You’ve survived the holidays and now it’s time for some well-deserved rest and relaxation to kick off the New Year right – but what to do? How about a Long Island Wine Country getaway?
You might think winery tours and tastings are an activity more suited to warmer times of the year. Let’s face it: a glass of wine with friends is fine whenever it happens. Besides, enjoying a glass of wine while snuggled up next to a crackling fire? That sounds even better, somehow doesn’t it?
North Fork Winery Tour, Part IV
This is the final installment in our series on self-guided winery touring in the North Fork of Long Island, which we call the North Fork Winery Tour, Part IV. Can you believe that within only 15 miles of our Bed and Breakfast-Arbor View House, there are more than twice as many wineries? Here, we will tackle the last few on our route.
16. Shinn Estate Vineyards, 2000 Oregon Road, Mattituck:
Power culinary couple Barbara Shinn and David Page made this winery their home after starting one of the first farm to table restaurants on the East Coast and having great success with a brewery and cookbook. Now, they have one of the only wineries on the East coast powered solely by alternative (mostly solar) energy. The tasting room is open Sunday thru Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and stay open until 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.
17. Gramercy Vineyards, 10020 Sound Ave Mattituck:
Head back towards Middle Road and take it through the town of Mattuck. Just Southwest of town, three and a half acres of Merlot grow exceptionally well in this small micro-climate. Founded in 2003 on a ‘gentleman’s farm,’ all fruit is hand-picked and sorted and aged in French oak for 18 months. The video below depicts a fundraising event that took place there.
18. Laurel Lake Vineyards, 3165 Main Rd, Laurel:
Head back down to Route 25 and a little over a mile down is Laurel Lake Vineyards. The winery boasts a colonial style building where tastings take place, filled with period antiques. A large two-story deck is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine while over looking the bucolic beauty of the agricultural North Fork of Long Island. The tasting room is open year round, seven days a week.
19. Macari Vineyards & Winery, 150 Bergen Avenue, Mattituck:
While the vineyard was established in 1995, the property has belonged to the Macari family for over 50 years and would not be a complete North Fork Winery Tour, Part IV without this amazing winery. They produce a wide selection of varietals, including Sauvignon Blanc, Reisling, Cobernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Pinot Meunier and others. Along with wines, the 500 acre property also boasts diverse livestock, including Longhorn cattle, Spanish goats, horses and more. The tasting room is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.