Welcome Back!
Before your visit, please be sure to read
our current offerings and policies on our Visit Us and FAQ pages.
About Us
Founded in 1975, Sakonnet Vineyard rests on 150 acres of land, 30 of which have produced
our award-winning wines for over four decades. Our grapes are grown locally, picked by
hand, and barrel-aged in French, Hungarian, Russian and American oak.
Nestled between two waterways, Sakonnet has distinct maritime conditions. Cool air
combines with a humid subtropical climate—rarely found in northern America. These
conditions foster a longer ripening season and a later-than-average harvest.
Sakonnet's soils are more mineral-based with fewer nutrients, which allows for heartier,
deeper-rooted vines. The grapes are slow to develop, and mature into a fruit with low
sugar levels and high acidity—maximizing freshness and a depth of flavor.
Early-morning winds blow in from the water, lowering temperatures and wicking away the
morning dew. Salty sea breezes, occasional rains, and rolling fog all lend unmistakable,
striking flavors to the grapes at New England's oldest vineyard.
Elaine joined Sakonnet in 1984 as a field worker.
In 1995, she became Assistant
Winemaker and worked, for ten years, with a
pair of expert winemakers, John Sotelo and
Dr. Christian Butzke. When Dr. Butzke left in 2005,
Elaine took over as Winemaker, and
has contributed over 30 years of vineyard and winery
experience ever since.
In 1985, Lorraine ("Pumpkin") was hired as a field worker. She was promoted to Assistant
Vineyard Manager in 1995, working closely with Joetta Kirk, an authority on east coast
viticulture. After Kirk retired, Lorraine became Vineyard Manager, growing to be an expert
in viticultural practices in the eastern industry.
Take a peek behind the scenes with our Restoration Tour. Throughout, you’ll see some of the
that has been done by hundreds of talented crafts people, many of whom are based right here
in little Rhode Island! You’ll see the beautiful architecture of one of Newport’s most eccentric
houses, a 44,000 foot bachelor pad designed more for the horses than for the people.
You’ll also hear about the lives of its original owners, Oliver Hazard Perry Belmont
and his second wife, Alva Erksine Smith Vanderbilt Belmont.