5 Questions with Steve Krohn of Carolyn's Sakonnet Vineyard in Rhode Island
Steve Krohn of Carolyn's Sakonnet Vineyard began his 30-year career with the E+J Gallo Winery in California and New York, followed by nine years at Sakonnet and eight seasons at Newport Vineyards. After graduating from Johnson and Wales Advanced Wine program, he launched the New England Wine School in 2007 and has been teaching wine classes since that time. He has also worked for a distributor and in retail. He is currently the Director of Wine Education at Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard.
Carolyn's Sakonnet Vineyard hosting the Taste Trekkers Food & Travel Expo Industry Day Cocktail Reception at The Dorrance on Friday, October 3rd. You can also sample their wines in the Hope & Main Tasting Pavilion at the Providence Biltmore on Saturday, October 4th.
1. Can you tell us a bit of the history behind Carolyn's Sakonnet Vineyard?
Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard was founded in 1975 by Jim and Lolly Mitchell, as the first winery in New England. Earl and Susan Samson purchased the winery in 1987 and owned it until 2012, when Carolyn Rafaelian, the founder of Alex and Ani bought the property to preserve its farmland.
2. What kind of grapes do you grow there? Can you tell us a bit about them?
We grow hybrid grapes suited to cooler climates such as Vidal Blanc and Chancellor. Other white varietals include Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris. Our red varietals are Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Lemberger.
3. When is the best time to visit the vineyard?
From a visual standpoint, the most dramatic time is the fall (September and October) when the grapes have turned color. Our harvest runs from mid-October into November. Our events go year around, so it is best to visit our website for updates. Our Annual Summer Concert Series is held every Thursday evening beginning in June through mid-September.
4. You're serving samples at the Food & Travel Expo . Can you tell us about the wines we will be able to taste there?
We will be pouring the new Vidal Blanc vintage(2012), which is ideal for seafood, the Rhode Island Red that pairs well with Italian dishes, the new Blessed Blend that is a light Chardonnay blend for chicken and seafood and Sirius, a light-bodied dessert wine.
5. Which is your favorite of the wines?
The Vidal Blanc for its crisp, citrus flavors.