The Ultimate Guide to Wine Tasting in New York’s North Fork

The North Fork of Long Island provides a relaxed alternative for wine lovers compared to the more extravagant nearby Hamptons. Its unique maritime climate and rich soil create perfect conditions for grape varieties like chardonnay, merlot, and cabernet franc. This results in wines with balanced acidity and intricate flavors. The North Fork features over 40 wineries spread across approximately 30 miles, comprising over 3,000 acres of vineyards, making it an essential part of New York’s wine industry, which ranks third in the U.S.

Traveling to the North Fork is straightforward. By car, visitors can take the Long Island Expressway (I-495) and Route 25, with the trip from New York City taking around two hours, depending on traffic. For electric vehicle users, numerous charging stations are available. Alternatively, the Long Island Rail Road’s Ronkonkoma Branch services Greenport, with the Hampton Jitney providing bus transportation from Manhattan.

Among the wineries worth visiting are:

• Bedell Cellars: Established in 1980, known for its moderate alcohol levels and bright acidity. Tastings occur in a mahogany pavilion overlooking the vineyards, with no reservations for groups under ten.

• Croteaux Vineyards: The only U.S. winery focused exclusively on rosé. Its intimate tasting garden features historic barns and requires no reservations.

• Kontokosta Winery: Positioned on bluffs with a focus on sustainable practices. Tasting options allow guests to enjoy the views from indoors or outside.

• Lenz Winery: Operational since 1978, it emphasizes varietal expression and low-intervention winemaking. Reservations are encouraged, and dogs are welcome.

• Macari Vineyards: Spanning nearly 500 acres, it combines sustainable farming with diverse guided tastings, including food pairings.

• One Woman Wines and Vineyards: An independently run winery under Claudia Purita’s direction, it offers a quaint tasting experience with live jazz on Friday nights.

• Palmer Vineyards: Established in 1983, it provides guided tastings that showcase various wine styles and pairings.

• Sparkling Pointe Vineyards and Winery: Specializing in traditional sparkling wines produced using the méthode champenoise, it offers seated tastings and insightful tours of their winemaking process.

These selected wineries introduce visitors to the rich diversity and quality of North Fork wines, making it a worthy destination for wine enthusiasts.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!