Photo courtesy Sakonnet Vineyard.

The New England coast is home to more than just beautiful harbors and charming seaside towns. It’s also an increasingly popular region for wineries. In such boating hotspots as Narragansett Bay, Cape Cod, and the Connecticut coast, a handful of vineyards are perfectly positioned to allow boaters to create their own ultimate wine-lover’s cruise. The following are some of our favorite New England wineries that are just a short walk or Uber ride from the dock.

Cape Cod Winery – Falmouth, MA

Not far from Falmouth Harbor, Cape Cod Winery is a relaxed vineyard offering 10 different types of wine to choose from. Enjoy one of the many seated areas over crushed seashells while you savor the Cape Cod flavor. Boaters have many docking options in Falmouth Harbor, including MacDougall’s Marine Service, Falmouth Marine, the Flying Bridge Marina, and others. Learn more on our Falmouth page.

Saltwater Farm Vineyard – Stonington, CT

Tucked into a coastal salt marsh, Saltwater Farm Vineyard is just minutes from the charming town of Stonington. Once a WWII-era air hangar, the winery’s centerpiece is now a soaring, steel-and-glass tasting room overlooking 100 acres of vines. Visiting boaters can dock at Stonington Harbor Yacht Club, Dodson Boatyard, or Stonington Marina. Learn more over on our Stonington page.

Photo courtesy Newport Vineyards.

Newport Vineyards — Middletown, RI

A stone’s throw from the historic sailing capital of Newport, this vineyard is a hub of local flavor. With a rustic-modern tasting room, farm-to-table dining, and even an onsite brewery, Newport Vineyards makes for an ideal stop when cruising the area. Newport certainly has plenty of docking options, including Bannister’s Wharf and Goat Island Marina. Visit our Newport page for more information.

Westport Rivers Vineyard – Westport, MA

At this family vineyard, they’ve been growing Vinifera grapes since 1986. Visitors to Westport Rivers can sit at one of the many tables and chairs on the lawn and enjoy beautiful scenery and the sunset while sampling their wines. Boaters can dock nearby at F.L. Tripp & Sons or the Westport Yacht Club.

Sakonnet Vineyard — Little Compton, RI

Billed as New England’s oldest vineyard, Sakonnet Vineyard was founded in 1975. It spans 169 acres and overlooks the beautiful Sakonnet River. The vineyard boasts critically-acclaimed and award-winning estate-grown wines. The vineyard is about a 10-minute Uber ride from the dock, but well worth it. Visiting boaters can usually find a mooring in nearby Sakonnet Harbor or South Tiverton. Visit our Tiverton page for more options.

Truro Vineyards — Truro, MA

Started in 1992, Truro Vineyards combines beachy charm with serious winemaking chops. They pioneered maritime grape growing on the Cape, and their vinifera vineyard produces wine with intense flavor and lush varietal character. They also have a new onsite distillery with rum and gin. Boaters can find dockage in nearby Provincetown or Wellfleet.

ONE LAST NOTE: Make sure to boat responsibly. Never boat under the influence of alcohol. When visiting wineries, it’s always the right idea to have a designated sober captain. Treat them to dinner. Or trade off and agree to be the sober captain next time.