The North Fork of Long Island is quickly becoming a premier wine-growing region in the United States. With its cool climate and rich soil, the North Fork produces some of the best wines on Long Island.
If you’re looking for a fun day trip or a weekend getaway, be sure to check out some of the amazing wineries on the North Fork!
In this blog post, we will provide an overview of some of the best wineries on the North Fork, including their hours, pricing, and what to expect when you visit.
So sit back, relax, and enjoy this comprehensive guide to North Fork wineries!
The East Fork of Long Island is the easterly section of the North Shore, which forms the easternmost point of New York State.
Long Island extends east from New York City, terminating in Greenport to the north and Montauk to the south. It is an American Viticultural Area as well as a winemaking community.
The North Fork’s rich community of wine producers provides a wide range of Long Island wine experiences. There are many varietals, winemaking processes, and tasting room experiences to try.
North Fork will offer you the chance to experience a long-term, deep connection between land and table.
Here’s a list of the top wineries in North Fork, with their corresponding ratings.
Best Wineries in North Fork
Macari Vineyards
The Macari family has been making wine since the 1500s when they immigrated from Italy to New York. Because of this, wine has always been a part of the family’s culture. In fact, they used to produce wine in their basement in Corona, Queens at their house. Macari Vineyards were established in 1995.
In the 1960s, the family bought a 500-acre potato field. They have now expanded this into a 200-acre vineyard with additional compost and agricultural land. Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viogner, Grüner Veltliner, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot are some of their most popular wines.
Rose Hill Vineyards
Rose Hill Vineyards is a tiny and modest winery tucked away in a 125-year-old barn. With the heritage of their ancestors’ farming practices and a sense of responsibility, the winery produces environmentally responsible wines.
After all, Rose Hill places importance on sustainability, using the greatest environmentally friendly goods possible, and making the greatest decisions when it comes to a sustainable future.
The winery may have begun as a farm, but it now features stunning views of endless vines. It also has rooms for rent. The bed and breakfast is on 22 acres of vineyards and offers romantic stays in the wine country. The beautifully preserved historic manor is a perfect spot for unwinding and pleasure.
Sparkling Pointe Vineyards and Winery
- Address: 39750 County Rd 48, Southold, NY 11971, United States
- Website: https://www.sparklingpointe.com/
Sparkling Pointe Vineyards and Winery, as indicated by its name, has been producing sparkling wines only in the traditional Méthode Champenoise technique since 2010.
The vineyard covers 40 acres and contains just Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay grapes from the classic Champagne grape breeding program.
Each Sparkling Pointe cuvée is a genuine representation of the land and the winemaker’s expertise. All Sparkling Pointe Wines are founded on the concept of artistic integration, creative problem-solving, and constant improvement.
Because the winery specializes in Méthode Champenoise Sparkling Wines, certain processes, equipment, and facilities are available.
After the delectable grape juice is prepared, a special chamber with 1,700 gallons of base wines aged in French oak and stored in stainless steel drums maintains a view of all phases of production from vistas over the tank room and cellars.
Bedell Cellars
Bedell Cellars is a family-owned winery that has been producing handcrafted wines in modest amounts using traditional local techniques for over 40 years.
FORTY YEARS Bedell Cellars has been making handcrafted wines in tiny quantities with old-fashioned methods that define the region’s style for decades.
Bedell Cellars is a winery located in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, Canada. It features the world’s first fully automated biodynamic winemaking facility and is dedicated to sustainable farming and creatively combining grapes from their distinctive maritime region.
Sparkling rose, white cabernet franc, and Malbec are some of their finest wines.
Jamesport Vineyards
- Address: 1216 Main Rd, NY-25, Jamesport, NY 11947, United States
- Website: https://jamesportwines.com/
In 1986, the father-son team who would later found Jamesport Vineyard converted a 165-year-old barn into one of the region’s oldest vineyards.
Nowadays, it is one of the finest and most desired wineries in the area, having evolved aesthetically as well as agriculturally since then. The vineyard has been modernized and nurtured to ensure that they provide high-quality fruit in the market.
There have been numerous upgrades to the tasting room, which has now expanded to meet the rising number of tourists.
In addition, the beautiful lawn out back is ideal for Jamesport weekends, when visitors come together to enjoy excellent wine, light food, and summer music performances.
Other event areas throughout the property provide ideal settings for weddings, private parties, and small gatherings.
Kontokosta Winery
Winery Kontokosta is a magical location with unrivaled views of the Long Island Sound. The winery is run by and for the family. The goal of the family is to ensure that the vines are maintained in good condition so that fruit quality and ripeness remain consistent from vintage to vintage.
The winery provides visitors the chance to try award-winning handcrafted wines in the maritime climate in which they were made.
Furthermore, the winery is a fantastic seaside site for an unforgettable wedding, business getaway, or any other occasion.
In addition, it features an attractive open area for up to 300 people in tented events as well as an intimate inside space for up to 80 people all year.
Raphael Vineyard and Winery
Raphael Vineyard and Winery is located in the historic mining town of Sutter Creek, California. The facility was inspired by Italian monasteries and features traditional Mediterranean architecture with modern winemaking equipment.
The structure is 12 feet underground. As a result, not only can they produce wines using a low-stress gravity-flow method, but they are also able to build an extremely energy-efficient structure.
Raphael wines are made in a sustainable manner, with controlled fermentation and minimal fining and filtering, resulting in a wine that perfectly expresses the terroir.
Raphael is one of the few wineries in the United States that harvests entirely by hand. The winery aims to make ripe, fruit-driven wines that have depth, finesse, elegance, and balance.
Their wines exhibit the area’s soil quality as well as the winemaking team’s dedication.
Palmer Vineyards
- Address: 5120 Sound Ave, Riverhead, NY 11901, United States
- Website: https://www.palmervineyards.com/
In 1983, Palmer Vineyards was founded by Larry Palmer, a long-time winemaker who had previously worked at Charles Smith Winery. His goal was to grow his vineyard and produce high-quality wine.
The vineyard and its wines have garnered several accolades over the years. The Massoud Family now owns and runs the winery, which continues Palmer’s vision. The winery has already made a name for itself as one of Long Island’s most visible and reputable estate wineries.
The Winery strives for excellence in everything that we do, whether it be through the production of outstanding wines or by providing the ideal atmosphere of relaxation. You may experience wine by taste, sight, and smell, and learn about winemaking here with wonderful customer service.
Furthermore, a wedding ceremony, birthday party, or other important event is enhanced by the vineyards’ beauty.
Paumanok Vineyards
Since 1983, the winery has been run by the family. Because wine has always been an important part of the Massoud family’s history at Paumanok Vineyards, they will be able to continue that tradition.
The winery is a restored barn that houses a fermentation tank room and lab today.
The barrel cellar was converted into a spacious tasting room. An outside patio with views of the vines adorns the premises. The view from the tasting rooms is breathtaking, making Paumanok a fantastic location for intimate gatherings, weddings, and other important events.
Only premium vinifera grapevines are planted here, with Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot.
The vineyards’ traditional dense planting of 1100 to 1400 vines per acre generates more concentrated fruit and hence greater quality wines. They only utilize grapes that are grown on the farm for their wine production.
The amount produced is limited to fewer than 12000 cases.
Pindar Vineyards
- Address: 37645 NY-25, Peconic, NY 11958, United States
- Website: https://www.pindar.net/
More than 500 acres make up Pindar Vineyards, located in the hamlet of Cannonsburg, St. Lawrence County. With more than 17 distinct grape varieties, 23 varietals, and proprietary blends to its name, the winery produces 70 000 cases each year, making it New York’s biggest vineyard.
The winery is open daily, with tastings, wine by the bottle and glass, cheese, and other snacks. They have live music every weekend throughout the summer on our events calendar at www.pindar.net.
Pindar Vineyards is a family-friendly winery that sells bottled soft drinks and food for everyone.
Best North Fork Wineries with Tasting Rooms
The best wineries for tasting rooms or tours include those that offer wine tastings, of course.
Macari Vineyards: Seasonal flights are available alongside two kinds of cheeses, charcuterie, and local sourdough. The tasting room offers both indoor and outdoor seating options with umbrellas. There is also a private tasting room and bungalows that you may rent for bigger gatherings.
Sparkling Pointe Vineyards and Winery: At the Tasting House, you may relax and enjoy their delicious wines in a calm atmosphere either on the Terrace where you may take in the breathtaking views of the estate, or at the VIP Bubble Lounge. With guided and informative tastings, the Grand Tasting House showcases the wines stylishly.
Raphael Vineyard and Winery: The winery’s interior is stunning, and the outside patio is enormous. It has a chill atmosphere, so you can unwind while tasting excellent wines and magnificent views.
Pindar Vineyards: Pindar is Long Island’s most important wine producer, thus it has an outstanding and comprehensive menu. Outside, there are picnic tables to share food, order a bottle of wine, listen to live music, or simply stroll through the vineyard and get lost in North Fork’s peaceful wine country.
Best North Fork Wineries with Food
The greatest approach to enjoying a delicious wine is with a wonderful meal. Many wineries have restaurants or wine pairing possibilities on-site where you can try great finger food paired with the winery’s finest wines.
Rose Hill Vineyards: Choose a flight of five wines and relax in the cozy indoor lounge area or outside on the patio and field when it’s sunny out. You may observe them make the wine here as well, and you can enjoy your own wine with delectable light bites like the Charcuterie Board, Mediterranean Basket, or Antipasto Skewers.
Bedell Cellars: At the cozy open tasting area that extends to spacious grass with tables or Adirondack chairs, you may sample the winery’s fantastic wines and cuisine. You can get immersed into the world of wine production while sitting outside in this peaceful, pleasurable, and breathtaking environment.
Jamesport Vineyards: This is the ideal location for a day outdoors. They have picnic tables with umbrellas that overlook the lovely vineyard, and you may dine on an excellent genuine Italian dinner at the Little Oak Wood Fired Kitchen while sipping on one of their great wines.
Kontokosta Winery: This is a magnificent winery with stunning ocean vistas. You may sit in the beautiful indoor area or the lovely outside space that is near the water. It’s ideal for a quiet walk around the grounds to take photographs or enjoy the scent of the sea. Furthermore, you can sample delicious wine and flavorful snacks while taking in the gorgeous sight of vines and the seaside.
Palmer Vineyards: This is a beautiful vineyard with wonderful views and excellent wine. In addition to the regular menu of small wine pairing plates, they have a changing selection of food trucks on hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wines are produced in the north fork?
The north fork is home to many different wineries, each with its own unique style. However, some of the most popular wines produced in the north fork include red wine, white wine, and sparkling wine.
What wine is north fork known for?
North fork wines are known for their high quality and unique flavor. Many north fork wines are made with locally grown grapes, which gives them a distinct regional taste.
What is the best time of year to visit north fork wineries?
The north fork is a beautiful place to visit all year round. However, the best time to visit north fork wineries is during the spring and summer months when the weather is warm and sunny.
What should I wear to a north fork winery?
There is no dress code at north fork wineries. However, we recommend wearing comfortable clothing that you can move around in easily. Additionally, we recommend wearing closed-toe shoes, as some of the wineries may have gravel or dirt paths.
How many wineries are in north fork?
There are over 50 wineries in north fork. However, not all of them are open to the public. For a complete list of north fork wineries, we recommend visiting the Long Island Wine Council website.
Final Thoughts
North Fork wine country is home to a plethora of wineries, with both exquisite vintages and stunning views of endless vines and even the sea. It’s the ideal location for discovering Long Island’s wine, cuisine, art, and culture. Every winery will provide you with one-of-a-kind experiences either on a day trip with your buddies or during specific days and occasions.