A Return To This Charming Vineyard

On a residential road in the more rural part of Johnston (Rhode Island) and down a long dirt and gravel road, you'll find Verde Vineyards.

When we pulled up on a sunny and gorgeous September Sunday, we were greeted by two cats and a genial gentleman who works for the owner and proprietor Mr. Verde.

Giacomo (Jim) Verde is a retired biology professor who started growing grapes in 1965 as a hobby and then about 7-8 yrs ago turned that pastime into a full fledged business that has won numerous accolades and awards, including Yankee Magazine's Editor's Choice Award for Best Winery of 2016. Not too shabby!

Now, I'm not going to pretend to be a wine expert or anything (far from it), but I do like to partake of the occasional glass or two.

On Sunday I did a tasting in the lovely interior space reserved for that (wood paneling, framed photos and honors, just so nice) and found a brand new favorite, a dry red which they have named Petite Pearl.

The Vineyard has expanded their offerings from four (that’s what they had when we first visited a few years ago) to six, with the Petite Pearl and the Itasca (a fruity and woodsy white) being the more recent additions.

Their other wines include the Cayuga White, on the drier side with a subtle citrus end note, and the Bianca d'Amelia, sharper, more tangy, and named after Mr. Verde's mom (I like that!).

It's welcoming, not at all pretentious, and the grounds are absolutely stunning on a sunny, mild day. Let me just tell you that there were so many folks outside, enjoying themselves at the tables and Adirondack chairs last weekend.

Think about it for a Saturday or Sunday daytime date with your significant other, a weekend girls day out, or a catch up with a sibling. (I bet you can find a reason, lolol.)

Find Verde Vineyards at 50 Hopkins Road in Johnston, Rhode Island. They are open Friday thru Sunday, from 11am to 5pm.

As always, if you go after reading THIS, please let them know you were inspired by Patty J and PattyJ.com.