With $5 gasoline and some airlines charging an extra $15 for each bag you take on your trip, you might be thinking of staying closer to home this summer. While today's price of gas is not $5, it is only a matter of time. The price of a gallon of gas in Frankfurt Germany is $5.29 per gallon and in Rome it is $4.86. Naturally, you may want to visit a winery that is in your area and if you live in New England and are close to Rhode Island, here are four vineyards to choose from.

If you read my recent article, Finding Wine Shops Where You Live , you know I'm from Rhode Island. There are about 10 vineyards in New England and Rhode Island has four of them. Let's take a trip around the Rhode Island Wine Trail, shall we?

Rhode Island Wine Trail - I have given web sites for all of the wineries and you can go to the web site for directions on how to get to each one - starting in winery alphabetical order:

Portsmouth, Greenvale Vineyards. You might want to try the 2006 Greenvale Vidal Blanc which goes for $13.99 or a perfect summer wine might be the Rosecliff Pinot Gris at $16.99. They are open Monday - Saturday 10:00 - 5:00 and Sunday from 12:00 - 5:00. They offer jazz every Saturday from 1:00 - 4:00 from Memorial Day through October. There is a tasting fee of $8.00 per person for 6 different wines plus you get to keep the glass. The jazz wine tasting is $15 per person for 6 different wines plus you get to keep the glass.

Westerly, Langworthy Farm Winery. At Langworthy they are proud of the 2005 Misquamicut Merlot at $16.95. The 2007 Weekapaug White at $13.95 is a no oak Chardonnay. At the Langworthy Farm Winery, there is also a B&B that might interest you. If you book your stay for at least a two night stay Monday through Thursdays in season between May 26th and October 9th, 2008, you will receive a 10% discount off in season rates. There is also a Romantic Special - Two nights luxury stay, a bottle of Langworthy Farm Wine, special chocolates, fresh flowers, and a full New England breakfast starting at $309 in season after May 26th and through October 9th. From Memorial Day through New Year's Eve they are open Wednesday through Sunday 12:00 - 5:00.

Newport, Newport Vineyards. Check out the "In The Buff No Oak Chardonnay" for $12.99. The 2007 Great White sounds interesting at $10.99. It was a Gold Medal Winner at the International Eastern Wine Competition. They are open Mon - Saturday 10:00 to 5:00 and Sunday 12:00 to 5:00. Winery Tours: Public Tours Daily at 1:00 and 3:00. Back in the old days, Newport Vineyards used to operate the Newport Vineyards Wine Bus. It was with a tear in my eye that I saw a note on the web page that said that the Wine Bus has seen her last harvest. I am thinking of ordering some Rhody Coyote Hard Apple Cider made from local apples and fermented to 7% alcohol. The web site says it has been fermented to a fine sparkle.

Little Compton, Sakonnet Vineyards. Of all of the wineries in Rhode Island, the Sakonnet Vineyards is probably closest to my heart. When I went back to Rhode Island, we went to the Sakonnet Vienyards and went to their wine tasting. Nowadays they say to check out the 2006 Gewurztraminer at $18.95. The Eye of the Storm has an interesting sounding description from the web site, "This dry, fruity, crisp, distinctive blend was assembled from four varietal wines to provide diverse aromas and flavors that compliment New England cuisine. Yet it is fruity, medium-bodied and crisp with a nice clean and lingering finish that makes it equally suitable as a stand-alone aperitif." At $5.95 a bottle it would be worth a try. They are open daily from Memorial Day through Columbus Day 10:00 - 6:00 and have tours at Noon, 2:00 and 4:00.

Until next time, let me know what is on your mind, and how you are doing, O.K.?

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Jim Fortune - the Bella Online Wine Guy


P.S. Riedel prices are going up on July 15th. Check out the selection now to avoid the price increase, if you want a good deal on glassware:

Take advantage of the low prices before July 15th and shop at Wine Enthusiast for Riedel Glassware and Eurocave Wine Cellars!