Image via Flickr by Joe Shlabotnik
3 of Long Island, New York’s Best Wineries
If you’re just hearing of Long Island’s Wine Country for the first time, you’re not alone. On the far eastern side of Long Island, two long fingers curve into the Atlantic Ocean known as North Fork and South Fork. Together, they make up Long Island’s Wine Country.
The first vineyard opened in the 1970s, and the region has slowly been making a name for itself as both a wine region destination, as well as a beautiful coastal retreat. Between both locations, over 60 vineyards are responsible for producing everything from French varieties to German Rieslings. Do not miss out on these three excellent wineries when you are in the area.
Channing Daughters
Growing grapes and creating wines from over two dozen grape varieties, Channing Daughters is a partnership between four passionate winemakers and businesspeople. Walter Channing, a partner, planted the vineyard’s first vines in 1982. Today, Channing Daughters produces whites, pinks, oranges, and reds, along with fortified and sparkling wines. Channing Daughters is open to visitors daily from 11 a.m-5 p.m. at their Bridgehampton tasting room. There are at least six different wines on tap for tasting every day of the week. Wine tasting is $18 per person, or free for wine club members.
To get the most out of a long weekend of wine tasting in North Fork and South Fork, book a stay at one of Long Island’s comfortable and centrally located hotels.
Jamesport Vineyards
Three generations of the Goerler family run Jamesport Vineyards, one of the oldest wineries on Long Island. What started as a father and son operation has expanded to include more family members over the years to accommodate the growing number of visitors that travel to Jamesport Vineyards for wine, light fare, music, parties, and other celebrations.
Jamesport Vineyards offers wines that are dark and spicy, with strong fruit undertones. Taste a glass or two at the winery’s tasting room in Jamesport, open seven days a week. On weekends, the staff stokes up a wood fired oven and serve pizzas and small plates on the winery lawn.
Macari Vineyards
At one time, North Fork and South Fork of Long Island were primarily covered in potato farms. When Joseph Macari, Sr., bought a former potato farm on Mattituck, he had a dream of creating a vineyard. His son, Joseph Macari, Jr., fulfilled that dream when he opened Macari Vineyards in 1995. A family operation, Macari Vineyards produces balanced wines from North Fork.
Macari Vineyard’s tasting room is open seven days a week, offering tasting flights, as well as wines by the glass or bottle. You’ll sample from the winery’s selection of sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, rosé, merlot, syrah, and blended dessert wines.
Enjoy a long weekend of wine tasting on Long Island and take in the delicious wines and sweeping scenery. Whether you’re in the mood for white, red, or the syrupy sweetness of a dessert wine, Long Island Wine Country is sure to impress your taste.
