While it may never rival Napa Valley, the Ocean State boasts more than a half-dozen wineries, many of which offer homegrown versions of Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir and other popular varietals. Bragging rights as the state’s oldest winery go to Sakonnet Vineyards, which opened in Little Compton in 1975 and continues to produce award-winning wines under current owners Susan and Earl Samson. Other wineries worth seeking out include Newport Vineyards and Winery in Middletown, Diamond Hill Vineyard in Cumberland, Langworthy Farm Winery in Westerly. All have tasting rooms where visitors can sample recent vintages and some, like Sakonnet, also sponsor cooking demonstrations, musical performances and other activities. For a special end-of-summer experience, try Greenvale Vineyards, which occupies a stunning 50-acre site overlooking the Sakonnet River in Portsmouth. Besides producing some top-notch wines, Greenvale sponsors a weekly jazz series every Saturday (1 to 4 p.m.) through October.

For more information:

Diamond Hill Vineyard (Cumberland): 800-752-2502, www.favorlabel.com

Greenvale Vineyards (Portsmouth): 401-847-3777, www.greenvale.com

Langworthy Farm Winery (Westerly): 888-355-7083, www.langworthyfarm.com

Newport Vineyards and Winery (Middletown): 401-848-5161, www.newportvineyards.com

Sakonnet Vineyards (Little Compton): 800-919-4637, www.sakonnetwine.com

Shelalara Vineyards and Winery (Warwick): 401-623-8606, www.shelalara.com

— Bill Van Siclen