5 Rhode Island Day Trips for Wine, Beer, and Spirits Lovers

Here’s the thing about Rhode Island. For a state you can drive across in under an hour, it somehow manages to pack in more breweries, vineyards, and distilleries than seems reasonable. But we’re not complaining. From small-batch gin in Pawtucket to wine with a water view in Middletown, there’s no shortage of places to raise a glass.

Using Hey Rhody’s Beer, Wine & Spirits Trail as your guide, these five daytrip itineraries mix local flavor with a little adventure. Each route highlights a few standout spots and some bonus detours along the way. Whether you’re planning a chill Saturday with friends or looking to explore a new pocket of the state, consider this your map to a very good time.

Coastal Sips & Sea Breezes  

Start your day in Middletown at Newport Vineyards, where you can ease into the morning with a tasting flight and brunch at Brix Restaurant. From there, head down the road to Rejects Beer Co., a spot known just as much for its irreverent beer names as its delightfully chill vibe. End the afternoon at Grey Sail Brewing in Westerly, timing your visit for golden hour when the beer is cold and the light hits just right. To round out the day, add a beach walk or seaside dinner nearby for the full Rhode Island fall fantasy. Bonus attractions include the Newport Cliff Walk, shopping in Watch Hill, or catching the sunset at Misquamicut Beach.

South County Spirits & Scenic Roads

Begin your boozy South County road trip at Sons of Liberty Spirits Co. in Peace Dale, where whiskey lovers will appreciate the brand’s inventive approach to distilling. Then cruise down scenic Route 1 into Westerly for a cozy tasting at The Langworthy Inn & Winery, set inside a charming Victorian home just minutes from the coast. Finish your afternoon with a visit to Tapped Apple Cidery & Winery, where fruit-forward wines and crisp ciders bring the flavors of fall into full focus. Make the most of your visit by adding breakfast in Wakefield, a relaxing stroll through Wilcox Park, or a dinner reservation at The Cooked Goose.

Pints, Pours, and Pawtucket

Start your sipping adventure in Warwick at Apponaug Brewing Co., a cozy riverside spot housed in a refurbished mill. With a laid-back vibe, a creative tap list, and a food menu that punches above its weight, it’s the kind of place that invites you to linger a little longer than planned. Next, make your way into Providence and drop by Moniker Brewery in the West End. This community favorite blends an industrial feel with a warm welcome, and their rotating beer selection means there’s always something new to try. Cap off your crawl in Pawtucket at Rhode Island Spirits, where small-batch gin and vodka take center stage. Their spirits are infused with local ingredients and a whole lot of heart, and their riverside tasting room is the perfect place to wind things down. If you’re feeling extra, stick around for a distillery tour—or just toast to a solid daytrip done right.

Farmhouse Flights & Forest Roads

Looking for something a little more rural and romantic? Start your drive at Tilted Barn Brewery in Exeter, a fan favorite for its farm-fresh hops, red barn backdrop, and neighborly vibe that makes every pour feel personal. Continue northwest to Nickle Creek Vineyard in Foster, where mellow tastings, pastoral views, and the occasional wandering chicken set the scene for an unhurried afternoon. Along the way, pack a picnic, pull over at a roadside pumpkin patch, or browse a local farm stand for seasonal goodies to bring home –  the kind of small-town treasures that turn a casual day trip into a fall memory.

A Cross-State Escape (CT Edition)

This one’s for the weekend wanderers who don’t mind crossing state lines for a really good glass of wine. Start your journey at Saltwater Farm Vineyard in Stonington, Connecticut, where an old WWII-era hangar has been transformed into one of New England’s most striking tasting rooms. Between the vines, marsh views, and minimalist interiors, this place practically demands a photo op. Next up is Jonathan Edwards Winery in North Stonington, where laid-back meets luxe in a setting that’s equal parts countryside charm and Napa energy. Round out your day in Preston at Preston Ridge Vineyard, perched high on a ridge with panoramic views of the Connecticut countryside stretching more than 20 miles. With 60 sprawling acres, a wide selection of wines to sample, and frequent live music on the weekends, it’s a spot that makes you want to linger – and maybe even book your next big life event on the lawn.

Whether you're chasing foliage, supporting local makers, or simply in search of your next favorite pour, these daytrips offer an easy way to explore Rhode Island’s craft beverage scene one sip at a time. To build your own itinerary or explore even more destinations, check out the full Rhode Island Beer, Wine & Spirits Trail at heyrhody.guide. And while you're out there sipping, snapping, and snacking, tag us on Instagram using #herhodyphotos so we can raise a virtual glass with you.