A Tour Through Long Island’s Wine Country

Now that the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills has passed, it’s time to tour wine country. There are 40 wineries on the east end’s north (36) and south (4) shores.  A few facts include:  Long Island is the youngest and fastest growing wine region in New York with its first winery established in 1973 (Hargrave Vineyard).  Over 50 wine producers offer tours and tastings (www.liwines.com).  The most popular reds include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc.  For the whites it’s Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling.  Finally, there are over 1.2 million annual visitors to the wineries.  Here’s a sampling of some of the most popular.

Macari Vineyards, Mattituck, 631-298-0100
Family owned, it’s a reservation-only 500-acre vineyard for parties up to 12.  The tasting room overlooks the vineyards’ expanse, composting piles, and livestock. Walk to the end and there’s a breathtaking view of Long Island Sound.

Channing Daughters Winery, Bridgehampton, 631-537-7224  
Taste from among one of their three-dozen bottles, including six different vermouths, six different Chardonnays, and six to eight 
different rosés.  Enjoy the relaxed, artistic space of Walter Channing’s sculptures.

Harbes Family Fun & Vineyard, Mattituck, 631-298-0800  
Let the kids loose in the enclosed Barnyard area with attractions like Bunnyville – a big bounce pillow, and the “Three Little Pigs” houses.  Parents can enjoy the potato barn’s tasting room with the likes of Chardonnay and Merlot.

Wöllfer Estate Vineyard, Sagaponack, 631-537-5106
Known as the flashiest of the Hampton’s vineyards, their “Summer in a Bottle” rosé put Wöllfer on everyone’s radar.  Winemaker Roman Roth gets his inspiration from his German heritage (his mom graces the Riesling bottle while his dad’s on the Merlot).

Martha Clara Vineyards, Riverhead, 631-298-0075  
Recently bought by the Rivero-Gonzalez family, don’t miss the “Harvest East End” on Saturday, August 4th, 4-8pm where there will be wine tastings, passed hors d’oeuvres, live music, a silent auction, and local artisanal bites.  Purchase tickets at bit.ly/HEE2018.  

One Woman Wines & Vineyard, Southold, 631-756-1200
This tiny tasting room accommodates six people.  Claudia Purita and her daughter, Gabriella, run it on a 16-acre farm.  Claudia was born and raised and worked on her family’s vineyard in Calabria, Italy, before her move to Long Island.  Her daughter curates the food and wine at the Taste NY store in Grand Central.

Hire a limo for safety on your tour and be sure to stop in on one of the many celebrated eateries along the way.  Happy wine tasting!