Newport Vineyards is no longer only known for alcohol derived from grapes.
Taproot Brewing Co., a new entity launched by the longtime winemaker and inspired by the regional popularity of the beer industry, said owner John Nunes, was established to provide “good, fresh beer,” from New England IPAs to Pilsners and Witbiers inspired by his time living in Germany.
The Middletown brewery’s name derives from the biology of grape vines and is a nod to Nunes’ family’s ties to Aquidneck Island – which date to 1917.
Brewing commenced in the seven-barrel brewhouse in April and, moving forward, Nunes said Taproot “is not looking to be a big [producer].” He hopes to emphasize the brewery’s regional ties by incorporating local ingredients in limited batch releases.
The 52-acre wine production, he said, will continue to be the parent company’s “main focus,” but added brewing would meet the needs of specific clientele.
“It’s a fun project for us to give the other half something [to drink],” he said.
A brewer was hired to accommodate Taproot, said Nunes, who admitted he’s already sold out of some brews.
“We can only brew so fast,” he said.
Emily Gowdey-Backus is a staff writer for PBN. You can follow her on Twitter @FlashGowdey or contact her via email, Gowdey-backus@PBN.com.
