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 while a breezy, fall day at a vineyard is a no brainer, we’d argue that a warm, summer day at the vineyard is even better! Here are 10 of the most stunning Long Island wineries that are worth the trip from NYC and make for a perfect fall afternoon.
1. Channing Daughters Winery (2.5 hours)
Channing Daughters grows over two dozen varieties of grapes including Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, and they’re the only winery of the East End Long Island wineries 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.
📍 1927 Scuttle Hole Rd, Bridgehampton, NY
2. Paumanok Vineyards (2 hours 20 min)
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.
📍 1074 Main Rd, Aquebogue, NY
3. Wölffer Estate Vineyard (3 hours)
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 that offers all the Wölffer wines and ciders to have to stay or to purchase to-go.
📍 139 Sagg Rd, Sagaponack, NY
4. Macari Vineyards (2.5 hours)
One of the more family-friendly Long Island 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!
📍 150 Bergen Ave, Mattituck, NY
5. Sparkling Pointe (3 hours)
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.
📍 39750 County Rd 48, Southold, NY
6. Bedell Cellars (3.5 hours)
Kip & Susan Bedell planted their first grapevines here in 1980, earning Kip the title of “Mr. Merlot” in Wine Spectator magazine. Since then they’ve been offering small-batch wine with unique and daring options, such as carbonic Malbec and White Cabernet Franc.
📍 36225 Main Rd., Cutchogue, NY
7. Kontokosta Winery (3.5 hours)
Situated atop the sweeping bluffs overlooking the Long Island Sound, Kontokosta Winery offers a unique experience including the opportunity to sample hand crafted wines in the maritime climate from which they were created. The best part–it’s situated right on the waterfront!
📍 825 North Rd, Greenport, NY
8. Paumanok Vineyards (3 hours)
This 127-acre estate has been around since the spring of 1983 where they’ve been producing Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot ever since. Open 7 days a week they’re the perfect place to relax with a glass of wine.
📍 1074 Main Rd, Aquebogue, NY
9. Croteaux Vineyards (3 hours)
One of the most gorgeous Long Island wineries is Croteaux Vineyards, whose tasting garden is open for rosé season! Here you can enjoy still and sparkling rosé flights, glasses, and bottles plus all of their delicious light bites. They are the only vineyard in the U.S. exclusively dedicated to growing vinifera grapes for making only rosé.
📍 1450 S Harbor Rd, Southold, NY
10. Rose Hill Vineyards (3 hours)
Small and humble, Rose Hill Vineyards finds its home in a 125-year-old barn. They offer guests wine tastings and light bites on their outdoor patio overlooking the vineyards, and even double as a romantic bed and breakfast–the perfect place to stay on your next trip to the Hamptons!
📍 2000 Oregon Rd, Mattituck, NY