasonal live music schedule.

Newport Vineyards

Just a short drive from Greenvale, Newport Vineyards is located on East Main Rd. in Middletown.

John and Paul Nunes founded the winery in 1995. Their great-grandfather was the first to own the land known as Bailey Farm. The brothers have since expanded the property to include a former potato farm. And it now includes 100 acres of land, with 50 of those under vine.

Paul runs the vineyard, while John takes the lead in the winery and business operations. They focus on international red and white grape varieties in still and sparkling styles. And they produce some other specialty wines like fortified port-like wines and ice wines.

In the past decade, this Newport winery went through a large-scale expansion. It now includes a beautiful new tasting room and private event venue, a winery tank room, a farm-to-table style restaurant, a shop, and even Taproot Brewing Co., a brewery making craft beers.

Wines to Try

Newport Vineyards produces white wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, and other varietal blends. Plus, red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir.

The Landot Noir red wine is a rare find. Only four states are growing this grape. It’s a hybrid with notes of blackberry and plum. The high tannins make for a good pairing with steak or aged cheese and cured meats.

Also, if you haven’t tried ice wine before, I’d recommend sampling it here. It’s one of my favorite dessert wines. And it can only be made naturally in cool climates.

The grapes are left on the vine until it’s cold enough that the water inside them freezes. The frozen grapes are quickly pressed to extract the concentrated juice. And this produces a luscious wine with pure varietal flavors.

Visiting

Step up to first-come, first serve bar in Newport Vineyard’s rustic-style tasting room. Here, you can choose wines and fresh craft beer to sample from their large menu.

Then head outdoors to the vineyard-side Adirondack chairs. Outside chairs and blankets are welcome too! Enjoy some live music and sip your vino by the Pinot Noir grapes.

Hungry? Grab a bite (and wine or beer flights) at the grill. Or make a reservation to visit the on-site Brix Restaurant. Ingredients for their snacks, shared bites, sandwiches, and pizzas are all sourced from local farms. And the food is made from scratch.

Make sure to stop by the marketplace to pick up your favorite bottles. Plus, check out the adorable New England nautical décor. And keep an eye on their website calendar for special events like wine & cheese tastings, barre classes, and sip n’ shop nights.

Where to Stay for Visiting Wineries Near Newport

Fun fact: When my dad was a teenager, he got quarantined in Newport’s Marble House mansion for a week after Hepatitis exposure.

He often shares the story of his adventurous week at family gatherings, which involved board games at the banquet table, library ladder races, and secret access to a wine cellar two floors below ground.

Unfortunately, you can’t stay at Marble House or the Breakers these days. But don’t worry, you can still live it up like a Vanderbilt at one of Newport’s many other luxurious mansions that have been turned into inns and bed & breakfasts.

One of my favorites is The Cliffside Inn. This romantic Victorian mansion is newly renovated and just steps from the Newport Cliff Walk. They offer complimentary wine (yes, free wine!) and snacks each day at 5 pm, and a gourmet breakfast in the morning.

Take your pick from 16 unique and colorful rooms. Each one is decked out in décor inspired by Beatrice Turner, a 20th-century painter and one of the former homeowners.

We stayed in the Tower Suite, a two-story room connected by a spiral staircase in one of the mansion’s turrets. It comes with your own private patio and entrance, two fireplaces, and a jetted tub.

🏨 Book The Cliffside Inn

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FAQs About Visiting Newport Wineries

When is the best time to Visit Wineries in Newport, RI?

Newport is a beautiful place to visit any time of the year. With its cobblestoned streets, sailboat-speckled harbor, and sandy beaches, it’s quintessential New England at its best.

If you want to enjoy the outdoor spaces at the wineries, I’d recommend visiting between May and October.

For wine enthusiasts, September is the perfect time to go because you can also catch the Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival. Geek out at wine seminars, sip on delicious vino at the vintner dinner, and bouge it up at brunch.  

Or the holidays are an especially magical time to visit Newport. The mansions are bedazzled with twinkling lights and stuffed with so many Christmas decorations, you’ll wonder if you’ve been transported to The North Pole.

Are Wineries in Newport, Rhode Island Open Year Round?

Wineries near Newport, RI are open year round. However, they may have reduced hours. So, be sure to check the website for the latest. Also, outdoor spaces are typically closed during the winter months.

Do you need a reservation for wine tasting at Newport wineries?

No reservations are needed at Newport, RI wineries for wine tasting. But if you’d like to take a wine tour or dine at the Newport Vineyards restaurant, you should book in advance.

Check out more wine tasting etiquette tips.

Are Newport Vineyards Kid Friendly?

Newport, RI vineyards are generally kid friendly. Especially the outdoor spaces. Some even have games like cornhole that will keep the kiddos occupied!

What are some other things to do in Newport?

While you’re in town, don’t miss the many delicious dining options and shops in downtown Newport. The Mooring is a great waterfront seafood spot with an excellent wine list.

Or for an extra special experience, book one of the three tables at The Chanler’s Cara restaurant. Choose from a five or eight-course blind-tasting menu and optional wine pairings.

If you have time, you should also catch a match at Newport Polo. Teams fly in from around the world to play on the historic grounds.

One of the best parts is you can bring your own wine (or other beverage of choice)! Grab your favorite bottle, pack a picnic, and dress to impress. At halftime, be prepared to do your part by stomping the divots à la Pretty Woman.

Newport Wine Region

You might think this area is too cold for grape growing. But it’s made possible here because Newport is on the southern tip of Rhode Island’s Aquidneck Island.

It’s no coincidence that many wineries are found near bodies of water. Why? Well, heat from the water and sunlight reflecting off the water can extend the growing season in cooler climates. This is especially important so that grapes can fully ripen.

That’s why Aquidneck Island is a prime location for grape growing in New England. You get the warm waters of the Gulf Stream coming up from the South into Rhode Island Sound. And it’s sandwiched by Narragansett Bay and the Sakonnet River.