The Coastal Wine Trail Series Part 8 – Greenvale Vineyards
The white picket fence was a bright contrast to the brilliant green canopy of the trees shading the lane as we approached our final stop on The Coastal Wine Trail, Greenvale Vineyards.
The 153 year old Victorian stable appeared out from under the oaks and maple as we made our way down Wapping Road in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. Cheery orange and yellow leaves swirled across the walkway as we walked up the path to the restored stable which is now Greenvale Vineyards tasting room and event venue.
The Wine at Greenvale Vineyards
Well-worn barn wood walls and rough cut beams warm the lofty tasting room. A wine barrel sits in the corner showcasing their award winning, 100% estate wines and their respective medals. Front and center is their crisp and dry Vidal Blanc.
Made from Vidal French hybrid grapes, this crisp wine sings with apple and tropical fruit notes and pairs great with rich and spicy foods. Also on display is their buttery, French Oak fermented and aged Chardonnay. A smooth, dry wine that compliments fresh New England seafood or semi-soft cheeses.
Margaret, our adorably insightful host, guided us through the eight wines on the tasting list, starting with their Pinot Gris. This refreshing dry white wine has hints of lemon and nectarine and is easy on the tongue. We finished with their Elms Meritage, a medium body blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec.
The Setting
To take advantage of the perfect fall day and since we had the entire farm to ourselves, Margaret offered to give us a guided walk of the 24 acres of historic farmland.
The 24,000 vines grow along the Sakonnet River.
Cresting a rolling hill covered in plush flowing grass and topped with rows of vines, we were greeted with a spectacular view. Behind the sloping vineyard a white sailboat gently glided along the blue waters of the Sakonnet.
I’m not sure it gets more “New England” than that.
If You Go
Greenvale Vineyards is open 7 days a week year round. Their winter hours run from January through March and are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday and from noon-4 p.m. on Sundays.
The rest of the year they open at 10 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. Monday- Saturday and noon till 5 p.m. on Sundays. Award winning Jazz music concerts are held on Saturdays from 1-4 from May to December. For more information please visit www.greenvale.com.
Follow the complete Coastal Wine Trail series at The Rooted Gypsy on Miles Geek.
