Wine Down NY: Best Long Island Wineries

Mom and I drinking wine at Wölffer Estate in Sagaponack.

Okay, wine lovers, listen up! 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. Each year I spend as much time on the North Fork as I can, so it’s only fitting that I share my very favorite wine-tasting  drinking spots.

Jamesport Vineyards
A fruity Sauvignon Blanc or a buttery but not too oaky Chardonnay is what you’ll catch me drinking at Jamesport Vineyards. Beyond the wines, the property is lovely, so usually, I’m outside 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. 

We’re regulars at Jamesport Vineyards every summer. You can’t beat sitting under one of those umbrellas while drinking Chardonnay.

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 on the rear patio.

Dog-friendly? Only on the rear patio, 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.

A bottle of Roanoke’s rosé and cheese from the Village Cheese Shop make for a tasty lunch on the patio. {credit}

Osprey’s Dominion
We’ve been members of Osprey’s wine club for a few years now, as the wines are stellar and the service is always friendly. Mike and I have gone so often that they know us. I like all of Osprey’s wines, but the Cab Franc and Merlot are go-to bottles for us. 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. 

Osprey’s has one of the largest tasting rooms on the North Fork. {credit}

Paumonok
I can’t say enough about Paumonok’s winemaking style. Mike and I enjoy the wines so much that we joined the club, so we receive six bottles four times per year. 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 we spend our 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. 

I find it hard to select a favorite wine at Paumonok. I love them all! {credit}

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 First Crush Red is 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.

Relaxing at Corey Creek while I sip First Crush Red.

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 a host of 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.

I’m usually drinking rosé at Wolffer.

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 and home to a menagerie of creatures including Texas Longhorns, Spanish goats, Sicilian donkeys, horses, ducks, and rabbits.

Dog-friendly? Very. Outside food? For picnicking outside the tasting room.  Inside, you can purchase cheese plates and snacks.

Beautiful grounds at Macari Vineyards… {credit}

Sherwood House
Since we typically stay in the Northville/Jamesport area, you’ll likely run into me in Sherwood House more so than any other winery. The staff is so accommodating (are you seeing a pattern here? Long Islanders are a friendly bunch!), SH offers live music on Saturdays during all four seasons, and the wines make for great afternoon sips. The building is a shingle-style cottage with front and back decks, and the petite tasting room typically hosts a lively but amiable crowd. We’ve met some great people at Sherwood House!

Dog-friendly? Very. Outside food? No, but you can purchase cheese plates, and Sherwood shucks oysters every summer.

Bogey partakes in a sip now and then too!

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! For more info on East End wineries, visit the website.

Posted on April 12, 2016

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