The New-ish South County Winery For Your Next Friend Date

Have you been to Shepherd’s Run in South Kingstown yet?

The refurbished estate (the main English manor style house and gardens were originally constructed in 1933 as a summer retreat for a prominent Rhode Island family helmed by Rush Sturges, a Providence lawyer, and later transitioned into a convent and then a school) has been reimagined as a winery, boutique hotel with ten rooms (and more to come, I hear), and a wedding venue.

There’s a casual and airy elegance about the updated main house that reminds me of a Nancy Myers movie; you almost expect a food or travel writer played by Meryl Streep or Reese Witherspoon to pop up in the North Salon or the main living room which boasts a large brick fireplace that looks original to the house as well as ample seating.

If you want to go for a tasting, a reservation is required. We made our original one online a few days before. (Thanks to a tip from someone who follows here on the blog and over on Insta.)

The tasting includes your choice of up to four wines (one of their points of difference is that in addition to their own wines they will be offering others from around New England and the world) and costs around $25.

There’s also the option of buying by the glass or the bottle. PS — I really liked the 2019 SYRAH from Wahluke Slope, Washington which had hints of fig, green peppercorn and cigar box. Still wishing I’d bought a bottle.

Our first time there, our server did bring over some fresh bread and olive oil along with the wine and I also understand they do offer breakfast to those staying in the hotel. If you’re wanting something substantial to go with your vino, though, it’s probably best to bring some cheese and bread or something along those lines.

It’s just a stunning spot for that or a Rhody staycation this spring or summer. Speaking of which, if you’re from Shepherd’s Run and you need anyone to stay over for a trial run once you guys unveil those additional rooms, don’t hestitate to email or Instagram message me. I’d LOVE to sip, stay and celebrate!

Shepherd’s Run is open Wednesday thru Sunday from 11am to 6pm and located behind Prout School at 4780 Tower Hill Road in South Kingstown.

As always, if you find yourself wine-ing down there AFTER reading this, I beg you to let them know you found out about them here via Patty J and PattyJ.com.

*This post has been updated from one that has appeared previously on the site.