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News Bites: Newport Vineyards 30th Anniversary Continues / New Federal Hill Dinner Stroll / Grey Sail, South County and Outer Light Fall Beer Lineup / Sarto Chef’s Table and Late Night Lounge / Track 15 Expands

by David Dadekian September 6, 2025

written by David Dadekian

Current news releases—Eat Drink RI is not the source for these items—please follow any links for more information.

Newport Vineyards Unveils Milestone Wines and Events to Celebrate 30th Anniversary

As the harvest season approaches, Newport Vineyards — the region’s premier vineyard and culinary destination — is proud to announce the release of its limited-edition Milestone Wines and a series of special events to celebrate its 30th anniversary.

What began in 1995 as a modest vineyard founded by brothers John and Paul Nunes has evolved into an award-winning winery, craft brewery, farm-to-table restaurant, and acclaimed event venue.

To commemorate three decades of winemaking on Aquidneck Island, Newport Vineyards is debuting two estate-grown wines: Milestone Blanc and Milestone Red.

Milestone Blanc, an unoaked white wine from select estate Dijon clone Chardonnay grapes.
Milestone Red, a bold oak aged red crafted exclusively from estate-grown Blaufränkisch grapes.

30th Anniversary Featured Events:

August 30 – “30% on the 30th” wine case discount on featured wines
September 21 – Cheers to 30 Years Cider Festival
October 17 – Harvest VIP Tour & Tasting with Owners and Winemakers
October 19 – Cheers to 30 Years Harvest Festival

Newport Vineyards invites past, present, and future guests to raise a glass in honor of 30 years of growth, celebration, and community. Visit www.newportvineyards.com for details.

Providence Tour Company Announces New Federal Hill Dinner Stroll

A Guided Culinary Journey Through Providence’s Little Italy

Providence Tour Company is delighted to introduce its newest experience: Federal Hill Dinner Stroll, a guided, multi-course dining adventure through the heart of New England’s most beloved Italian culinary destination.

Guests will enjoy a lavish four-course Italian dinner, starting with antipasto, followed by house-made pasta, a savory entrée, and finishing with a decadent cannoli. This culinary journey takes place while strolling between four of Federal Hill’s most iconic restaurants: Cassarino’s, Trattoria Appia, Pane e Vino, and Anthony’s Authentic Italian Cuisine. The leisurely evening unfolds under glowing string lights and fragrant aromas of freshly baked bread, led by a warm and knowledgeable guide who handles every detail, allowing diners to simply relax and immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere.

Priced at $100 per person and available on Thursdays through the end of the year, this intimate experience spans approximately 2.5 to 3 hours and includes food, taxes, and gratuities; all you’ll need to add is your choice of drink along the way. Complimentary valet parking is available at the starting point, Cassarino’s Restaurant (177 Atwells Ave), and the walk covers roughly one mile. Perfect for food lovers and a standout addition to the Providence date night scene, the Federal Hill Dinner Stroll invites guests to savor the city’s rich culinary heritage through exceptional flavors and seamless hospitality.

A Chill New England Fall: Grey Sail, South County and Outer Light Reveal Fall Beer Lineup

This year’s lineup captures the crisp and spice of autumn in New England

Grey Sail, South County and Outer Light Fall Lineup

Grey Sail Brewing, alongside its sister companies South County Distillers and Groton’s Outer Light Brewing Company, has unveiled its 2025 fall lineup. The crisp, spice-driven beers, spirits and cocktails, available throughout New England and New York, join an already-iconic portfolio that have defined the region’s craft beverage industry for more than 30 years combined.

Grey Sail’s fall lineup includes:

Headless Oarsman Pumpkin Ale
This hauntingly delicious pumpkin ale was inspired by Sleepy Hollow’s eerie legends. Brewed with pumpkin spice puree, it offers a rich, malty taste with hints of cinnamon and clove.
Can Size: 16 oz.
Available In: Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York
Autumn Winds
This malt-forward lager captures the spirit of Oktoberfest with its rich, toasty flavors, balanced sweetness and satisfying finish.
Can Size: 12 oz.
Available In: Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts

This fall, South County Distillers is serving up bold flavors with smooth-sipping liquor and craft cocktails ready to pour and enjoy. This year’s releases add to South County’s portfolio of seven canned cocktails and 13 spirits to round out 2025’s shelf.

South County’s fall lineup includes:

Cranberry Vodka Lemonade
We took our South County Hard Lemonade and added natural flavors of fresh, tart cranberries. Enjoy this refreshing cocktail over ice or straight from the can.
Can Size: 12 oz.
Available In: Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts
Whiskey Highball
We use South County Rye Whiskey, bitters, and ginger, cranberry, and orange flavors to make our highball. Drink over ice or straight from the can.
Can Size: 12 oz.
Available In: Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts
Espresso Martini
We teamed up with our friends at Dave’s Coffee to bring you this classic cocktail. Using their Spray Rock roast, we whipped up a fresh batch of cold brewed espresso and blended it with our South County Vodka.
40 Proof
Available In: Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts
Bourbon
Each batch of South County Bourbon features a unique blend of specialty malts, grains and heirloom corn. It is then aged in charred American oak barrels for various lengths of time. Enjoy neat, on the rocks, or in your favorite bourbon cocktail.
90 Proof
Available In: Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts

Outer Light Brewing Company, a staple in Groton, Connecticut known for its coastal-inspired craft beers, joined forces with Rhode Island’s award-winning Grey Sail Brewing to deliver stronger flavors and their beloved beers to even more craft beer lovers across New England.

Outer Light’s fall lineup includes:

Just Peachy Sour Ale
Just Peachy features waves of sweet peaches and a smooth vanilla finish – because life’s always a breeze, right? This Peaches n’ Cream Sour Ale is your go-to when everything’s fine. Perfect of beach days, boat daze, or pretending you’ve got it all together. Grab a can, drop an anchor, and lean into the delusion.
Can Size: 16 oz.
Available In: Connecticut, Rhode Island
Squash Goals Pumpkin Ale
Squash Goals is our seasonal pumpkin ale, brewed with real puree and a hint of spice for a smooth, cozy finish. As the days grow shorter, swap your muck boots for duck boots and grab your favorite crew – this one’s made for crisp air, close friends, and ultimate fall. #SquashGoals
Can Size: 16 oz.
Available In: Connecticut, Rhode Island
Fall Fest Märzen-Style Lager
Fall Fest steers into the season with smooth malts and a clean, toasty finish – an Oktoberfest Märzen built for crisp autumn days and gemütlichkeit gatherings. Whether you’re shore-side or shipboard, this brew is your perfect fall companion. Hoist a stein and toast to smooth sailing – Prost!
Can Size: 16 oz.
Available In: Connecticut, Rhode Island

Prost to Fall! Oktoberfest is Almost Here!

It wouldn’t be autumn without Oktoberfest. Mark your calendars, because Grey Sail and Outer Light’s celebrations will be filled with fall flavors, music and community fun.

Saturday, September 13 | 12:00 – 8:00 pm: Outer Light’s Fall Fest 2025 will include its new fall lineup – plus games, live music and fun for the whole family (yes, dogs too!). Music by Ethan Cash and Mystic River Brass Band. Admission is free!

Sunday, October 12 | 12:00 – 7:00 pm: Come try Grey Sail’s fall lineup, some hearty food, stein hoisting, and live music by the Vagabonds. Proper attire strongly encouraged!

Sarto Launches Chef’s Table Dining Experience with Exclusive Prix Fixe Menu and Wine Specials, Introduces Late Night Lounge with After-Dinner Cocktails and Downtown Sophistication

Sarto, downtown Providence’s modern Italian dining destination, is unveiling a new Chef’s Table program that brings guests closer to the heart of the kitchen. Starting August 24, guests can enjoy a two-person prix fixe menu for $79.99, paired with select bottles of wine offered at half price.

Available on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday evenings after 6:30 PM, the Chef’s Table experience invites diners to explore seasonal dishes curated by Chef Phil and his culinary team. Each menu celebrates Sarto’s commitment to scratch-made Italian cooking, showcasing flavors that balance tradition with modern technique.

“The Chef’s Table is about creating an elevated but accessible way for guests to enjoy Sarto,” said Chef Phil. “It’s designed for people who want a full dining experience that feels special but is also approachable.”

Reservations for the Chef’s Table are recommended and can be made at https://sartoprovidence.com/, or by downloading the G VIP app from the App Store.

Sarto, downtown Providence’s modern Italian dining destination, is extending the evening with the launch of the Late Night Lounge, an after-hours cocktail experience running every Friday and Saturday from 10 pm to 1 am.

When the kitchen closes at 11, the bar becomes the focus, offering elevated cocktails, Sarto’s signature Negroni, and complimentary bar snacks. Guests are invited to settle into the restaurant’s moody ambiance for a sophisticated yet comfortable setting that captures the spirit of late-night downtown.

“The Late Night Lounge is about giving Providence a new place to wind down in style,” said Kirk Schneider, COO of G Hospitality. “It’s a chance to extend the evening with great drinks, great company, and the unique atmosphere that defines Sarto.”

The Late Night Lounge launches September 6 and continues every weekend. Reservations can be made at https://sartoprovidence.com/ or by downloading the G VIP app from the App Store.

Track 15 Expands with New Outdoor Plaza, Coffee Vendor and Seasonal Events

Artisan Sips Coffee Cart Added; RI Night Market at the Food Hall on Sept. 27^th

Daylight shot of Track 15’s outdoor plaza. (Photo courtesy of Ian Barnard)

Track 15, located at 1 Union Station in downtown Providence, is pleased to announce the opening of its outdoor plaza as well as a new beverage vendor and special events.

“Track 15 has quickly become a go-to destination for great food, drinks, and culture,” said Christopher Marsella, Owner, Track 15. “Now, with our plaza open – including a children’s play space – and a series of exciting events on the horizon, there’s even more for guests to enjoy.”

Featuring 10,000 square feet of space, the food hall’s outdoor plaza includes 80 seats, a lawn, a children’s play space, lawn games, and more. Future programming will include outdoor movie nights and live music. The plaza is open during Track 15’s regular business hours.

Artisan Sips Coffee Cart, from Artisan Bites, has been added to the vendor line-up, offering a selection of hot and iced coffee, espresso drinks, and matcha. Signature lattes include the Track 15 with chocolate, caramel, and espresso; the Chocolate Covered Strawberry; and the Caramel Honey Vanilla. Seasonal specialties include the Apple Pie Chai, Blueberry Pancake iced coffee, Pumpkin Patch matcha, and Pumpkin Mocha latte. Artisan Sips will be available during Track 15’s regular business hours.

On Saturday, September 27^th from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., the Rhode Island Night Market will take over the surface parking lot before and during WaterFire. The free, family-friendly event will include unique, handmade goods for purchase from approximately 100 local artisans and makers, live music, and more, within walking distance to the magic of WaterFire. Validated parking will still be available in the adjacent parking garage underneath the Courtyard Marriott Hotel located at 5 Memorial Blvd., which offers direct access to Track 15, the Night Market, and to Waterfire.

“We are thrilled to bring RI Night Market to Track 15,” said Lupe Aguilar, Founder, Rhode Island Night Market. “It’s the perfect hub for visitors and residents to gather to support our local artisans, makers, and creatives, enjoy the incredible food and drink that Track 15 has to offer, and enjoy a beautiful night at WaterFire.”

September 6, 2025 0 comments

news wine & drinks

Moniker Brewery Opens in Providence

by David Dadekian December 20, 2020

written by David Dadekian

Moniker Brewery, Rhode Island’s newest brewery (though there are always a few on the way) is now open in Providence with a Grand Opening happening on Saturday, December 26th. Currently offering curbside pickup for three beers, as well as some merchandise. When Moniker is open for beers in their tapoom and beer garden, another nearby business, Bucktown, will be providing food service.

Eat Drink RI emailed with Bryan Benedict, Moniker’s owner and co-founder, who had previously worked at Beer’d Brewing in Stonington, Connecticut and Horizon Beverage in Rhode Island. Benedict described himself and teammates Jeff Goodno and Ben Estes as “lager lovers, so we will always have some sessionable, crisp lagers available. That’s not to say we are going to shy away from hops.” Goodno, Director of Operations at Moniker, most recently helped build Taproot Brewing Company at Newport Vineyards and was previously at Victory Brewing Company, SoMe Brewing Company and Tributary Brewing Company. Estes is the Head Brewer at Moniker and was previously at Proclamation Ale Company and The Guild in Pawtucket.

Moniker’s first beers, which are available now for curbside pick up, are:

G-dangit – a Citra and Mosaic IPA
Debut Single – a light, sessionable cream ale
Modern Chemistry – an American Pale Ale

When I asked Benedict about the name Moniker, he replied, “The name came about through the realization that what we were building here was not unique. There are over 10,000 breweries around the country. No amount of branding or stories would change the fact we are 1 in 10,000. We wanted to focus on the core attributes that make craft beer so appealing. It shouldn’t matter what the name on the building or can is. It’s about the beer, the experience and those who share both with you. So our focus is dedicated to providing the best beer and taproom experience and building a community here in Providence.”

Moniker is located at 432 West Fountain Street, across from the complex housing Y Noodle & Bar, Fearless Fish Market, The Slow Rhode and fellow brewery Beer On Earth, and down the street from Bayberry Beer Hall. Their site is at monikerbrewery.com and you can follow them on Instagram and Facebook for updates.

Cosmic Intoxication from Moniker Brewery

Bryan Benedict and Jeff Goodno of Moniker Brewery

December 20, 2020 0 comments

chefs & restaurants farms news wine & drinks

News Bites: Revival Brewing launches Night Swim’ah to benefit ConserFest, Vote for Southside Community Land Trust for a Grant, American Cheese Society Cheese Camp 2015, Stephane Ost Named GM of Red Stripe

by David Dadekian June 23, 2015

written by David Dadekian

Current news releases—Eat Drink RI is not the source for these items—please follow any links for more information.

Revival Brewing launches Night Swim’ah ale to benefit ConserFest

Local brewer and music festival help conservation organizations raise awareness about local environmental issues

Revival Brewing Company Night Swim’ah

Revival Brewing Company, one of Rhode Island’s premier craft breweries, announced a unique partnership with ConserFest to help raise funds and awareness about land conservation. The Providence based brewer is releasing a new beer called Night Swim’ah in which a portion of the proceeds will benefit conservation efforts.

Founded in 2010, Revival is best known for making beers the way they should be made, bold, furious, and full of passion. Revival brewed Night Swim’ah to compliment ConserFest as the perfect light and drinkable beer to enjoy this summer on Block Island, RI. It’s a Belgian style Witt beer weighing in at 4.7% ABV and is flavored with orange peel, coriander, and raspberries. Distribution will be available in Block Island, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut on draft and in six packs for $9.99. Revival is also supporting the beer’s launch with a social media contest and limited edition merchandise available from their online shop.

Each year, ConserFest continues their efforts to promote environmental stewardship by bringing together the masses in a series of music celebration events to help protect beautiful places such as Block Island, RI. They describe themselves as “Music on a Mission,” with the ultimate goal to educate about the environment and provide the right conscious tools so that participating audiences can become agents of change and embody the ConserFest core mantra, “Embrace Your Place.”

Revival’s Brewmaster, Sean Larkin, first fell in love with Block Island while working at Captain Nick’s, The Atlantic Inn, and Smugglers Cove while he was in culinary school. Whether it’s surfing at one of the island’s surf spots or mountain biking through Rodman’s Hollow, Larkin is passionate about the hidden spaces that Block Island has to offer. Night Swim’ah is Larkin’s way of supporting local environmental conservation efforts.

Southside Community Land Trust need your votes to win $15,000 for the Somerset Hayward Garden

SCLT has entered a contest to win a $15,000 Gardens for Good grant from Nature’s Path but we need your help. The first step in winning the contest is to get more votes than the other gardens who have entered. To do this we need you to vote for SCLT every day until July 6th!

It takes a few seconds to vote and you can vote once every twenty-four hours*. If you’d like to sign up for a daily reminder to vote, click the button at the bottom of the page OR reply to andrew@southsideclt.org with whether you use Google Calendar and the time of day you’d like your reminder. You will need to vote the same time each day so that you are sure the 24 hour time limit has passed.

Our goal is 175 daily voters – with your help we can win this grant! (Without you we won’t.)

Nature’s Path will decide winners based on the number of votes and the strength of the organization’s application. If selected, SCLT will use grant funds for our up-and-coming Somerset Hayward Garden, which will be home to two urban farmers and a new Youth Enterprise Farm.

How to vote:

You can vote through Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/naturespath?sk=app_1432768656951037&app_data=entry_id%3D38494550
Or you can vote directly through the Nature’s Path website:
http://us.naturespath.com/about/movements/gardens-for-good

Please note: It may be easier to vote on a computer. Voting on a smart phone is possible but a little more difficult. If you want to vote on your phone you can but it may take a little longer.

These links also have more info about the Somerset Hayward Garden Project!

*Each email address can vote once a day. For two people to vote from the same computer in one day, use a different browser the second time.

Thank you for your support! We couldn’t do this work without you!

THE AMERICAN CHEESE SOCIETY ANNOUNCES ACS CHEESE CAMP 2015: CRAFT, CREATIVITY, COMMUNITY

2nd Annual ACS Conference & Competition welcomes 1000 cheese industry members to the Rhode Island Convention Center, July 29 – August 1

American Cheese Society Cheese Camp 2015

The American Cheese Society (ACS) has announced that it will bring its annual Conference & Competition to New England for the first time in nearly a decade. With the theme of “ACS Cheese Camp 2015: Craft, Creativity, Community,” the 32nd Annual ACS Conference & Competition takes place July 29 – August 1, 2015, at the Rhode Island Convention Center and at various locations around Providence. Early bird registration is now open, and more than 1,000 cheese industry members are expected to attend – including cheesemakers, retailers, distributors, importers, specialty food producers, and even enthusiasts who simply appreciate great cheese.

As a well-known foodie haven of the East Coast, Providence, R.I., is the ideal locale for “ACS Cheese Camp,” which is centered around three cornerstones of the American cheese industry: craft, creativity, and community. This theme reflects the excitement and growth of the artisan and specialty cheese industry throughout the Americas. The four-day Conference provides an opportunity for attendees to enjoy unparalleled educational, tasting, and networking opportunities with industry leaders from around the world. The Conference also hosts the 4th annual ACS Certified Cheese Professional® Exam, the only exam of its kind, which encourages improved standards of comprehensive cheese knowledge and service throughout the industry. There are currently 406 ACS Certified Cheese Professionals® throughout the United States and Canada, and more than 250 candidates will sit for the exam in Providence.

Kicking off ACS Cheese Camp on Thursday, July 30, is an interactive opening session facilitated by fourth generation restaurateur Mark Canlis, as well as an Opening Reception hosted by Marquee Sponsor the Vermont Cheese Council. The Conference also offers the opportunity to hear the latest regulatory news from Dr. Susan T. Mayne, the new Director of FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, as well as attend the popular “Meet the Cheesemaker” event, where attendees can learn about and taste cheeses directly from producers. Unique educational and tasting sessions are offered throughout the Conference, such as “Pairing Principles of Cheese & Wine,” “Delicious Molds & Mushrooms,” and “Quattro Portoni: Water Bufala in Northern Italy, a Transition that Worked.” There will also be opportunities to take regional tours, and to meet with Scholars-in-Residence and a Business Strategist-in-Residence for one-on-one cheesemaking and business consultations.

The prestigious ACS Judging & Competition recognizes cheeses of the highest quality for their aesthetic and technical merits. Entries are judged blindly by 38 internationally renowned judges, experts in the field. After two intense days of judging, the first-place winners in each category will be evaluated together, and a “Best of Show” will be chosen. The winners will be revealed at the annual ACS Awards Ceremony on Friday, July 31. On Saturday, August 1, the “Festival of Cheese” will allow Conference attendees and members of the public to sample over 1,600 competition cheeses and specialty foods.

Members of the public are encouraged to participate in the 2015 ACS Conference & Competition by volunteering (all volunteers receive one complimentary ticket to the Festival of Cheese), purchasing tickets to the Festival of Cheese, and attending the annual Cheese Sale. The Cheese Sale, on Sunday, August 2, offers the opportunity to purchase artisan cheeses at incredible prices, with all proceeds benefiting the nonprofit American Cheese Education Foundation. Cheese grab-bags will also be available for sale at both the Cheese Sale and the Festival of Cheese.

Registration is now open. To learn more about the ACS Conference & Competition, please visit www.cheesesociety.org.

STEPHANE OST JOINS ENCORE HOSPITALITY GROUP AS GENERAL MANAGER OF RED STRIPE RESTAURANTS

Red Stripe General Manager Stephane Ost

Encore Hospitality Group, owner of Mill’s Tavern and Red Stripe Restaurants, announces that Stephane Ost has been named general manager of the two Red Stripe locations in Providence and East Greenwich.

In his capacity as general manager, Ost is responsible for daily operations of Red Stripe restaurants, staff recruitment and development, inventory, financial management and cost accounting, food/bar quality and maintaining high customer service standards.

In 2006, Ost earned his bachelor of science degree in hotel management from Johnson and Wales University. He began working in the food industry as a young teenager, bussing tables at his father’s restaurant, Sandrine’s Bistro in Cambridge, Mass., working his way up through kitchen to management. Prior to joining Encore Hospitality Group, he was employed by the Eurest Services division of Compass Group, a global leader in food and facilities support services in over 50 countries worldwide.

“With last year’s addition of a private dining room in Providence, and the successful opening of a second location in East Greenwich, we’re serving over 4,000 people per week. Our team is working hard every day to prepare and serve great food with attentive service at an affordable price. With his impressive hospitality heritage and management background, Stephane is committed to and capable of delivering the best possible experience to our dining guests,” states Paul Conforti, managing partner of Encore Hospitality Group. “He is taking a key leadership role in our restaurant business, and we’re pleased to have him on the Encore team.”

Ost resides in Smithfield, R.I.

June 23, 2015 0 comments