Langworthy Farm

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How many times have you driven past the unique Victorian house and charming little winery on Route 1A in Westerly and wondered what it was. Langworthy Farm was built in 1875 on the historical homesite of Governor Samuel Ward of Rhode Island. The Langworthy Farm Bed and Breakfast opened on the site in July 2000 after extensive renovations to the house. Guests can relax on one of the porches while enjoying a glass of wine from the winery. Located just one half mile from the ocean, the farm is ideally located for growing grapes and producing wine. The first Vinifera grape vines were planted in the spring of 2002 and the first barrel of Chardonnay in stainless steel was produced that same year. Originating in Europe, the Vinifera grape is cultivated into many varieties of wine including, but not limited to, Chardonnay, Pinot, Sauvignon, Merlot, Riesling and Zinfandel. Viniculture, or the art of grape farming is not an easy venture.

Once vines are selected and planted, or grafted from existing plants, they must be tended with care. Plants require full sun and well-drained soil located in an area that never gets extremely cold. Vigilant inspection for fungus, mildew and insect infestation and meticulous pruning are ongoing processes.The goal for every vintner is to produce the highest quality grape which will then produce excellent wine. Rose bushes are often planted at the end of rows of growing vines. Various colors of roses indicate the varietal of grape in that row while attracting the bugs that would otherwise be nibbling on the vines. Since it was a two-year process to become a licensed Farm Winery, guests at the Langworthy Bed and Breakfast were only too happy to taste and critique the wines while the owners waited for their license. The winery opened for weekends in December of 2004 and then, in the Spring of 2005 opened to the public and began selling five different wines. The new Wine Tasting Room opened in November 2006. Production was increased to seven different wines in 2007 and eleven different wines in 2008. Stop in for a tour of the vineyard and a taste of these delicious local wines.