Sakonnet
Vineyards 
Sakonnet Vineyards was founded in 1975 and is recognized as the pioneer of the New England wine industry.Sakonnet Vineyards has received approval for a five lot (total of 70 acres) subdivision. Each lot will be 13 plus acres. Residential building will be confined to an envelope within each lot so as to maintain the rural character of the open land with views overlooking the reservoir. It is located in the heart of a burgeoning wine-growing region producing wines under the Southeastern New England viticultural appellation. The property consistsof 170 acres of which approximately 45 acres are planted in vines producing close to 10,000 cases of “Estate Grown” wine. The wines have received national and international acclaim winning numerous medals in international competitions. Boston Magazine named Sakonnet “Best Winery in New England” for 2006. Earl and Susan Samson, co-proprietors, are enjoying their 20th year of ownership and have begun to execute a “plan” that will secure Sakonnet Vineyards’ existence for many years to come.
The Plan
 The residential component, contiguous to the vineyard property, is on a plateau of open hay fields, laced with stone fences, that slope gently down to the 371 acre Watson Reservoir. The Samsons envision a plan that will create a small community of compatible home owners who will live in harmony with a working Vineyard/Winery and share the values of privacy, open space, agriculture and sustainability.
For a special few, a coveted lifestyle is available without the work or responsibility of winery ownership. Covenants are established to preserve and maintain the natural beauty of the entire property.
Limited Subdivision:
Sakonnet Vineyards has received approval for a five lot (total of 70 acres) subdivision. Each lot will be 13 plus acres. Residential building will be confined to an envelope within each lot so as to maintain the rural character of the open land with views overlooking the reservoir. Each lot will be accessed by roads that wind through the vineyards. Covenants have been drafted to protect each lot from further subdivision and provide for certain restrictions relating to the development within the building envelopes. Each lot will be serviced by under-ground electricity, a well providing potable water and a state approved septic design.
Protective Covenants:
Buildings can include a main residence, guest house, garage, barn, pool house, attached or unattached and must be built within an envelope of one and a half acres sited on each lot. The Protective Covenants relate to land use, building size and architecture, road and driveway location and prohibition of certain nuisance type activities. Matters such as assessments, variances, occupancy, and the reservation of rights by Sakonnet Vineyards will be handled by an Architectural Committee and Homeowners Association.
Conservation Agreement:
Sakonnet, in conjunction with the City of Newport (owner of the reservoir) and the Eastern RI Conservation District have entered into an Agreement that will ensure the proper maintenance of the buffer zone surrounding the Reservoir. The Agreement will achieve several objectives. The most important is to protect the water quality of the Reservoir by addressing certain conservation issues relating to the removal of invasive and noxious plant and tree material close to the water and substituting indigenous plants, grasses and trees that will create a natural habitat for wild life. The Agreement provides for a unique relationship between parties that are concerned with development and its impact on conservation, agricultural and water quality. Implementation will be carried out by Sakonnet Vineyards as part of a Farm Conservation Management Plan that will include lot owners as well.
Sakonnet Vineyards Development Rights:
Sakonnet intends to transfer the development rights to the balance of the property (approximately 100 acres) to the Little Compton Land Trust. This will protect all vineyards, the farmstead and open space from further development. Completion of this step represents the last component of the Plan and will allow the Samsons to plan for succession to the next generation. |
