If you’re a wine lover looking for your next great adventure, Long Island might just be your hidden gem. While Napa and Sonoma often steal the spotlight, Long Island wineries and vineyards have been quietly crafting some truly exceptional wines. Whether you’re a fan of rich reds, crisp whites, or delightful rosés, there’s something here for every palate. Plus, if you’re searching for day trips from New York City, these wineries offer the perfect escape. But it’s not just about the wine—these spots also offer beautiful scenery, live music, and unique experiences that make them worth a visit. So, let’s dive into the top 10 Long Island wineries and vineyards you absolutely must visit this year.
1. Pindar Vineyards (Peconic, NY)
Pindar Vineyards, the largest winery on Long Island, is a must-visit for any wine enthusiast. Located in the heart of Peconic, NY, this expansive vineyard offers a variety of wines that cater to all tastes, from light and fruity to bold and complex.
Highlight:
- Wine Variety: Sample the popular Pythagoras Bordeaux blend, a rich and complex red wine that’s a favorite among visitors.
- Expansive Grounds: Enjoy the vast, scenic grounds that are perfect for picnicking and relaxing.
- Live Music: Experience the lively atmosphere with regular live music events that make your visit even more enjoyable.
Insider tip: Plan your visit during one of their live music events to fully experience the vibrant atmosphere that Pindar is known for.
2. Macari Vineyards (Mattituck, NY)
Macari Vineyards, nestled in Mattituck, NY, is renowned for its commitment to sustainable farming and biodynamic practices. This family-friendly vineyard not only offers great wines but also provides an educational experience about environmentally-conscious winemaking.
Highlight:
- Biodynamic Practices: Learn about Macari’s innovative and sustainable farming methods during a guided tasting.
- Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Bring the family along and enjoy the relaxed, welcoming environment.
- Longhorn Cattle: Spot the majestic longhorn cattle that roam the property, adding a unique touch to your visit.
Insider tip: Don’t miss the guided tastings that delve into the vineyard’s biodynamic practices—perfect for those interested in eco-friendly winemaking.
3. Wölffer Estate Vineyard (Sagaponack, NY)
Wölffer Estate Vineyard in Sagaponack, NY, combines elegance and quality in every bottle. Known for their iconic “Summer in a Bottle” rosé, this chic vineyard is a favorite destination for both wine lovers and those looking for a stylish retreat.
Highlight:
- Iconic Rosé: Sip on the famous “Summer in a Bottle” rosé, a beautifully balanced wine that captures the essence of summer.
- Chic Atmosphere: Enjoy the luxurious setting, complete with a stylish tasting room and a convenient wine stand.
- Special Events: Take part in events like Candlelight Fridays, where you can unwind with wine and live music.
Insider tip: Visit on a Friday evening to experience their Candlelight Fridays—an event that perfectly blends wine, music, and ambiance.
4. Channing Daughters Winery (Bridgehampton, NY)
Located in Bridgehampton, NY, Channing Daughters Winery is a unique destination that blends art and wine seamlessly. This vineyard is known for its diverse range of wines, all crafted from hand-picked grapes, ensuring quality in every glass.
Highlight:
- Artistic Ambiance: Explore the sculpture garden on the grounds, which adds an artistic flair to your wine-tasting experience.
- Hand-Picked Grapes: Taste wines made from carefully selected, hand-picked grapes, resulting in exceptional flavors.
- Variety of Wines: Discover a wide range of wines, from vibrant whites to robust reds, catering to all palates.
Insider tip: This vineyard is perfect for art lovers—take your time exploring the sculpture garden while sipping on some of their exquisite wines.
5. Bedell Cellars (Cutchogue, NY)
Bedell Cellars, a staple of Long Island’s wine scene, offers an intimate and personalized wine-tasting experience. Located in Cutchogue, NY, this vineyard is celebrated for its small-batch wines that showcase the best of Long Island’s terroir.
Highlight:
- Small-Batch Wines: Savor the carbonic Malbec and White Cabernet Franc, two standout wines that reflect Bedell’s commitment to quality.
- Cozy Tasting Room: Enjoy a personalized experience in the cozy, welcoming tasting room that makes you feel right at home.
- Historic Vineyard: Visit one of Long Island’s oldest vineyards, where tradition meets modern winemaking.
Insider tip: For the best experience, visit the tasting room where the knowledgeable staff can guide you through their exceptional small-batch wines.
6. Sparkling Pointe (Southold, NY)
Sparkling Pointe in Southold, NY, is the go-to destination for lovers of bubbly. This vineyard specializes in Méthode Champenoise sparkling wines, offering a sophisticated tasting experience in a chic setting.
Highlight:
- Specialty in Sparkling: Indulge in a range of sparkling wines, all crafted using the traditional Méthode Champenoise technique.
- Elegant Setting: Enjoy the refined atmosphere of the tasting room, perfect for celebrating special occasions.
- Educational Tastings: Learn about the art of sparkling wine production from knowledgeable staff during your tasting.
Insider tip: Ideal for celebrations—bring your loved ones to Sparkling Pointe to toast in style with some of Long Island’s finest bubbly.
7. Osprey’s Dominion (Peconic, NY)
Osprey’s Dominion, located in Peconic, NY, is all about relaxation and enjoying good wine in a beautiful setting. With 90 acres of vineyards, this is the perfect spot for a laid-back wine-tasting experience.
Highlight:
- Wide-Open Spaces: Take advantage of the sprawling grounds for a leisurely day of wine tasting and picnicking.
- Live Music: Visit on the weekends to enjoy live music while sipping on a glass of their standout Chardonnay.
- Casual Vibe: The relaxed atmosphere makes it an ideal destination for a fun and informal wine-tasting outing with friends.
Insider tip: Plan your visit for the weekend to enjoy live music, making your wine-tasting experience even more enjoyable.
8. Palmer Vineyards (Riverhead, NY)
Palmer Vineyards in Riverhead, NY, is known for its exceptional Pinot Blanc and unique food pairings. This vineyard offers a VIP tasting experience that’s both indulgent and reasonably priced.
Highlight:
- Wine and Food Pairings: Don’t miss their weekend oyster pairings, which perfectly complement their range of wines.
- Pinot Blanc: Sample their renowned Pinot Blanc, a crisp and refreshing white wine that’s perfect for any occasion.
- VIP Experience: Enjoy a premium tasting experience that’s accessible without breaking the bank.
Insider tip: Make sure to visit on the weekend to take advantage of their oyster pairings, an experience that adds a delicious twist to your wine tasting.
9. Croteaux Vineyards (Southold, NY)
Croteaux Vineyards in Southold, NY, is the only vineyard in the U.S. dedicated exclusively to rosé, making it a must-visit for fans of this popular pink wine. The vineyard’s picturesque setting is perfect for a relaxing day out.
Highlight:
- Rosé Focused: Enjoy a variety of rosés, each with its own unique flavor profile, all made on-site.
- Scenic Surroundings: Spend the day outdoors in the vineyard’s beautiful, tranquil setting—ideal for a sunny day visit.
- Exclusive Offering: Experience a vineyard that’s entirely dedicated to the art of rosé winemaking.
Insider tip: Visit on a sunny day to fully enjoy the outdoor seating and beautiful views while sipping on some of the best rosé in the country.
10. Lieb Cellars (Cutchogue, NY)
Lieb Cellars in Cutchogue, NY, offers a serene wine-tasting experience in a peaceful setting. Known for their small-batch wines, this vineyard provides an intimate and relaxing atmosphere, perfect for unwinding.
Highlight:
- Small-Batch Wines: Taste the unique flavors of Lieb’s small-batch wines, crafted with attention to detail and quality.
- Outdoor Deck: Relax on the outdoor deck overlooking the vineyard, the perfect spot for a quiet afternoon.
- Tranquil Setting: Enjoy a peaceful, serene environment that’s ideal for a laid-back wine-tasting experience.
Insider tip: Take advantage of the outdoor deck to fully relax and enjoy the vineyard’s serene ambiance while sipping on a glass of their exceptional wine.
Conclusion
Long Island wineries and vineyards offer a diverse array of experiences, from chic and elegant to laid-back and relaxing. Whether you’re in the mood for a glass of bubbly or a full-bodied red, these top 10 Long Island wineries and vineyards provide the perfect setting to enjoy some of the best wines the region has to offer. So, grab your friends, plan a visit, and explore the rich flavors and beautiful landscapes that make Long Island’s wine country truly special.
