February 15, 2022 Wilfred Joseph
Sparkling Pointe Sign

 

Vineyards and Wineries on the North Fork of Long Island

For the best wine on Long Island, go no further than the Vineyards and Wineries on the North Fork of Long Island. Yes, the Hamptons on the South Fork of Long Island have those beautiful white sand beaches, while our lovely North Fork beaches are pebbly. It’s true, but join us here if you love to be where the wine is.  So,  when you stay at our B&B near Greenport, NY, you’ll be in the heart of Long Island Wine Country.

Far and away, the North Fork is where most Long Island wineries are clustered. The clustering is partly because of the sunny yet protected maritime climate. The glacial soils also drain well, providing enough nutrients and moisture for the vines. Many people on the East Coast still don’t realize that a tremendous wine-producing area is only a short drive away! However, wine lovers have gotten the message. The wine-making industry has grown considerably since the first winery, Hargrave Vineyards in Cutchogue, opened in 1975. It is now called The Borghese Vineyard. The Long Island Wine Region has over 55 wineries open to the public, with 4000+ acres of vines.

The American Viticultural Areas of Long Island–North Fork of Long Island, The Hamptons, and Long Island, are recognized as some of the country’s finest grape-growing and wine-producing AVAs.

Most of the acreage is Vinifera grapes. Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay are the main varietals. Still, others include Chenin Blanc, Dolcetto, Gewurztraminer, Lemberger, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Syrah, Tocai Friulano, and Viognier.
One of my favorites is Kontakosta in Greenport.  The winery is set back in the vineyard at least a quarter of a mile from the street. You come upon this majestic building designed and built with reclaimed barn wood and glass.  On a clear day of the Long Island Sound, there is a magnificent view at the end of the property.  This is the only vineyard with a view of the sound.

Great wines are produced only a short drive from New York City and other major East Coast cities. Come to Long Island’s North Fork and experience some of the best wines in the U.S. without traveling very far! Our Bed and Breakfast near Greenport is just the place to stay during your East End Long Island wineries tour.

  1. Kontakosta
  2. Sparkling Pointe, a winery in Southold, specializes in sparkling wines. Cynthia and Tom Rosicki, a couple who fell in love with the beauty and potential of the North Fork of Long Island, founded Sparkling Pointe. Their passion for creating exceptional sparkling wines and promoting the region has helped to make Sparkling Pointe one of the premier wineries in the area. The winery’s focus on traditional winemaking methods and its commitment to quality over quantity has led to numerous accolades and awards, including being named “Winery of the Year” by the New York Wine and Grape Foundation. Sparkling Pointe produces sparkling wines, just as its name suggests, including Brut, Rosé, Blanc de Blancs, and others. My favorite is the Brut. The winery uses traditional methods to deliver its wines, including hand riddling and disgorging, allowing maximum flavor and character in the final product. The winery also has a tasting room and outdoor patio with vineyard views, making it a beautiful and relaxing destination for wine lovers. They often run out of blends that become popular. The winery hosts various events throughout the year, including live music performances, food and wine pairing events, and educational vineyard tours.
  3. Bedell Cellars is a family-owned winery founded by Kip Bedell in 1980 and located in Cutchogue. It has since become one of the most acclaimed wineries in the region. Bedell Cellars produces various wines, including Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and blends. The winery is mainly known for its Merlo which has won numerous awards and accolades, including being served at the presidential inauguration of Barack Obama in 2013. Visitors to Bedell Cellars can enjoy wine tastings, tours of the vineyard and winery, and special events throughout the year.
  4. Macari Vineyards is a family-owned winery located in Mattituck. The vineyard was founded in 1995 and has since become one of the region’s most highly-regarded and largest wineries, with over 500 acres cultivated. Macari Vineyards produces various wines, including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and blends. The vineyard is mainly known for its Bordeaux-style red blends, which have won numerous awards and accolades. My favorite is Cab Franc. The vineyard is certified as both a sustainable and organic winery. Its beautiful location, dedication to organic farming, and exceptional wines make it a standout in the region. The winery has a tasting room and outdoor patio with vineyard views.
  5. Paumanock Vineyards, one of the earliest to plant grapes, is a family-owned and operated winery in Aquebogue. The vineyard was founded in 1983 by The Massouds. The vineyard has won many awards, including the 2015 Festival of New York State Wines Governor’s Cup for their 2010 Merlot Grand Vintage. The 2018 New York Wine Classic for their 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon was named the Best Red Wine of the competition. In 2019 at the New York Wine Classic, Paumonock won the prestigious Governor’s Cup for their 2017 Riesling as the Best Wine in New York State. Paumonock won the 2020 New York Wine Classic for their 2016 Grand Vintage Merlot, which won the Best Merlot category. In addition to its wines, Paumanock Vineyards is known for its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The vineyard has implemented several practices to reduce its carbon footprint, including solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and installing electric vehicle charging stations. Visitors to Paumanock Vineyards can enjoy wine tastings, tours of the vineyard and winery, and special events throughout the year.
  6. The Old Field Vineyards is a family-owned winery located in Southold. Run by a mother-daughter team, the vineyard was founded in 1974. The Old Field Vineyards produces various wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and blends. The vineyard is known for its focus on sustainable farming practices and minimal intervention in the winemaking process, allowing the grapes’ natural flavors to shine through. Its commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the region, dedication to sustainable farming, and exceptional wines make it a standout in the area. One of the unique features of The Old Field Vineyards is its history. The property has been in the Baiz family for over 100 years. The original farmhouse and barns have been preserved and restored. The winery also has a tasting room and outdoor patio with views of the vineyard and Peconic Bay, making it a beautiful and relaxing destination for wine lovers.


October 6, 2017 Wilfred Joseph

Long Island Wine Country VacationThere’s never a bad time to enjoy a Long Island Wine Country vacation and historic Greenport Village makes for the perfect North Fork home base.
Long Island’s North Fork is wine country, with some 3,000 acres of vines, vineyards, and tasting rooms. This happy fact alone makes Long Island’s North Fork the perfect place to get away from it all. Greenport is located in the heart of Long Island’s wine country. This makes the historic, Long Island village a naturally convenient home base for visiting our many wineries.



June 12, 2017 Wilfred Joseph

North Fork Trolley Wine Tours Looking to get out on the North Fork Wine Trail but not looking forward to the driving? Park your car and discover Long Island wineries with North Fork Trolley Wine Tours!
Long Island Wine Country is the perfect summer playground for the discerning vacationer. The weather is fantastic, the people warm and friendly, and there are lots of vineyards to visit!
Long Island’s North Fork is home to nearly 40 wineries that are open to the public. The area has long been considered as one of the best viticultural areas in the country. A taste of any of our local wines will bear that truth out!



January 11, 2016 Wilfred Joseph

Long Island Winterfest 2016Long Island Winterfest – Live On the Vine, is an annual five week long, mid-winter music, wine, and art festival, scheduled for February 19th through March 20th, 2016, and bringing big name acts like Judy Collins, Jefferson Starship, and Amy Helm to Long Island’s scenic north and south forks.
Long Island Winterfest is a much anticipated mid-winter festival that includes over 90 exciting events spread out over 5 weeks and taking place in more than 30 venues, including 23 world-class, Long Island wineries.



April 25, 2012 Wilfred Joseph
Spring Wine Tasting Weekend, Long Island Bed and Breakfast
Plan a spring wine-tasting tour of Long Island.
A 2012 Spring Passport to Long Island Wine Country special is underway through June 1. In other words, this is a fabulous time to come spend a few days at  Arbor View House our  North Fork Long Island Bed and Breakfast near historic Greenport, NY.
Do you know how fun it is to visit a foreign land and come home with a new stamp on your passport? Well, each time you visit a participating Long Island Winery and purchase a bottle of wine, you'll get a stamp on your "passport".
Visit at least 10 participating wineries and receive:
  • A complimentary tasting of featured wine (with purchase of any in-house tasting).
  • 2 admission tickets for the price of 1 to the 2012 Taste of Summer event at Old Bethpage Village on June 2.
  • A chance to win an East End Experience Gift Package.
 Passport to Long Island Wine Country

In addition, you'll have had the wonderful experience of visiting many Long Island wineries and trying their wine. Like travel, this will broaden your mind and tantalize your palate!
Participating Long Island Wineries are too numerous to list here, but all 35 of them are listed on the Long Island Wine Country website.
Rest assured, you'll find many participating wineries close to our North Fork Long Island Bed and Breakfast. Peconic Bay Winery, Bedell Cellars, and Old Field Vineyards (try their Cabernet Franc) are three of the closest.
When you stay with us you'll get a wine discount card that will increase your savings even more.
Plan a Spring Wine Tasting Getaway on Long Island soon, and fill your passport!

Here is a list of some popular wineries and vineyards located on the North Fork of Long Island:

  1. Bedell Cellars
  2. Castello di Borghese Vineyard & Winery
  3. Croteaux Vineyards
  4. Jamesport Vineyards
  5. Kontokosta Winery
  6. McCall Wines
  7. One Woman Wines & Vineyards
  8. Palmer Vineyards
  9. Pindar Vineyards
  10. Roanoke Vineyards

Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and there are other vineyards and wineries in the North Fork of Long Island that I list on the complete winery and vineyard list.



February 27, 2012 Wilfred Joseph

Good wine is delectable. Good jazz is delightful. The combination of outstanding wine and jazz is cause for jubilation. These days there is much jubilation on the North Fork of Long Island, thanks to Jazz on the Vine.

Long Island Winterfest, Jazz on the Vine
Several weekends of superlative jazz and wine on the North Fork of Long Island.

Jazz on the Vine brings exceptional jazz musicians to Long Island wineries from February 11 to March 18, 2012. During these six weekends, North Fork wineries simply buzz with activity and music. Guests of our Long Island Bed and Breakfast are well situated to take advantage of all the special events.
This is the fifth winter that jazz and wine are joining forces on Long Island. The program in 2012 is even bigger and better than in past years, with more than 70 performances at 20 wineries. On any given day, one can hear several performances and try wines from different vineyards.
Jazz on the Vine hosts award winning jazz groups, such as the Vadim Neselovskyi Trio and All that Jazz, an All Star Super Band known for its expansive repertoire rooted in Mambo, Funk, Nordic, South African and Jazz. There are jazz quartets, jazz singers, and funky duos. There are Afro-Cuban Jazz musicians, Brazilian musicians, and musicians with Gospel roots. The variety of music that floods North Fork Wineries during Jazz on the Vine is almost as astounding as the sheer talent behind it.
Participating New York wineries include: Bating Hollow Farm Vineyard in Baiting Hollow, Macari Vineyards in Mattituck, and Peconic Bay Winery in Cutchogue. Numerous performances take place each Saturday and Sunday. Venues include waterfront tasting rooms and majestic estates overlooking acres of grape vines. Avid wine tasters and jazz fans can make their way from one vineyard to the next, sipping different varietals as they are serenaded by different musicians.
You won’t want to return to the city after an afternoon of wine tasting. You’ll want to sleep on the North Fork of Long Island and then repeat the glorious experience the following day. You can. Spend the weekend at Arbor View House, our New York Bed and Breakfast near Greenport.
Please find more information at Jazz on the Vine.



December 21, 2011 Wilfred Joseph

Our New York Bed and Breakfast is located on the North Fork of Long Island. We’re close to the glitter and opulence of the Hamptons, but the mood is more down to earth here. The towns are small and unpretentious. There are more fruit stands than bars along the roads, and more antique shops than high-end boutiques. It’s bucolic here, and we like it that way.
Guests come to our Long Island, NY Bed and Breakfast to get away from the noise and bustle of the city. They come here for fresh air, windswept beaches, and small town charm. It’s impossible not to feel reinvigorated and rejuvenated after a few days here.
Our inn sits near the tip of the North Fork of Long Island. We’re surrounded by water and beaches, and the beaches are reminiscent of Mediterranean beaches. The water is clear, the sand smooth, and the surf gentle. Even in the wintertime, there is no better place to watch the sunset than from one of the nearby beaches.
When guests have had their daily fill of beach walking, many enjoy exploring the Village of Greenport, which is just down the road from our inn. At this time of year, visitors find inspiration in the many interesting shops located in that quaint, historic town. Several antique stores feature furniture, fine arts, folk art, hand crafted stained glass, nostalgic toys, and other fun items. A number of jewelry stores feature hand made originals as well as big name jewelry, and two outstanding stores deal in wine and spirits.

beach
Rediscover your inner child; relax on Long Island beaches.

Indeed, wine tasting is a favorite activity out here. In the last couple decades, many of the farms on the North Fork of Long Island have been replaced by small wineries; and more than 2 dozen wineries are close to our Long Island, New York Bed and Breakfast. Northfork Wine Tours operates out of Greenport; they’ll collect you at our inn in the morning, whisk you away for 8 hours of wine tasting at various North Fork Long Island wineries, and return you here safely in the evening.
Come discover the North Fork of Long Island. Plan to spend a few days at our New York Bed and Breakfast as soon as you can.



August 14, 2010 Wilfred Joseph

Looking to try some Long Island wines?  Long Island wine country has numerous amounts of wineries and all of them have fabulous wines.  However, there are some that just seem to have received a little more attention than others!  The following wines have been noted as some of the “must try” Long Island Wines selected by the Long Island Wine Guide.  Sit back, sip, and enjoy!  Cheers!!

Osprey’s Dominion 2000 Flight Meritage: This full-bodied blend of Merlot (60%) and Cabernet (40%) boasts a blackberry aroma with layers of new smoky oak and fleeting herbal notes and features a velvet texture with ripe tannins and a long finish. A winner of the “Best in Class” at the 2004 New York State Fair, the “Double Gold Medal” at the 2004 Tasters Guild International and the “Gold Medal” at the 2004 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition. Average price per bottle: $35.
Castello di Borghese 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 Reserve: This Cabernet, with its deep ruby garnet appearance, features a rich start that tapers to a textured, rounded and well balanced finish. Look for hints of licorice, black plum, vanilla and black cherry. Average price per bottle: $35.
2002 Sherwood House Merlot: A bright deep ruby red wine, the spicy and peppery scents of the 2002 Merlot come together with a delicate fruity nose, developing a charming aromatic bouquet of raspberry and floral. Vanilla and oak flavors add to the complexity of this wine, melting with its delicate structure. Average price per bottle: $24
Laurel Lake 2002 Syrah: This full-bodied wine, barrel aged in French Oak for 18 months, is a fine example of the intense flavor for which the North Fork is well known. The 2002 Syrah is soft and silky with hints of pepper. The palate gives generous berry flavors with fine toasty oak finish. The Laurel Lake 2002 Syrah was a winner of the Florida State Fair International Wine Competition 2002. Average price per bottle: $20.
Lieb Cellars 2003 Chardonnay Reserve: On the heels of its award winning 2002 vintage, Lieb’s 2003 Chardonnay Reserve may even beat its predecessor. Whole cluster pressed, using only first-run juice, it was stainless fermented with finishing for six months in neutral French oak. Elegant and well balanced with aromas of spiced apple and pear, hints of marzipan and toastiness, this Chardonnay flows beautifully on the palate. Average price per bottle: $18.
Martha Clara 2004 Five-O White: A blend of six white varietals including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Viognier and Gewürztraminer, bringing together the best of each varietal. This medium-bodied white reveals deep exotic perfumes and more subtle flavors of white fruits. Try this 2006 Jerry D. Mead New World International Wine Competition “Silver Medal” award winner with seafood. Average price per bottle: $25.
Macari Vineyards 2003 Reserve Barrel Fermented Chardonnay: This elegant chardonnay was crafted in small quantity, using only hand-selected grapes. It features an enticing nose of caramel, apple and spicy Asian pear that leads to a creamy, almost frothy sensation on the palate. This chardonnay offers the perfect balance of fruit and oak, with hints of tropical fruits and stone fruit. Average price per bottle: $25.
Castello di Borghese 2001 Merlot: Aged in French oak barrels for 13 months, this Merlot is well balanced with aromas of rose petal and cinnamon, a soft fruit flavor with a hint of black pepper and a beautiful garnet color. Average price per bottle: $20.
Palmer 2003 Merlot: This merlot features ripe plum and berry flavors balanced with soft tannins and smoky oak. Its rich color and supple structure are a fine compliment to red meats, pork, poultry and medium flavored cheeses. The 2003 Palmer Merlot was a “Silver Medal” winner in the 2005 Taster’s Guild International competition. Average price per bottle: $19.
Osprey’s Dominion 2001 Reserve Chardonnay: A “Silver Medal” winner at the 2005 New York Wine & Food Classic, this delicious chardonnay features a ripe tropical fruit aroma of pineapple and grapefruit with hints of green apple, toasted oak and vanilla. Aromas of apricot, peach, pineapple and toasted yeast round out this unique delight. Average price per bottle: $20.


August 6, 2010 Wilfred Joseph

If you plan to visit Long Island vineyards, make sure to add Martha Clara’s Vineyard to your list.  Martha Clara’s Vineyard on the North Fork of Long Island was purchased by the Entenmann’s family in 1978 and was originally a potato farm.  In 1995, they caught the “grape bug” and planted 18 acres of vitis vinifera grapes and they haven’t looked back since.  Over the next four years, they expanded to over 100 acres of growing grapes and the vineyard is just lovely. 
In addition to growing grapes, Martha Clara’s Vineyard has a variety of activities that are just perfect for a romantic getaway to the wine country of Long Island.  Horse drawn carriage tours and wine tastings are available on an ongoing basis.  The August and September calendar of events are chock full and are as follows: 



May 26, 2010 Wilfred Joseph

The first annual Long Island Wine and Food Festival takes place on June 25-27th and plan to be part of the festivities! The Long Island Wine and Food Festival starts on Friday with a VIP Kickoff Reception at Roanoke Vineyards at 7 P.M. Over four dozen local wines will be tested and local flavors will be prepared by aMano Osteria & Wine Bar.
On Saturday, June 26th, the day will be jam packed with events at local vineyards starting at noon. Renowned chefs will include Chef Lia Fallon, a New York-based chef and food stylist extraordinaire; Chef Arie Pavlou, Executive Chef at the soon-to-open Comtesse Therese Bistro in Aquebogue; and Chef Noah of Noah’s Place in Greenport. Paula Croteaux, owner of the Farmhouse Kitchen Cooking School, will be doing  demonstrations;  organic wines will be paired with chocolate, art shows will be happening, and wine, wine, and more wine will be flowing!
Sunday the weekend wraps up with a Grand Tasting at Mitchell Park in Greenport. Over 50 local wineries and restaurants will participate while overlooking the lovely view of the harbor. Weekend guests of the Arbor  View House Bed and Breakfast will receive two complimentary tickets for the Grand Tasting on June 27th, so make your reservations soon!