Fine wines are one thing. But enjoying them in a beautiful setting is another. That makes a visit to Long Island Wine Country an ideal way to enjoy the sippable bounty that comes from the area in New York. Writer Meryl Pearlstein is back with a guide for RealFoodTraveler.com readers for where to experience some of the best. 

Save this article to Pinterest to help you plan which places you’ll visit to try Long Island Wine. Graphic by RealFoodTraveler.com.

Exploring Long Island Wine Country

A beautiful day on Long Island’s East End is as lovely as they come. Open fields, grand estates, and some of the world’s top-rated beaches surround you. Farm stands are filled with juicy red strawberries, heirloom tomatoes, butter-and-sugar corn and artisanal products like homemade mozzarella and local honey. A drive along the country roads reveals all.

New York’s Beautiful East End
A stretch of land with two distinct peninsulas forming a claw shape, the East End of Long Island comprises the easternmost points of New York state. The many towns that line what are known as the North Fork and South Fork (better known as the Hamptons) each have a personality of their own.

Some, like East Hampton and Amagansett are famous for their glamorous, rich-and-famous social scenes, often depicted in shows like Royal Pains. Others offer a quieter, quainter vibe — seafaring Montauk and Sag Harbor with their historic charm, or secluded Orient, home to the aptly named 67 Steps Beach.

What distinguishes this area from being just another country-home playground is its status as a thriving wine region. A mix of a cool climate, hot summers, and a maritime location make it ideal for producing white, rosé, red, sparkling, and even orange wines.

Sustainable Wines of All Colors
Viticulturalists in Long Island Wine Country are committed to sustainability. In alignment with the area’s agricultural ethos, vineyards use minimal pesticides and prioritize water conservation. Many participate in New York State’s Sustainable Winegrowing Program, which supports healthy ecosystems and vibrant local communities.

White Wines Take the Spotlight
Thanks to coastal influences, many vineyards on the North Fork and South Fork produce elegant Sauvignon Blancs with subtle minerality, crisp acidity, and lively citrus notes. Other notable white varietals include Chardonnay, Riesling, and Viognier.

Rosé Is Synonymous with the Hamptons’ Relaxed Vibe
Summer is the high season in the Hamptons, and rosé is the wine of choice for many. Light, dry and shaped by the maritime climate, these wines pair beautifully with the region’s abundant seafood. Their hues range from pale pink, reminiscent of their Provence cousins, to deeper rose tones with more pronounced sweetness.

Reds Are Equally Enticing
Red wine lovers have much to celebrate on the Long Island Wine Trail. East End vineyards grow red grapes that produce wines with an elegant balance of earthiness and fruitiness like Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Bordeaux-style blends. Innovative winemakers also showcase Syrah, Malbec and other full-bodied vintages.

Vineyards, Vineyards and More Vineyards
The North Fork has the lion’s share of Long Island’s 30+ vineyards and tasting rooms. Some require reservations, while others welcome walk-ins. Three equally scenic vineyards are located on the South Fork. On weekends, many offer live music and special foods like craft pizzas and local oysters to enhance the experience.

Hungry for more? Read Meryl’s article about Hamptons restaurants to try.

Where to Sample Some of the Finest Wines in Long Island Wine Country

For a memorable day of wine tasting and scenic views, hire a driver and explore these 10 outstanding vineyards:

Channing Daughters Winery
Tucked down a long driveway off Scuttlehole Road, this South Fork gem offers a broad range of whites, rosés, dessert wines, and orange wines (skin-contact whites). The serene outdoor setting is ideal for sampling Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Tocai Friulano, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat Malvasia, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Bianco; as well as reds like Merlot, Blaufränkisch, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Where:  On a side road in Bridgehampton near Sag Harbor’s restaurants, shops, and Bay Street Theater. Nearby farm stands and nurseries make perfect side stops.

Wine flights at Channing Daughters.

Jason’s Vineyard
A small, intimate vineyard known for its crisp Chenin Blanc, White Riesling, Viognier, and bold Malbec, Meritage and Merlot. Jason’s is part of the Damiano family portfolio which includes Pindar and Duck Walk Vineyards.

Where:  Located in Jamesport, near Riverhead’s Tanger shopping outlets and Suffolk Theatre, Jason’s is great for a post-shopping or pre-concert visit.

An outdoor seating area at Duck Walk Vineyard.

Kontokosta Winery
Set on a dramatic bluff overlooking Long Island Sound, Kontokosta offers a refined tasting experience with award-winning Cabernet Franc, red blends, Chardonnay and Anemometer White. Tastings and individual glasses are served in the meadow and on the bluff.

Where: Near the ferry to Shelter Island and Greenport village, Kontokosta is ideal for combining with a scenic day on the North Fork. Reservations are no longer required.

Kontokosta Winery’s tasting room.

Macari Vineyards & Winery
Known for innovation, Macari produces standout sparkling wines, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, and red and white blends. Macari’s Sparkling Horses Cabernet is notable for both its effervescence and distinctive packaging. Indoor tastings as well as outdoor seating are offered.

Where: The Mattituck-based vineyard sits near one of the area’s best ice cream stops, Magic Fountain, and Sang Lee Farms.

Macari’s tasting suite.

One Woman Wines & Vineyards
This small, woman-run vineyard is led by Italian-born Claudia Purita, who brings a personal touch informed by her family’s Calabrian farm roots. Offerings include Pinot Noir, Grüner Veltliner, and the whimsical Oyster White, a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and steel-aged Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer.

Where: In Southold, near seafood restaurants like A Lure, The Frisky Oyster and The Halyard. No large groups allowed.

Palmer Vineyards
A well-established Long Island winery near Jason’s, Palmer produces Albariño, Gewürztraminer, Viognier, Syrah, and late-harvest sweet wines. Sparkling selections round out the tasting experience.

Where: In Jamesport – pair your tasting with wood-fired pizzas for a full afternoon.

Wood-fired pizza while at Palmer Vineyards.

Paumanok Vineyards
One of the North Fork’s oldest vineyards, Paumanok offers Chenin Blanc, Dry Riesling, Rosé, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Late Harvest Riesling. Paumanok wines have been featured in the White House. Reservations are required.

Where: In Aqueboque, a short drive from the retro Modern Snack Bar, known for Long Island duck and homemade pies.

A red and a white from Paumanok Vineyards.

Pindar Vineyards
Long Island’s oldest family-owned winery, Pindar is a popular (and large) venue with a wine store, wine merch, and a wide range of red and white varieties and blends. Highlights include Pinot Grigio, Gamay Noir, and Brut made in the méthode champenoise. On weekends, enjoy live country music, line dancing in the tent, and a Peeko oyster stand.

Where: In Peconic — look for the large parking lot. Bring a chair for lawn seating as the deck fills quickly.

A selection of wines from Pindar Vineyards.

RG I NY
This Riverhead winery infuses Mexican-style winemaking techniques with North Fork terroir to produce exciting wines. Fermentation and blending result in RG I NY’s distinctive skin-contact varietals, Sauvignon Blanc-Sémillon and bold Cabernet Franc. Holiday releases feature artistically designed labels.

Where:  A short drive from Riverhead’s restaurants and theater.

A flight from RG I NY in Long Island.

Sparkling Pointe
A haven for sparkling wine lovers, Sparkling Pointe produces estate-grown, certified sustainable white, rosé and red sparkling wines – all made using the traditional méthode champenoise with Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay grapes.

Where: In Southold, with a gorgeous outdoor setting. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during bachelorette season. Nearby Greenport and Southold offer myriad dining options.

Sips and nibbles at Sparkling Pointe. Photo courtesy of Sparkling Pointe.

To learn more about Long Island Wine Country, visit their website, here.

-Story and photos by Meryl Pearlstein. Please note, the featured image is courtesy of Paumanok Vineyards