Winemaking is no stranger to the coastal region of New England. So much so that this area can be identified as the Coastal Wine Trail, not just to locals, but nationally.
As a wine enthusiast, whether you are just starting out or have years of experience, one of the greatest insights is knowing that great wine does not come just from Italy or France, but also right here in the states.
Although most wineries offer online orders, there is no better experience than visiting a winery and vineyard. If New England is your destination, you will not fall short in finding a perfect winery to visit.
New England Wineries
New England wineries are a mix of generational wine growers as well as fresh faces in the industry. It has an expanded history with wine as the coastal area can provide rich soil and ideal climates for harvesting grapes.
Traditional as well as out of the box flavors can be found at every winery in this area. There is no limitation for experimentation for these winegrowers. They pride themselves on their work, making your visiting experience that much more rewarding.
The New England Coastal Wine Trail stretches from Connecticut to Rhode Island and Massachusetts. It is a vast region with maritime climates closely related to each other. The coastal trail is known in general for its Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Seyval Blanc and Vidal Blanc.
Wineries to Visit
The New England Coastal region is home to a plethora of wineries that you can visit, and each one is a guaranteed good time. If you are not sure where to visit, never fear, here are seven suggested wineries and vineyards to visit on the Coastal Wine Trail.
Truro Vineyards of Cape Cod – Truro, MA
Located in the peaceful, seaside setting of Truro, Truro Vineyards is one place you will not want to miss. Perched between Cape Cod and the Atlantic Ocean,
Truro Vineyards is an almost 200 year old farmhouse estate run by the Roberts family, spreading across five acres.
Enjoy a variety of reds, whites, and signature series blends as you catch the calming ocean breeze next to over 44,000 acres of protected national seashore. Truro Vineyards is known in the region for growing Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.
You can also visit their new onsite distillery, South Hollow Spirits, which produces Twenty Boost Rums and Dry Line Gin all in a 250 gallon pot still. Enjoy a delicious cocktail or glass of wine in a laid back environment.
Truro Vineyards often has live entertainment events to attend while visiting. Check out their event calendar here. Food trucks can often be spotted on the estate during warmer weather, so it is perfect for a bite and a drink! Truro Vineyards offers private and reserved tastings as well.
Hours of Operation:
- Monday – Saturday 11 am – 5 pm
- Sunday 12 pm – 5 pm
Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard – Little Compton, RI
Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard was founded over forty years ago, having an ideal climate and soil conditions to be one of the best vineyards in New England.
Spreading over 150 acres of land, the vineyard produces dessert wine, rose, and white barrel-aged wine. Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard has award-winning varieties of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Vidal Blanc, and more.
Enjoy on demand, first come first serve, wine tastings in the afternoon as well as good food at the Vineyard bistro. A sun-soaked New England day can be spent at a tasting room on the property, with room on the front lawn to spread out on a wooden chair.
Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard also offers live entertainment, review their event calendar here to stay up to date.
There are a few restrictions at the moment. These restrictions include no bar service or tours and limited seating. The Vineyard is only open four days out of the week currently.
Hours of Operation:
- Friday – Monday 12 pm – 4 pm
- Closed Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
Newport Vineyards – Middletown, RI
Founded in 1995, Newport Vineyards is family owned and operated by the Nunes brothers located just about 10 minutes away from the town of Newport, known for its resort atmosphere.
Newport Vineyards stretches across 100 acres of preserved farmland, aiming to bring the Napa Valley wine experience to New England. The vineyard produces over twenty handcrafted reds, whites, rose, and specialty wines through sustainable farming practices.
While visiting Newport Vineyards, take a trip to their small-batch brew house Taproot Brewing which features hop-forward brews and local flavors. On top of this, enjoy delectable food at the Brix Restaurant, which sources local ingredients for a farm to table experience. Newport Vineyards hosts a variety of events which you can find here on their event calendar.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, private tours and tasting are not available at this time on site, virtual tours are offered. Please check their website for updates.
Hours of Operation:
- Sunday – Thursday 11 am – 6 pm
- Friday – Saturday 11 am – 8 pm
Maugle Sierra Vineyard – Ledyard, CT
Just 10 minutes from Mystic Seaport, Maugle Sierra Vineyard is nestled in Coastal New England, representing a true rolling hills aesthetic. Since 2002, Maugle Sierra has been producing a variety of premium handcrafted and locally grown wines.
All grapes used for their wines are either grown on-site or within a 100 mile radius from the vineyard. For wine tasters who enjoy fruit-forward beverages, Maugle Sierra has a staple wine blend of blackberry and plum called St. Croix.
Enjoy the overlook of the 11 acre state year round as you taste a glass or bottle of their rich blends. Maugle Sierra offers wine patios, outdoor tasting areas, and picnic spaces. Live music and events also take place on the estate. See their event calendar here for more details.
Hours of Operation:
- Thursday 12 pm – 5 pm
- Friday – Sunday 12 pm – 6 pm
Jonathon Edwards Winery – North Stonington, CT
Jonathon Edwards Winery is family-run and home to both Connecticut and Napa Valley. The winery’s North Stonington location is placed on a secluded, romantic scenic hilltop, spreading 50 acres. J
onathan Edwards motto, “bringing the heart of Napa Valley to New England” is upheld by the use of grapes from both locations being used for their wine blends.
Their selection includes elegant whites, blushes, and reds. For cinnamon enthusiasts, their 2019 Cabernet Franc features cinnamon, nutmeg, and hints of spicy cherry and cranberry flavors.
Jonathan Edwards Winery is open daily and year round. They offer tastings, tours, and private and public events. Masks are currently required for all unvaccinated guests.
Hours of Operation:
- Sunday – Saturday 11 am – 5 pm
- Mid-May – Mid-October, Friday and Saturday 11 am – 4 pm
Westport Rivers Vineyard – Westport, MA
Run by the fifth generation Russell family winemakers, Westport Rivers Vineyard spreads across 80 beautiful acres of farm land. The rich soil paired with the cool climate by the gulf stream helps to produce crisp and aromatic wines.
Their delicious blends highlight local regional flavors that Westwood Rivers is known for. Enjoy the summer with their signature blend, the Pinot Noir Rose that features watermelon, strawberry, red berries, and herbs.
Westport Rivers offers tastings, tours, and events. Tastings and tours are not available at this time but check here for updates. View out into the vineyard as you sip their signature wines at the lawn, patio, or on their Adirondack chairs which are all on a first come first serve basis. During colder temperatures you can keep warm and enjoy the vineyard as they offer fire pits and cozy bubbles.
Hours of Operation:
- Monday – Saturday 11 am – 5 pm
Greenvale Vineyards – Portsmouth, RI
Since 1982, Greenvale Vineyards has been owned by the same family along the serene Sakonnet River. Set on lush farmland, the estate is dedicated to growing and producing quality wines including chardonnay, Vidal Blanc, and varietal blends.
Here, you can find yourself tasting a unique Rhode Island vermouth while soaking in the sun on the vineyard’s lawn. Greenvale Vineyards is committed to the preservation of open space.
Greenvale Vineyards provides events, live music, weddings, tours, and tastings. You can see check to see their event calendar here.
Currently, due to COVID-19 regulations, the vineyard is not taking reservations and instead has everything on a first come first serve basis. Tables are limited to 8 people and up to 15 if you bring your own blankets to the picnic area of the vineyard lawn.
Hours of Operation:
April – March:
Monday – Thursday: 11 am – 5 pm
Friday & Saturday: 11 am – Sunset
Sunday: Noon – 5 pm
January 14th – March:
Saturday: 11 am – 5 pm
Sunday: Noon – 5 pm
Preston Ridge Vineyard – Serving Preston, CT
Overlooking breathtaking views of the Connecticut countryside, Preston Ridge Vineyards sits on 60 pastoral acres. It is a family-owned and operated vineyard founded in 2008 by the combined families; the Sawyers and the Helms.
Preston Ridge has an extensive variety of wines including Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Riesling, Triaminette, Vidal Blanc and Baco Noir. If you enjoy sweeter wines, try out their popular Estate Harvest Blend that has hints of honey and peach.
Preston Ridge offers a variety of events including live music, fire pit events, and weddings. To provide delicious food pairings with their assorted wine blends, the vineyard partners with local food truck vendors. See their updated events here. The tasting room is available for group reservations.
Hours of Operation:
Wednesday & Thursday 12 pm – 5 pm
Friday 12 pm – 8 pm
Saturday & Sunday 11 am – 4:30 pm
Stonington Vineyards – Stonington, CT
Spreading across 58 serene acres, in 1987, Stonington Vineyards was established by Nick and Happy Smith. Stonington is one of the oldest vineyards in Connecticut and in 2014 went through a major renovation.
The vineyard is associated with tradition and quality and offers wine varieties of chardonnay, Cabernet franc, and more. You can enjoy your wine on their widespread lawn and even bring your pets and children.
Various events are held at Stonington Vineyards including sip and paint, concerts, festivals, etc. Check here for event updates. Wine tastings are offered daily and yearly. Group reservations for tastings are required if the party is of seven or more guests.
Hours of Operation:
June – September
Sunday – Friday 11 am -5 pm
Saturday 11 am – 7 pm
October – May
Every day 11 am – 5 pm
Seven Birches Winery – Lincoln, NH
Seven Birches Winery is placed in the five-star Riverwalk Resort at Loon Mountain. Seven Birches produces its wine by sourcing European grape varieties as well as local fruits blended together for a distinctive fruity flavor.
Try out their Strawberry Wine for a delicate and fruity summer blend. Outside of wine, Seven Birches also offers a line of hard ciders called Rhythm Craft Cider. If you are looking for a drink harder than wine, their ciders are the way to go!
Seven Birches offers an informal winery tour called Meet the Winemakers every Wednesday and Saturday. Each tour is guided by a specific winemaker.
The winery also offers tasting rooms and a wine bar at its two locations that are in walking distance of each other. The winery facility and tasting room are located in the Riverwalk Resort while the wine bar is located at the Atrium Wine Bar.
Hours of Operation:
- Monday – Friday 1 pm – 6 pm
- Saturday 12 pm – 7 pm
- Sunday 11 am – 6 pm
Tips for Visiting a Tasting Room
If you are visiting a tasting room for the first time, you may be intimidated by it, especially if you are a beginner wine enthusiast. This is nothing to be embarrassed about as many tasting rooms will have different atmospheres and rules.
The best you can do is have a general understanding of some tasting room etiquette and notions. Here are a few tips for when you are visiting a tasting room at a winery.
Don’t Wear Over-Bearing Fragrances
Wine is a beverage that runs heavily on different senses. The aroma of a wine is a large part of its taste. If the aroma is disrupted by an outside smell, such as the perfume or cologne you are wearing, it could ruin your tasting experience. If you choose to wear a fragrance, it is best you choose one that is on the lighter side.
Wine is Made For Drinking, So Drink
If it is your first time visiting a tasting room, you may be confused as to why some people are not fully drinking and indulging in the wine they are tasting. This may cause you to want to acclimate to what others are doing, but you do not need to do this.
At a tasting you will have a variety of wines before you to try and if you are not planning on visiting several other wineries afterwards, it is okay to let loose and indulge fully in the wines. The point of a tasting is to have fun and enjoy.
Drink in Moderation If You are Visiting Multiple Locations
If you are visiting multiple wineries in a day, it is best you drink in moderation. You would not want to be going into your second out of three wineries for the day completely obliterated.
For one, you may be cut off from being able to drink at the establishments, but also drinking too much could catch up to you, making you physically ill before the visitations are over. The wine tasting experience will also not be the same if your taste buds are already shot.
Be Open-Minded
The point of visiting a wine tasting room is to try a variety of blends. You should go into every tasting room you visit with an open mind because you never know what you may stumble upon that you will like.
Not all reds taste the same, nor whites, etc. Every wine is unique and different, therefore you should give more than just your usual go to a try. A tasting room is a safe place to discover wine blends of all sorts.
Final Thoughts
The New England Coastal Wine Trail is an eclectic mix of winegrowers that spans generations and regions. If you are planning to visit this area, there are a plethora of renowned wineries to choose from and experience.
The beautiful scenery and climate of the New England region, both in warm and cold temperatures, make it the perfect winery visit experience.
Remember to check each wineries’ website for updates on events as well as COVID-19 restrictions and requirements.