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"Agriculture is an integral part of the structure, both biological and cultural, that sustains human life."
Wendell Berry
Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery History
Westport Rivers is a family owned vineyard and winery producing estate grown wines from New England 's largest vineyard. Our wines include traditional method sparkling wine, Chardonnay, Rosé of Pinot Noir, Riesling and other Alsatian varietals. We are best known for sparkling wines which rival any from around the globe. As Madeleine Kamman (Chef, Educator and Award-Winning Cookbook Author) has noted, "They can't do this in California; many in France are not this good." In addition, we make a variety of exciting table wines; in particular, our chardonnay is stylish with wonderful acidity and lots of fruit. The New York Times notes that our chardonnay is "virtually flawless".
Westport Rivers began in 1982 when Bob & Carol Russell bought an old dairy farm in Westport, Massachusetts. Several years later, the vines arrived as did their oldest son, Rob. Rob and his crew planted the first vines in 1986 and our vineyard has grown into the largest vineyard in New England (and it is all vinifera). Bill Russell, Bob & Carol's second son, joined the team in 1989 to begin making wine. The winery opened to the public during the summer of 1991.
Mission Statement
In 1982 the Russell Family purchased the historic, 140 acre "Long Acre Farm." Following a family discussion, a stewardship statement was drafted. At the heart of this statement is the Russell Family’s belief that they are stewards of both land and possessions; that these are not truly owned, but rather are temporarily gifted and to be used in a fashion honoring those who came before and those who follow afterward. The family declared they would use this South Coast farmland both for agricultural products (including food, wine and beer) and for education (about the value of working natural resources). The Russell's founded both Buzzards Bay Brewing and Westport Rivers Winery upon this deep regard for local agriculture and education. As of 2006 over 300 acres of working farmland has been permanently preserved by the companies.
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