With its 60 wineries, Long Island’s North Fork has become an acclaimed wine destination. Separated from the Hamptons by the Peconic Bay, the North Fork offers a laid-back countryside dotted with vineyards, cellars and farm stands. Here you can find a list of 10 great North Fork wineries you don’t want to miss.
10 North Fork wineries to visit
Castello di Borghese Vineyard and Winery
Long Island’s oldest vineyard was founded in 1973, when Alex and Louisa Hargrave opened then-called Hargrave Vineyards. My favorite wine from Castello di Borghese is the Cabernet Franc reserve, a richly tannic red wine with fruity scents of cherry and plum.
Croteaux Vineyards
Croteaux is the only vineyard in the US to make only rosé wine. Their wines are made from estate grown Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc and pair exceptionally well with a wide variety of different foods. The bottle to buy is the Jolie, a full-bodied rosé with a nice depth, a rich pink color and subtle flavors of chocolate and black cherries.
Jamesport Vineyards
One of the North Fork’s oldest wineries, the Jamesport vineyard has been practicing sustainable viticulture since 1986. They have a beautiful wine tasting room that sits in full view of the wine cellar. Among their wines, my favorite is the East End Sauvignon Blanc, a dry white wine with notes of kiwi and white peach and a well-balanced acidity.
Bedell Cellars
This North Fork winery was brought to prominence in 2013 when its wines were chosen for President’s Obama Inaugural Luncheon. I recommend trying their Malbec, a rich, well-balanced red wine with a bouquet of ripe cherry and red currant.
Sparkling Pointe
As its name suggests, this winery specializes in estate grown sparkling wines produced in the traditional Méthode Champenoise. My favorite wine from Sparkling Pointe winery is the Noir de Noirs (“black from blacks” in French). Made from Pinot Noir grapes, this sparkling wine is full-bodied and rich in tannins with cranberry flavors and a soft mouthfeel.
Macari Vineyards
Macari is one of the most acclaimed wineries on Long Island. I love their Bergen Road – made only in premium vintages, this complex red wine blends Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec.
Raphael Wine
If you’re Merlot fans, book a wine tasting at Raphael and try the First Label Merlot. This velvety red wine has a complex structure and is aged 18 months in French oak barrels before bottling.
Lieb Cellars
The Lieb family has been producing excellent wines in the North Fork since the early 90’s. Their wines are made from 100% estate grown grapes and are gaining more accolades each year. My favorite label from the Lieb Cellars is their Reserve Pinot Blanc. Produced from some of the oldest vines on Long Island, this dry white wine is mineral, fresh and crisp with subtle notes of lemongrass, rose petals and green apples.
The Old Field Vineyards
Established in 1974, The Old Field is one of the oldest wineries in the North Fork of Long Island. In the summer, do not forget to try the Cacklin’ Rosé, a fun-to-drink rosé wine with strawberry and cranberry notes and a delicate acidity.
Palmer Vineyards
With its 90 acres that yield more than 20 varietals, Palmer is one of the most awarded wineries on Long Island. If you pick your wine from looking at its label, you’ll love their Merlot Rosé, a fresh, dry rosé wine with intense spice and floral accents.
North Fork wineries: a great destination for wine lovers
The North Fork has become a highly-praised wine region. This Long Island area makes for a great destination for wine lovers and foodies alike. Just 2 hours’ drive from New York City, this is the perfect place to discover and explore the world of NY winemaking.