Long Island wineries have successfully dispelled the myth that a relaxing day of sipping wine at rustic wineries is the stuff of dreams for only those who can make the trek to Napa Valley. Since the 1970s when Long Island’s first commercial vineyard and winery was planted and founded, the region has developed a reputation for a unique vintage all its own.
With a maritime climate that brings in cool sea breezes, Long Island has become known to deliver intense aromatics and crisp acidity, along with moderate levels of alcohol. That might sound like a bunch of made-up words to uninitiated, but wine connoisseurs know exactly what those descriptors mean. And now, with Long Island wineries at the height of their popularity, even amateur sippers can spend a day like a true sommelier.
Guests utilizing the Inn at Fox Hollow for an extended stay should absolutely consider a day trip to one of Long Island’s wineries. Not only are there plenty to choose from, but it can be a tremendous day out under gorgeous blue skies, spent sampling dynamic wines amid pleasant conversations with friends and family.
The next time you stay on Long Island, consider a visit to one of these top vineyards and wineries.
Del Vino Vineyards
29 Norwood Rd., Northport, 844-335-8466
Following the 100-year-old traditions of its family in Italy, Del Vino Vineyards meshes extraordinary scenery with serenity for a vineyard with an atmosphere as delicate as Northport’s wine-making climate. Along with fine wines of all varieties, Del Vino also delivers a top-notch tapas menu, along with live music multiple times a week.
Vinizzo
343 Sea Cliff Ave., Sea Cliff, hello@vinizzo.com
Tucked away in Long Island’s North Shore town of Sea Cliff, Vinizzo brings a warm-hearted and community-driven approach to the art of winemaking, inviting you to tell your story while listening to theirs over a few glasses of refined wine. With strong Italian heritage at its back, Vinizzo’s wines enliven the senses with vintage bottles, as well as a North Fork chardonnay and merlot, as well as a California zinfandel.
Harmony Vineyards
169 Harbor Rd., Head of the Harbor, 631-291-9900
The tiny village of Head of the Harbor sits north of St. James and west of Stony Brook, and within its boundaries lives Harmony Vineyards. Complete with a historic tasting room dating back to the 1600s, Harmony introduces visitors to bordeaux-style red blends, chablis-style chardonnays, local beers, and gourmet Plates year round.
Duck Walk Vineyards
Duck Walk North, 44535 Main Rd., Southold, 631-765-3500
Duck Walk South, 231 Montauk Highway, Water Mill, 631-726-7555
The award-winning Duck Walk Vineyards encompasses two sprawling locations: the flagship vineyard and winery in Water Mill and the new tasting room in Southold. Both Duck Walk North and South offer live music on weekends, along with an array of special events like a wine country bike tour. While the winery offers a rare blueberry port, it’s perhaps best known for its various merlots and chardonnays.
Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard
2114 Sound Ave., Calverton, 631-369-0100
With the hospitable ambiance of its country setting, Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard is a welcoming and idyllic setting to enjoy the full-bodied and crisp flavors of wine. Using organic compost and natural fertilizers in its soil, Baiting Hollow delivers a unique product with flavor combinations that can only come from their particular batch of grapes. The tasting area is housed in an 1861 farmhouse that’s been completely renovated.
Channing Daughters Winery
927 Scuttle Hole Rd., Bridgehampton; 631-537-7224
This Bridgehampton vineyard produces local wines from more than two dozen grape varieties, while also growing through an independent, sustainable viticulture program. Channing Daughters offers a quaint tasting room with samples from multiple wines, along with wine notes and insight into the wine-making process. The artwork from owner and sculptor Walter Channing dots the estate, so keep your eyes peeled.
Wölffer Estate Vineyard
139 Sagg Rd., Sagaponack; 631-537-5106
This rustic, yet modern tasting room is everything you want in a Long Island winery. There’s views of sprawling, lush vineyards, as well as the pristine Hamptons landscape to gaze upon as you sip. Classically known for its rosé, Wölffer Estate has gained a reputation over the last few years for hard ciders, along with red and white wines. Winery tours are held on the weekends and there’s live music every Friday.
Getting There
This is one day trip you’ll definitely want to consider splurging on a car service to get you there and back. Inquire with the front desk at the Inn at Fox Hollow for recommendations on how to book a ride with a local limousine or shuttle company.
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