Best Long Island wineries
We know that there’s no shortage of wine bars, wine shops, and restaurants with award-winning wine lists in New York City, but if you venture a few hours outside NYC, you’ll discover a fantastic selection of wines on the East End. In fact, the North Fork of Long Island is teeming with some of the state’s best wineries, and you’ll find a handful of vineyards on the South Fork (Hamptons side) too.
Some of the tasting rooms allow dogs, most sell snacks and/or allow you to bring your own food, and many provide free live music on weekends –– you just have to drink wine while you listen. Here, some of my favorite wine drinking spots.
Jamesport Vineyards
A fruity Sauvignon Blanc or a buttery but not too oaky Chardonnay is what you’d catch me drinking at Jamesport Vineyards. Beyond the wines, the property is lovely! In warm weather, I prefer to sit on the lawn sipping and listening to tunes and indulging in a brick oven pizza that rivals some of the city’s best.
Dog-friendly? Yes. Outside food? No, but Jamesport serves oysters and pizzas in the summer, and cheese plates year-round.
Wölffer Estate
The only vineyard I’ve visited on the South Fork, Wölffer’s property is one of my absolute favorites. Inside and out, the space is magnificent. I’m particularly fond of the white and rosé wines, but Wölffer also produces reds, as well as white and rosé ciders. Expect a “scene” in the summertime –– Wölffer is in the heart of the Hamptons, after all. Saturdays can get especially crowded in the evening when people gather to watch the sunset. It’s pretty magical.
Dog-friendly? Yes. Outside food? No, but Wölffer sells cheese and charcuterie plates.
Roanoke Vineyards
While I’ve yet to visit the vineyard, I’ve tasted and purchased several reds and the rosé from Roanoke’s Love Lane tasting room. Compact but comfy with a relaxed vibe, the space is a perfect stopover before or after shopping at the Village Cheese Shop or Lombardi’s Market. Roanoke’s reds are some of my favorite on the East End, and if Mother Nature is in a good mood, you can taste out front or on the rear patio.
Dog-friendly? Only outside, which is charming, but since it’s in Mattituck’s downtown area, it doesn’t come with a view like the vineyards. Outside food? Yes, and you have markets a hop, skip, and jump from the tasting room.
Osprey’s Dominion
I’ve been a member of Osprey’s wine club for a few years now, as the wines are stellar and the service is always friendly. I like all of their wines, but the Cab Franc and Merlot are go-to bottles. The Meritage is also outstanding. Since Osprey’s property is large, expect crowds on the weekends when the weather cooperates (especially on Saturdays), but you can almost always grab a seat outside in the sun.
Dog-friendly? Very! Outside food? On the deck and lawn, but not in the tasting room.
Paumonok
I can’t say enough about Paumonok’s winemaking style. From the rosé to dry riesling, to the everyday drinking Festival Red and the Assemblage (a blend of 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 18% Petit Verdot), I love them all. The tasting room is on the smaller side, but I spend my time outside on the deck. Every day I visit Paumonok, it’s a good day.
Dog-friendly? On the deck only. Outside food? No, but Paumonok serves cheese and charcuterie year-round and oysters in the summer.
Corey Creek
A small tasting room and sprawling vineyard that’s ideal for quaffing a bottle with friends on a relaxing afternoon, Corey Creek is the sister winery to Bedell Cellars. I’m especially fond of the Taste Rosé, but the reds are easy sipping too. All of Bedell’s wines are excellent, and you’ll have an array of choices from red to white to bubbly. You can bring lunch and sit on the covered porch or out on the lawn and catch a few rays while you nosh and taste.
Dog-friendly? On the porch and lawn. Outside food? Anywhere outside.
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Macari Vinyards
I’m a huge fan of all things Macari. Not only are the wines top-notch but the staff is incredibly helpful and friendly. I’ve been visiting Macari for years, and I often see the same faces at the Mattituck location (there’s a more intimate tasting room in Cutchogue). The grounds are beautiful as well, so park yourself on the deck for a tasting.
Dog-friendly? Very. Outside food? For picnicking outside the tasting room. Inside, you can purchase cheese plates and snacks.
Sherwood House
At Sherwood House, the staff is super accommodating (are you seeing a pattern here? Long Islanders are a friendly bunch), and after only one visit, you’ll feel at home here. SH offers live music on Saturdays during all four seasons, and the wines make for great afternoon sips. The building is a shingle-style 1870’s farmhouse with a front patio and back deck. It’s my favorite wine tasting spot on Long Island. The cozy tasting room typically hosts a lively crowd – we’ve met some great people at Sherwood House.
Dog-friendly? Yes, outside. Outside food? No, but you can purchase cheese plates, and Sherwood shucks oysters every summer.
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Aren’t you in the mood to drink a glass of Long Island wine? I am. I’d love to know your favorite wines and wineries on Long Island! This list is not comprehensive, as there are many more excellent places to taste wine on the East End. For more info on Long Island wineries, visit the website.
Roanoke tasting room photo by Asaco C. via Yelp.
Also, food, wine, and sunsets on the North Fork. Plus, Sag Harbor. And two great Hamptons recipes.
And rosé – a wine that can be enjoyed all year long.
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Wendy Barrett says
Thanks so much for the link and info Tracy! A tour would certainly be the way to go for me. I wouldn’t inflict myself on your traffic system. We drive on the left hand side of the road here and I have never been brave enough to try driving on the right when visiting other countries!
Tracy Kaler says
Sure thing. I understand. We rented a car in Barbados and driving on the other side of the road can be stressful!