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In the past 25 years Long Island's wine industry has proven fruitful beyond expectations. While a little over a quarter of a century ago, Long Island's wine country occupied a paltry 17 acres of land, today vintners have planted an astounding 4,000 acres of vines. Of the region's 60 wineries, over 30 produce world-class wines (earning coveted gold, silver, and bronze medals). With a wine list almost as long as the Island itself, the region's wide mélange of red and white varietals include all the greats: Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc; and countless others. The nearly 30 wineries concentrated on Long Island's North Fork are open to the public, and it is no wonder that every year nearly half a million travelers make palate pilgrimages to Long Island for tours and tastings.
North Fork Wineries on Long Island, New York
Clustered along Route 48 and Route 25 on Long Island's North Fork, each winery offer its own unique ambience and expertly-fermented flavors.
Founded in 1974, Castello di Borghese in Cutchogue is Long Island's oldest winery, and its original owners can be accredited with the birth of the industry in the region. Prince Marco and Princess Anne Marie Borghese, boasting noble roots in ninth-century Italy, purchased the winery in 1999, and it has been flourishing ever since. Castello di Borghese has won numerous national and international awards, such as a gold medal for its Chardonnay 2002 Barrel Fermented at the 2005 New York Wine 7 Food Classic.
Castello di Borghese relies on the maritime microclimate and vitis vinifera vines to produce French style wines that reflect both exceptional terroir and variety. Wine critics throughout the country have praised Borghese wines, many of which are aged in French and European vintage oak barrels. The Merlot 2001 was aged in French oak barrels for thirteen months, and is praised for its “showy aromas” and soft fruit flavors. Castello di Borghese is open year-round, tastings and tours of the vineyards and facilities can easily be arranged.
Located in Peconic, Pindar Vineyards is Long Island's largest winery, producing 16 varietals (Chardonnay, Syrah, and Merlot, among others) on more than 500 acres of land. Numerous Pindar wines have won medals and awards. The 2005 New York Wine Contest awarded a gold medal to Pindar's 2001 Cabernet Port, and numerous silver medals to various wines including its Pythagoras. Pythagoras, an unusually well calculated blend of five Bordeaux grape varieties, has been getting much attention for its dry, full-bodied flavor, and good tannic structure. Guided tours of the vineyard, cold fermentation room, and oak cellar are available. While tastings are available (six wines for under $5), most tourists are happy to take part in Pindar's complimentary sampling held in the Old World tasting room.
South Fork Wineries on Long Island, New York
While the large majority of Long Island's vineyards are located on the North Fork, if you are looking for a vineyard near the Hamptons you won't be disappointed with South Fork's wineries. Despite its arguably inelegant name, Duck Walk Vineyard in Watermill is a 130-acre winery housed in a Normandy-style chateau. Founded in 1994, Duck Walk Vineyard claims a number of gold medal wines including Windmill Red, a 2004 Blueberry Port, and a 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2005 Annual Tasters Guild International Wine Judging awarded gold medals to Duck Walk's 2003 Pinot Grigio and 2002 Merlot Reserve; their 2003 Vidal Blanc Ice received a silver medal. Duck Walk's Pinot Grigio was described by New York Times as “virtually weightless,” with a “fairly long finish.” Duck Walk Vineyard is open daily for tours and complimentary tastings.
Also on the South Fork, 55-acre Tuscan-style Wolffer Estate, in Sagaponack, was founded in 1987. Thanks to the excellent terroir of the South Fork, comprised of water-retaining Bridgehampton loam soils and temperate Atlantic coast breezes, Wolffer Estate's German winemakers produce exquisite Chardonnays, Merlots, and Rosé wines. Grapes are grown low on the vine and are hand-harvested as late as possible to achieve optimal sugar levels. Wolffer's wines are aged in French oak barrels, which accent the wine's acidity with a subtle undertone. Long Island's costliest wine, the Premier Cru Merlot, is made from grapes grown on Wolffer's steepest slopes. Layers of tannins, well-balanced acidity, and oak accents are what make the lively Premier Cru Merlot a Long Island favorite.
Wineries in Long Island, the Hamptons, Montauk, Fire Island
Wineries
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