Newport: A Glimpse into the Gilded Age and a Rhode Island Wine Tasting

Leaving Boston behind, we embarked on the next leg of our 50 State Wine Challenge, our destination: Newport, Rhode Island. A palpable excitement, though stemming from different sources, permeated the air. I was eager to explore the region after hearing glowing reports from a friend who had recently fallen in love with its charm. Meanwhile, Mrs. Kay, a devoted fan of HBO's "The Gilded Age," anticipated a firsthand encounter with the opulent mansions that had captivated her imagination.

The two-hour drive from Boston was a pleasant interlude, allowing us to transition from the urban bustle to the more relaxed pace of the Rhode Island coast. We arrived at Newport Vineyards, a sprawling complex that offered something for everyone: a winery, a brewery, a restaurant, and a well-stocked general store. The summer Saturday drew a lively crowd, but thankfully, we had secured reservations for a tasting.

The winery tour itself was informative and engaging. We ventured into the vineyard, observed the winemaking process firsthand, moved on to the crushing and pressing equipment, and concluded with a tasting adjacent to the barrel room. The festive atmosphere, fueled by the lively chatter of fellow wine enthusiasts, added a vibrant energy to the experience.

With the tasting complete, we embarked on a mission to capture the necessary video footage for our 50 State Wine Challenge. As we navigated the bustling grounds, we finally found suitable locations for our various clips.

Once done with our on-site tour and videos, it was on to finding a location for our obligatory intro. Our initial plan was to film in front of one of the iconic Gilded Age mansions. However, serendipity intervened. Just off the main thoroughfare, we stumbled upon a magnificent mansion, now a museum, but currently closed to the public. This presented an unexpected opportunity. We were able to capture our intro footage against the backdrop of this architectural masterpiece without the distraction of the crowds typically associated with Newport's tourist attractions.

Despite the challenges posed by my sudden bout of laryngitis, we managed to capture the footage, albeit with a few more takes than usual. With the filming complete, we turned our attention to the main event: exploring the opulent world of the Gilded Age. Wow, the Gilded Age and a Rhode Island wine tasting, quite the combination.

We made our way to the Breakers, the opulent summer residence of the Vanderbilt family. This architectural marvel, constructed in 1865, is a testament to the extravagant lifestyles of America's wealthiest families during the Gilded Age. While we had previously toured the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, the Breakers proved equally awe-inspiring. The attention to detail, the sheer scale of the mansion, and the opulent furnishings left us breathless.

As we explored the Breakers, we were surprised to encounter an unexpected spectacle: a magnificent herd of wicker elephants marching across the manicured lawns. These unique sculptures, created by artisans from the Coexistence Collective in southern India, were part of a global art installation aimed at raising awareness and funds for elephant conservation.

After a captivating tour of the Breakers and a brief encounter with these remarkable elephant sculptures, we departed Newport and headed towards our overnight destination: Falmouth, Massachusetts. The drive, approximately an hour and a half, brought us to the charming coastal town, known for its proximity to Martha's Vineyard and its position as a gateway to the scenic Cape Cod.

We settled into the Frederick William House, a delightful bed and breakfast that provided a comfortable and welcoming haven. Falmouth itself proved to be a charming town, brimming with local charm. We enjoyed a delectable dinner at The Glass Onion, a local favorite renowned for its fresh seafood and warm atmosphere. The restaurant, filled with patrons who clearly considered it a cherished local haunt, added to the charm of the evening.

With our stomachs full and our spirits lifted, we retired to the Frederick William House, ready to embark on the next leg of our 50 State Wine Challenge, refreshed and rejuvenated.