There’s such a huge spread of vineyards and winemakers on Long Island’s North Fork that you might as well call it the North Cork. (Sorry, had to.) But seriously, the area has the deep roots, scenic vineyards, and serious history to qualify it as a world-class wine destination, If you’re planning a trip to the sample the viticultural products of the East End, here’s our take on the nine best North Fork wineries to visit.
Bedell Cellars, Cutchogue
Still run by the Bedell family, this 38-year-old vineyard is a great example of what the North Fork has to offer. Having garnered numerous features in Wine Spectator (even one where Kip Bedell, one of the founders, was dubbed “Mr. Merlot”), this vineyard’s wines are clearly worth a taste on quality alone. Swing by the 1919 Cutchogue barn that houses its tasting room to sample a few glasses — while checking out the series with labels by local artists — and you’ll get what all the fuss is about.
Palmer Vineyards, Riverhead
As one of the original wineries on the North Fork, Palmer got a bit of a head start on the newcomers. It’s an estate operation, which means everything is done in-house, from grape to bottle — a rarer situation than you might think. The 90-acre property produces more than 20 varietals and around 10,000 cases a year. You can reserve a spot at the tasting room to claim your piece of the output.
McCall Wines, Cutchogue
A slightly newer kid on the block, McCall Wines was founded in 2007 and has earned quite few accolades — scoring in the 90s in Wine Enthusiast magazine, and even having its bottles poured at a James Beard Foundation Dinner. The tasting room is anything but typical, with decor (and bites) inspired by and sourced from the adjacent ranch. There’s also a Friday night burger night courtesy of the North Fork Food Truck.
Pindar Vineyards, Peconic
Another of the region’s first notable vintners, Dr. Herodotus Damianos (what a name!) started Pindar Vineyards in the 1980s to pursue his passion for wine as an art form. Today, it covers more than 500 acres and sells more than 70,000 cases over 23 varietals. The Peconic tasting room is open daily, and offers full tours on summer weekends.
Kontokosta Winery, Greenport
While the North Fork is known for vino, there aren’t too many vineyards that call Greenport proper home. Kontokosta’s massive hilltop tasting room is a commanding site that’s only really upstaged by its amazing ocean views. Having garnered coverage in the New York Times, Wine Enthusiast, and more, this place is a no-brainer for your wine tour itinerary.
Laurel Lake Vineyards, Laurel
Named after the small village of Laurel in which it’s located, the unassuming Laurel Lake Vineyards has a couple surprises up its sleeve. The place was originally started by Chilean and American vintners, and its wine-making process merges South and North American techniques. With a two-story tasting room overlooking the gorgeous vineyard, you’ll be happy you stopped in for a glass.
Pugliese Vineyards, Cutchogue
Family-owned and operated since the 1980s, Pugliese Vineyards is quintessential North Fork. Critically lauded wines? Check. Sparkling and port options? Check. Beautiful sprawling scenery? Check. If the Cutchogue tasting room is part of your tour (and it totally should be), try the champagne flight.
Macari Vineyards, Mattituck
In the North Fork especially, differentiating yourself as a winemaker is important. Macari has its share of hooks — things like national press, noteworthy awards, a strong team mixed with seasoned wine pros and family founders. But at its core, Macari is just a great winery. The main tasting room is in Mattituck, and you should probably (definitely) try the rosé.
Lenz Winery, Peconic
Founded in 1977 by Peter and Patricia Lenz after they closed a successful restaurant, Lenz Winery didn’t actually start churning out bottles until the early 1980s. Why? The couple subscribed to the French tradition of prematurely harvesting fruit to build a more, well, fruitful root structure in subsequent seasons. Today the winery has changed hands to different owners, but is still a reliable stop on a wine tour of the region.
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