Carolyn's Sakonnet Vineyard

Sakonnet Vineyard was founded in 1975 by Jim and Lolly Mitchell and describes itself as New England's oldest vineyard. It occupies a 169-acre estate at 162 West Main Road in Little Compton, on Rhode Island's Farm Coast. More than twenty acres are under vine. The Southeastern New England AVA has a short growing season shaped by the maritime climate. The vineyard says this yields wines of softness with balanced acidity and long ageing potential. Ownership has passed through three chapters. The Mitchells farmed the estate from 1975 to 1987. Earl and Susan Samson then took over and turned the property into a gathering place with a strong hospitality programme. Since 2012 the Rhode Island entrepreneur Carolyn Rafaelian has been the steward of the property. In 2024 James Davids and Marissa Stashenko assumed leadership of day-to-day operations. The vineyard says they have reworked everything from vine to cellar to guest experience. Their programme centres on regenerative farming and minimal-intervention winemaking, with expanded sparkling wine production. The stated aim is to place Sakonnet among the next generation of American cool-climate producers. The grounds are open to the public for tastings and for wine by the glass or bottle, with seasonal dishes from the kitchen. The estate runs a wine club and a calendar of public and private events. Sister properties include Belcourt of Newport and the Bar & Board Bistro on Thames Street in Newport, both listed on the vineyard's site.