Did you know there is an entire award-winning wine region only a short bus, train or car ride away from New York City? And it is right on Long Island!
Long Island鈥檚 Wine Country offers a captivating escape from the hustle and bustle of New York City, blending the serene beauty of agricultural landscapes with the sophisticated allure of world-class winemaking. With 57 wineries spanning both the vibrant North Fork and the elegant South Fork, this dynamic New York State region benefits from its unique maritime climate, creating distinct terroirs (environmental factors) that produce an impressive diversity of exceptional wines. It's a truly special destination that I, and so many New Yorkers, love. It's where passion for viticulture meets picturesque settings, inviting visitors to discover a thriving wine scene close to the City.
Thanks to the , let鈥檚 explore 10 of these fantastic wineries and vineyards you too can enjoy.
The North Fork
The North Fork is the bustling heart of Long Island Wine Country and home to the vast majority of its vineyards. Here, a diverse array of wineries (from quaint family-run operations to larger estates) invite visitors to explore a wide range of wines, often emphasizing Bordeaux varieties, amidst a charmingly rustic and agricultural setting. It's the perfect destination for an immersive day of wine tasting and vineyard hopping!
Wineries we recommend:
(Greenport): It truly stands alone on the North Fork, boasting the only waterfront tasting room with absolutely stunning views of the Long Island Sound. This spectacular backdrop makes their vibrant, terroir-driven wines taste even more sensational, while inviting you to take a sip and soak in the magic of Greenport.
(Southold): This is the North Fork destination for traditional method sparkling wines. From their elegant tasting room, you'll discover a world of effervescence, where every delightful bubble reflects their meticulous craftsmanship and vibrant spirit of Long Island's celebratory wines. I have tried these sparkling wines, and they truly are pure joy in a glass.
(Peconic): This is one of the most established and celebrated vineyards on Long Island. Renowned for their age-worthy wines (especially their exquisite Gew眉rztraminer and Merlot), Lenz offers a classic tasting experience that showcases the depth and character of the North Fork's finest. (Have Image)
(Peconic): This is one of Long Island's largest and most beloved wineries with an expansive selection of wines to suit every taste. From crisp whites to robust reds, Pindar offers a lively and welcoming atmosphere perfect for exploring the diverse flavors of the North Fork. There鈥檚 a perfect pour waiting here for you!
(Cutchogue): This is a unique locale as two distinct-yet-complementary labels share one inviting space. This stop on your vineyard tour offers a unique opportunity to explore both Suhru's bright, aromatic wines and Lieb's classic, terroir-driven varietals. It's a fantastic place to explore multiple diverse, handcrafted wines all under one welcoming roof.
(Cutchogue): This winery is celebrated for its dedication to quality and sustainable practices. This family-owned farm crafts superb Pinot Noir and Merlot, offering a refined tasting that truly showcases their commitment to the land and the art of winemaking. Beyond their exceptional wines, McCall Wines is also known for raising grass-fed Charolais cattle on their farm, embodying a holistic approach to sustainable agriculture that extends beyond their vineyards.
(Jamesport): This is a classic vineyard and locale where exceptional wines meet a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. With fantastic wines and delicious wood-fired pizza from their Little Oak Kitchen, it鈥檚 the perfect destination for a leisurely afternoon, offering a delightful blend of rustic elegance and superb taste. Fun Fact: Jamesport is on Shelter Island and an easy ferry ride from Greenport Harbor.
(Riverhead): This is a beautiful estate with a modern winemaking approach, rooted in Mexican heritage and focusing on quality, innovation, and sustainability. The winery stands on the former site of Martha Clara Vineyards, which the Rivero Gonz谩lez family acquired in 2018, bringing their rich winemaking heritage from Parras, Mexico, to the North Fork. This transition highlights their commitment to innovation while honoring the land's viticultural history.
The South Fork
The South Fork, encompassing the Hamptons, offers a more exclusive wine experience with a smaller, but highly distinguished, collection of wineries. These estates are celebrated for their elegant wines (particularly exceptional ros茅s) and their refined, often upscale, ambiance. It's a perfect choice for those seeking a luxurious wine tasting experience combined with the sophisticated charm of the Hamptons.
Wineries we recommend:
(Sagaponack): This is perhaps the most iconic and recognizable winery on Long Island. Legendary producer of the renowned "Summer in a Bottle" ros茅, their stunning Tuscan-inspired estate is a destination in itself, inviting you to indulge in their exquisite wines, ciders, and spirits while soaking in the atmosphere. Along with their popular Wine Stand for more casual sunset gatherings, coming here is the ultimate taste of Hamptons chic.
(Water Mill): This is a charming chateau-style locale that drips with elegance offering a great spectrum of approachable wines! While they produce a wide range of varietals, they are particularly beloved for their unique and popular fruit-infused wines like the Vidal Ice Wine and their Blueberry Port, offering something fun and different for every palate. It's a welcoming destination where you can enjoy diverse flavors, often accompanied by lively entertainment, all within the beautiful Hamptons setting!
Traveling to the area without a car? No worries! We recommend taking that offers transportation options that can get you close to Long Island鈥檚 Wine Country. They have a North Fork line with stops in towns like Riverhead, Jamesport, and Southold (from these stops, you would need to take a taxi or ride-sharing service to reach specific wineries). They also offer dedicated wine tours.
There are many additional activities we recommend, hotels to stay at, Broadway shows to see, and world-class dining! Keep checking back monthly as we continue sharing things to do in NYC (and London)!
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