Sakonnet Vineyard today announced that James Davids and Marissa Stashenko, founders of Anchor & Hope, have assumed the management and winemaking responsibilities at the historic vineyard.
According to a press release sent on behalf of Sakonnet Vineyard, James and Marissa will collaborate with owner Carolyn Rafaelian to launch new wines, revive the culinary legacy, and implement organic and sustainable farming.
“Davids and his team practice minimal intervention winemaking, a philosophy through which winemakers use natural methods to make wine without additives or technology,” the press release states. “The goal is to showcase the unique characteristics of the grapes and the terroir in which they were grown”.
“Sakonnet Vineyard is a treasured piece of Rhode Island’s farm coast, and for more than a decade, I have cared for and preserved the land while sharing it with local farmers,” said Carolyn Rafaelian, Owner of Sakonnet Vineyards says in a statement. “I am blessed to have found James and Marissa, who are incredibly passionate and knowledgeable about the wine industry. We look forward to their positive impact on our vineyard.”
Davids and Stashenko bring 30 years of experience in winemaking, most recently as co-founders of Anchor & Hope in Rumford, Rhode Island, where they bottled, canned, and kegged award-winning wines through partnerships with growers around the world, according to Sakonnet Vineyard.
“The opportunity to take the reins at Sakonnet came at a point when we were facing the closure of our own business,” said Marissa Stashenko, Director of Operations of Sakonnet Vineyard in a statement. “We are grateful to Carolyn for recognizing our passion and trusting us to steward this incredibly special property.”
Under their leadership, Sakonnet Vineyards says that Davids and Stashenko will “breathe new life into New England’s oldest vineyard, honoring core values of agriculture, preservation, and community”.
“An array of guest experiences will be available when Sakonnet reopens in early summer, including an artisan market and café, guided tastings, and culinary pop-ups. The barn will be available for private bookings as well. Estate wines, made from grapes grown on the property, will be available on-site and at select restaurant and retail locations, while non-estate blends will be widely distributed throughout Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and nearby states,” Sakonnet Vineyards says.
As part of this new chapter in Sakonnet Vineyard’s history, it has partnered with the Little Compton Community Center to provide wine for their events throughout the season, emphasizing a commitment to the local community.
“Carolyn has done an incredible job of caring for and preserving the land,” continued Stashenko. “We are excited to work with her to create a community-oriented culture here at the vineyard.”
I hope they will still make our favorite wine–Eye of the Storm!!!!