Long Island Wine Country

Long Island's North Fork is where the first successful vines were planted by Alex and Louisa Hargrave on their potato farm in Cutchogue in 1973.

Early on they fought against droughts, diseases and hurricanes. But they persevered and their pioneering spirit has inspired others to follow their lead and produce world class wines.

Today there are more than 40 'world class' wineries in Long Island wine country.

Visitors to Long Island wine country will be pleasantly surprised that the region has maintained it's rural character yet can boast that its changes from acres of potato farms to the beautiful vineyards and tasting rooms now has a prominent "dot" on the map.

The world class wines, beautiful inns and the wide range of activities are waiting for you to take advantage of all there is to offer.

North Fork Climate

The North Fork area is a narrow section of Long Island that is bordered by the Long Island Sound, Peconic Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean and provides the area with a lengthy period of freeze-free temperatures.

The growing season is up to 3 weeks longer than the South Fork area.

South Fork Climate

The South Fork wine region is in an area known as the "Hamptons." It is a summer playground for many celebrities and glamorous parties. The deep, well drained loam-rich soil on the South Fork needs less irrigation than the vineyards on the North Fork.

The three major wineries on the South Fork are Duck Walk Vineyard, Channing Daughters Winery, and Wölffer Estate.

Wine Tastings

Many of the Long Island wineries are family owned and operated. They are involved in the business from planting vines, to managing the vineyard and making and producing the wines.

Many wineries have tours often given by the one of the winery's family members. During the tour questions are always welcome and you will get an insiders view as to what goes on behind the scenes.

After your tour of the winery, you can stop into the tasting room and try the local wines. There are 29 tasting rooms on the North Fork and 3 tasting rooms on the South Fork.

Directions

If you are traveling by car from New York City, take the Long Island Expressway (LIE) east and follow the directions below for the North and South Fork Wine Trails.

North Fork Wine Trail

Continue on the LIE to exit #71. At the end of the off-ramp turn right in a south-easterly direction along Rt. 24 to Rt. 105. At Rt. 105 turn left in a northerly direction to Rt. 25 (Main Rd.). Turn right and travel east on Rt. 25. For vineyards on Rt. 48 (Sound Ave./North Rd.) continue north on Rt. 105 to the end. Green "Wine Trail" road signs will guide you to the wineries.

South Fork Wine Trail

Continue on the LIE to exit #71. At the end of the off-ramp turn right in a south-easterly direction along Rt. 24 to Rt. 27. Proceed east on Rt. 27 into the Towns of Water Mill and Bridgehampton, following the winery signs.

Click here to download a map and additional directions.

Long Island Wineries

Some Things to Do and See on Long Island

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