Current news releases—Eat Drink RI is not the source for these items—please follow any links for more information.
Newport Vineyards Celebrates 30 Years
From Vineyard to Wine, Beer, and Culinary Destination
Newport Vineyards, a cornerstone of New England’s wine and culinary scene, proudly announces its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of innovation, sustainable farming, and community-driven hospitality. What began in 1995 as a modest vineyard on Aquidneck Island has grown into a premier destination featuring estate-grown wines, farm-to-table cuisine, craft beer, popular wedding venue, and year-round events.
To commemorate this milestone, Newport Vineyards has a big lineup of events, starting with their patio opening this weekend. Join Newport Vineyards to “cheers to 30 years” with tastings, dining, and live music by the vines this Friday – Sunday. Wine tastings will include a special commemorative anniversary glass.
“We are honored to celebrate this journey with our loyal guests, hardworking team, and the local community who helped build Newport Vineyards into what it is today,” said co-founder John Nunes. “Our mission has always been rooted in sustainable farming, exceptional hospitality, and sharing our passion for wine and food.”
Since its founding by brothers John and Paul Nunes in 1995, Newport Vineyards has expanded to over 100 acres and diversified its offerings with a farm-to-table culinary program featuring on-site culinary garden and greenhouses plus craft brewery, Taproot Brewing Co. Newport Vineyards has earned numerous accolades, including national and regional awards for their large portfolio of wines.
In addition to their patio opening, featured 30th Anniversary events will include:
- May 30th: “30% on 30th” discount on wine cases each month, starting with their flagship wine, the Great White (and Great White Rosé)
- June 29th: “Cheers to 30 Years” Seafood Sunday Supper paired with the inaugural white wines
- July 11th: Annual Fire Dinner, culinary experience by the vines, featuring legacy wines
- August 8th: VIP History Tour and Tasting with Owners and Winemakers
- October 19th: Cheers to 30 Years Harvest Festival
Newport Vineyards invites past, present, and future guests to raise a glass to 30 years of growth, celebration and community. For more details, visit www.newportvineyards.com
Hear directly from owners John & Paul Nunes about the history of Newport Vineyards here: www.newportvineyards.com/history-of-newport-vineyards-video/
RI Hospitality Education Foundation Launches Official Relief Fund to Support Employees Affected by Matunuck Oyster Bar Fire
Hundreds of local hospitality workers left without income following devastating May 20th blaze
In response to the devastating fire that destroyed the iconic Matunuck Oyster Bar on Tuesday, May 20, the RI Hospitality Education Foundation (RIHEF) has launched an official employee relief fund to provide immediate assistance to the restaurant’s workers. More than 300 personnel—including fishermen, farmers, bussers, servers, hosts, cooks, bartenders, and managers—have been left without employment due to the fire.
A longstanding member of the hospitality community, Matunuck Oyster Bar and its owner, Perry Raso, have supported workforce development efforts through RIHEF for years. Now, RIHEF is stepping up to ensure impacted employees receive financial assistance as they navigate the aftermath of this tragedy.
RIHEF will distribute need-based grants to affected employees, verified through internal systems. The fund will serve as the only official source of organized financial support for Matunuck Oyster Bar staff and personnel affected by the fire.
Donations can be made directly at: www.rihospitality.org/MOB
Checks can also be mailed to:
RI Hospitality Education Foundation
94 Sabra Street
Cranston, RI 02910
Veritable Distillery Debuts, Bottling The Spirit(s) Of New England
Connecticut-Based Distillery Revives Centuries-Old Techniques with the Launch of its First Two Expressions: Ship’s Bell Bourbon & Southwick’s American Gin
Veritable Distillery, a Connecticut-based spirits company dedicated to crafting authentic, premium historically-inspired spirits, proudly unveils its first two expressions: Ship’s Bell Bourbon and Southwick’s American Gin. By reviving time-honored production techniques and using natural ingredients without the addition of industrial chemicals, Veritable Distillery captures the essence of 18th-century New England in every bottle.
Veritable Distillery is committed to sustainability, ethical production, and transparency. By using ingredients that were historically available and commonly traded in New England over 300 years ago, Veritable ensures that its products remain true to the origins of American distilling. Veritable employs open-top fermentation for its whiskey and fractional distillation for its gin, striking a balance between artistry and science to create spirits with exceptional depth and character.
Veritable Distillery also leads the industry in radical transparency by voluntarily disclosing ingredients and serving facts directly on its bottle labels, a first for the spirits industry. Unlike most distilleries, which often withhold details about their industrial production process and chemical additives, Veritable believes that consumers deserve to know what goes into their spirits. Each label clearly lists all ingredients, setting a new standard for complete visibility from grain to glass. This initiative allows customers to make informed choices, fostering a deeper appreciation for authentic, traditional spirits.
Veritable Distillery products are available online and at select retailers in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York.
Introducing Ship’s Bell Bourbon
Ship’s Bell Bourbon is an authentic blend developed in collaboration with the renowned Bardstown Distillery in Kentucky. Aged for three years in new American white oak casks (Quercus Alba), the bourbon is then blended with The Veritable American Single Malt Whiskey—crafted from 100% malted barley and aged for three years in ex-Rye casks from Bardstown Distillery. The result is a blended bourbon of exceptional depth and balance.
- Mash Bill: 73% Corn, 21% Rye, 6% Malted Barley
- Aroma: Caramel-covered apple, dried peanut shell, and stewed black cherry
- Palate: Sweet oak, apple cider donut, and a lingering caramel finish
- ABV: 43% (86 Proof)
Introducing Southwick’s American Gin
Southwick’s Gin is crafted with rarely-utilized historical techniques; unlike conventional gins that use inexpensive vodka as the base spirit, Southwick’s Gin uses aged rum as the base spirit, a practice dating back nearly 600 years. Distilled in a custom-designed copper pot still, three separate “fractional” groups of botanicals are prepared, macerated, vapor infused and distilled individually before being blending together in the final product. This method ensures a harmonious, layered flavor profile and allows for each of the carefully selected botanicals to shine.
- Aroma: Pine sap and honeyed blueberry with fresh citrus zest and hints of vanilla
- Palate: Effervescent citrus, peppercorn, and earthy mountain pine with a lingering warm spice finish
- ABV: 46% (92 Proof)
“We created Veritable Distillery to highlight the beauty and complexity of traditional spirits production – countering the mass production and homogenization of spirits by large corporations,” said Finneas Pryor, Vice President and Co-Founder of Veritable Distillery. “By focusing on authenticity, craftsmanship and community, we provide our customers with a better opportunity for informed consumption. Our first two releases, Ship’s Bell Bourbon and Southwick’s American Gin, honor New England’s rich history while setting a new standard for transparency in the industry.”
