Move over, William Hill Chardonnay.
Step aside, Marques De Riscal Rioja.
Make way for Westport White. And Westport Red.
The 2 wines are prominently displayed at the front of Greens Farms Spirit Shop. With labels showing the Minute Man and Cribari Bridge — 2 of our town’s most recognizable landmarks — they could not be more local.
The grapes don’t come from a Westport vineyard. It’s not bottled here. Jim Boyrer, the store’s general manager, sources it from Italy.
But it’s Westport’s wine — and there’s a special town twist. Ten percent of the proceeds go to area non-profits, like Pink Aid and food pantries.
Boyrer calls the red and white “inexpensive, and fun.” Customers agree. He’s already reordered twice.
He’s considering a Westport Prosecco and rosé. Salute! (Hat tip: Howard Edelstein)
Jim Beyrer, with his Westport wines display. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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Part of Cross Highway has been closed to through traffic since June, for renovation of the small bridge near Wakeman Town Farm.
Work has impacted Gruel Britannia. They’ll close dinner service temporarily, and resume once again when school (and the bridge) reopen.
The exact date is Thursday, August 27, with their classic car and bike show starting at 5 p.m. Dinners will then be served Friday through Sunday.
Seating is available in the full bar, the front porch or the back patio.
Owner Karen Hubrich is also adding a “full-blown British-style Sunday carvery roast.” It’s big in the UK, with roast beef, turkey, pork and lamb.
PS: Gruel Britannia’s Fairfield location is open now for dinner, Thursday through Sunday.
Gruel Britannia, on Cross Highway.
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Speaking of construction: Work is underway on the tennis courts at Staples High School.
The $1.39 million renovation project will replace 6 cracked courts with durable post-tension concrete.
The work includes perimeter fencing, updated walkways, and ADA-compliant ramps and bleachers. The target for completion is Labor Day.
(Photo/Richard Fogel)
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One River Art + Design is highlighting the work of Michael Brennecke. His work is on exhibit through October 23.
The 1971 Staples High School graduate says: “A lifelong resident of Westport, I grew up here when you couldn’t throw a stone without hitting an artist’s studio.
“My uncle was a woodcarver and my cousin, a few years older than I, was a true prodigy and my personal hero.
“I began painting at 12, and was fascinated with seascapes. A little later I experimented with abstraction. I liked the way it was possible to elicit various and ambiguous impressions from a single composition.
“After high school I attended the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and received my BFA from Tufts University. My first 2 years there were strictly figurative, but I eventually returned to abstraction after being struck by a show of Antonio Tapies’ work. But It’s the work of Paul Klee and Jean Dubuffet that has most greatly influenced my ongoing exploration of color and texture.”
A reception will be held, at a date to be determined.
Michael Brennecke (upper right), and his work.
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature photo is well timed. Remember: The Westport Farmers’ Market is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Imperial Avenue parking lot. See you there!
(Photo/Molly Alger)
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And finally … in honor of Greens Farms Spirit Shop’s Westport wines (story above):
(Another day, another Roundup filled with news you can use — or discard. Your call. But it’s always here for you. If you appreciate our 24/7/365 work, please click here to support “06880.” Thanks!)
Gruel Britania!
So sorry that Cross Highway has been CLOSED and impacted your business!! Locals have all been inconvenienced but not at the expense of our livelihood! GB is a charming surprise along our country roads. Both locations offer something beyond pizza and such. Waaay beyond! Thank you Dan for reminding us to drop in and support this location, even while construction is still underway!