Rhode Island
This New England state has one viticultural area—the Southeastern New England AVA—which covers not only Rhode Island but also parts of Connecticut and Massachusetts. The area wineries make a number of wines from hybrids like Vidal Blanc, Seyval Blanc, cayuga, and Maréchal Foch and from Vitis vinifera varieties like Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Riesling. fruit wines also play an important role at some wineries. Sakonnet Vineyards is the largest winery in New England with over 50 planted acres and production of over 50,000 cases per year.
The New Wine Lovers Companion, 2nd Edition, by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Copyright © (1) 2003, 1995 by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Reprinted by arrangement with Barron's Educational Series, Inc.