Susan M.
Yelp
Outstanding! Must see. Top 10 RI Gem!
We took a drive to Carolyn's Sakonnet Vineyard on Saturday, July 7, 2018. It was an unseasonably cool, crisp, sunny day. We arrived before noon and there was sparse early crowd. The parking was smooth, and the location was breathtaking. Sitting along the Vineyard vines on the rustic seating arrangement that so wonderfully blended into the scenery- it is truly a slice of heaven. I could have been sitting in a California vineyard or somewhere in Europe - it's how authentic it feels.
(Carolyn, for those of you who do not know, is
Carolyn Rafaelian, an American-Armenian entrepreneur and businesswoman, and the founder of the accessories and jewelry company Alex and Ani, the owner of the Belcourt in Newport, RI, and Carolyn's Sakonnet Vineyards, in Tiverton, RI.)
We had a party of 4 - my husband and I and my daughter and her husband. We bought for wine tasting tickets for 7 samples (totals approx 2 glasses of wine). The bartenders were super pleasant and informative. We selected our first few pours and returned to out seating to enjoy the wine.
Things to note:
1. They do not allow you to bring your own food or alcohol onto the premises
2. They sell bottles of wines, tasting tickets, and offer reasonably priced cheese boards (with crackers) and sandwiches in the gift shop.
3. There is an adorable cafe with outdoor seating and a delightful menu. (It was quite busy by the time we left).
4. On Thursday evenings in the summer they have a live band. The schedule and bands are listed on the website. It is recommended that you bring your own chairs, although there is seating available for the early birds.
This adventure was the highlight of my summer. Truly a magical place to be visited by RI residence and tourists alike. Even if you are not a wine enthusiast, it really is a breathtaking venue. Must see! Highly recommended!