The Cellar: Wine, Cheese + Chocolate Festival

Friday, June 22, 2012

Steffen Rasch, GoLocalProv Wine Critic

I like to talk about wine. I especially like to talk about local wine; i.e. the wines that are made by grapes grown right here in Southern New England. While most of us have heard of Sakonnet and Newport Vineyards, few people are aware that our region is home to 9 top-notch wineries – all of which produce good, at times great, wines in all types of styles; from dry to sweet, still as well as sparkling.

The geographical, geological and climatic characteristics (aka the ‘Terroir’) of Southeastern New England are often compared to those of Northern Europe. Because our region experiences a long and cool growing season, similar to that of France’s Loire, Champagne and Alsace regions, many of the same varietals are grown here including Pinot Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay and Riesling, just to name a few.

Time to taste the locals

If you have always wanted to make the trip to one of our local vineyards, but haven’t been able to find the time, this weekend is your chance to try them all! Because on this Sunday, June 24^th, the Coastal Wine Trail group is celebrating their 2012 Passport Season with their 1st Annual Coastal Wine, Cheese and Chocolate Festival. The event will take place from 1 pm to 4 pm at the Westport Fairgrounds, 200 Pine Hill Road, Westport, MA.

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This walk around sampling event will showcase all 9 wineries of the Coastal Wine Trail, along with local cheese, chocolate and other food artisans. Each vineyard and vendor will also have product available for sale, so be sure to support the wineries by picking up some of your favorites.

Tickets are for sale at all of the wineries for $20 or at the door the day of the event for $30. Visit coastalwinetrail.com or contact the Coastal Wine Trail Administrator, Maggie Harnett at 401-847-3777 for more information.

Steffen Rasch CSW is ready to answer any wine-related questions, comments or concerns you may have. Feel free to email him at [email protected]. And as always, don’t forget to follow GoLocalProv’s Wine Cellar on Facebook and sign up for one of his tastings through the Providence Wine Academy.

For more Food + Wine coverage, don't miss GoLocalTV, fresh every day at 4pm and on demand 24/7, here.

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• Wine Tasting Getaway to Westerly’s Langworthy Farm
• Summer Wine Getaway to Sakonnet Vineyards
• Summer Wine Getaway to Greenvale Vineyards
• Summer Wine Excursion to Newport Vineyards

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