Wine Down NY: Best Long Island Wineries

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. 

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.

Posted on 11/14/2019