Sakonnet Vineyard Uncorks Seven New Estate-Grown Wines

have plenty to say. This summer, the historic Little Compton vineyard is unveiling seven new estate-grown wines, marking the first complete collection grown, farmed, and produced under the leadership of Head Winemaker James Davids and Director of Operations Marissa Stashenko since taking over management in 2024. For a property that has spent decades helping shape New England's wine industry, the release offers a glimpse at where it's headed next.

The collection reflects two years of observation, experimentation, and a commitment to letting the vineyard speak for itself. "These wines are the result of two years spent listening to the vineyard and learning from it," says Davids. "Rather than imposing a style, our goal has been to understand what each block and variety wants to express in our coastal climate." The result is a portfolio that celebrates the grapes best suited to the region's maritime growing conditions while honoring the vineyard's long history.

Among the new releases is the bright and aromatic 2025 Vidal Blanc, bursting with notes of pineapple, melon, and orange blossom. The 2025 Early Harvest Vidal Blanc leans into citrus blossom, green apple, and stone fruit, while Patchwork, a skin-fermented blend inspired by orange wines, layers dried apricot, chamomile tea, and citrus peel with gentle tannins.

Fans of aromatic whites will appreciate the 2024 Gewürztraminer, grown on some of the estate's oldest vines and offering notes of lychee and rose. The 2024 Coteaux, a single-barrel Vidal Blanc aged in neutral oak, showcases texture and depth with baked orchard fruit and honeysuckle notes.

Meanwhile, the 2025 Pinot Noir Rosé delivers bright flavors of wild strawberry, white peach, and citrus, while the 2025 Blaufränkisch highlights the promise of cool-climate reds with dark cherry, blackberry, and wild herb character.

Adding another layer of local artistry, each bottle features original label artwork by Newport artist Kristin Stashenko and Providence artist Sam Allerton Green as part of Sakonnet's ongoing artist series.

Guests can sample the new wines in the tasting room while enjoying vineyard tours, live music, trivia nights, fitness classes, and seasonal fare from the vineyard cafe. For more information, hours, and reservations, visit sakonnetwine.com.