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Long Island's Wine Country is divided between the North Fork, South Fork, and western Suffolk County, and lucky for us, there's no shortage of gorgeous wineries to visit.
Brianna Perry - Staff Writer
Long Island extends from New York City to Montauk, with the tip of the island splitting into a North and South Fork, and these forks, along with western Suffolk County, are home to 57 distinct wine producers. The very first Long Island vineyard was planted in 1973 in Cutchogue, and the island is now home to a rich wine region and is the most diverse wine region in the U.S.
Long Island’s harvest season is between September and October, and believe it or not, that means harvest season has officially arrived! And while a warm, summer day at a vineyard is a no brainer, we’d argue that a fall day at the vineyard is even better. Here are 5 of Long Island’s most stunning wineries that are worth the trip from NYC and make for a perfect fall afternoon.
Channing Daughters grows over two dozen varieties of grapes including Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, and they’re the only winery on the East End of Long Island growing and producing wines from many of these grape varieties. Their wine tasting includes themed flights, wines by the glass, and snacks to pair with your drink, and they even have a beautiful sculpture garden to browse through.
Where: 1927 Scuttle Hole Rd, Bridgehampton, NY
This 127-acre estate has been around since 1983, and here only premium vinifera grapevines are planted, consisting of Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. This vineyard is definitely more on the intimate side, but they’re the perfect place for an enjoyable wine tasting experience.
Where: 1074 Main Rd, Aquebogue, NY
The chic Wölffer Estate Vineyard is a must-visit, and their Instagram-famous Summer in a Bottle rosé may help you to recognize this popular vineyard. In addition to their tasting room they even have a Wine Stand which has become the go-to place to be on Friday and Saturday nights and offers all the Wölffer wines and ciders to have to stay or to purchase to-go.
Where: 139 Sagg Rd, Sagaponack, NY
One of the more family-friendly wineries, this 500-acre vineyard offers a variety of guided tasting experiences for small and large groups, each led by a Macari Wine Educator. They even share the property with Sicilian donkeys, Texas longhorns, and other friendly and furry animals!
Where: 150 Bergen Ave, Mattituck, NY
Switching it up from your usual run of the mill wineries, at Sparkling Pointe they’re all about the bubbly. Here they’re dedicated to production of Méthode Champenoise Sparkling Wines, and they’re consistently acknowledged as some of the best in the New York wine region. A visit to Sparkling Pointe means a sit-down guided wine tasting featuring a wide offering of sparkling wine styles and flavors, all of which are incredibly delicious.
Where: 39750 County Rd 48, Southold, NY