Long Island Wineries

The white-sand beaches of the North Fork encircle a broad, central agricultural belt that has soil and climate comparable to the finest wine-producing areas of France, making it perfect for growing and ripening grapes. With the quality of Long Island wines now rivaling that of the world's top labels and new varieties continually joining the beloved Merlot and Chardonnay grapes, the North Fork draws a growing number of serious wine lovers and sightseeing fun-seekers alike. Navigating the North Fork wine trail is really about deciding how often to stop. Most of the wineries are on Route 25, which runs east–west through the fork, or on Route 48, running north of and parallel to Route 25. Each winery has its own personality; some encourage a quiet focus on the wine, whereas at others you jostle for a place at the lively bar while listening to live music. Some are in old barns that retain rural charm with wide-planked wood floors, heavy beams, and old farming equipment. Summer weekends—particularly when bad weather foils beach plans—attract droves of winery-hoppers. Fall brings harvest festivals and day-trippers buying fresh vegetables at farm stands and mixed cases of wine for the holidays. Off-season, the wineries are very quiet, and you're likely to be showered with extra attention (and maybe even an extra pour or two in your tasting).

Information

Long Island Wine Council. Long Island Wine Council, 5120 Sound Ave., Riverhead, New York, 11901. 631/722–2220; www.liwines.com.