North Fork Wineries
The Perfect Getaway from NYC
Looking for an easy and affordable weekend getaway from NYC? This travel guide will tell you everything you need to know to plan the perfect weekend exploring the North Fork Wineries. This vineyard-studded region of Long Island is the perfect destination for families, food and drink enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates scenic seaside villages and waterfront views. Personally, we think the North Fork is the most underrated wine county in America! In this blog we break down all the best food spots, vineyards, places to stay, things to do, and more, allowing you to plan the perfect weekend getaway from NYC.
The Napa of the East
Located on the eastern part of the North Shore of Long Island, the 30-mile peninsula offers beaches, gorgeous views, picturesque towns, incredible restaurants, fishing and boating, and more. The region, which used to be known for potato farming, has become a stellar wine producing area over the past few decades and is now home to over 60 wineries! In fact, there are so many vineyards that the region is referred to as ‘The Napa of the East’, and is the third largest wine growing region in America. With so many wineries in such close proximity to NYC, heading out to the North Fork for a weekend getaway is an absolute must!
The tasting room experiences, massive vineyards, and unique winemaking styles begin on Route 25 and extend north across the North Fork of Long Island. The region is perfect for growing a large variety of grapes due to the maritime climate, offering the most sun and latest frost in all of New York. The three main wines produced in the area include Merlot, Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc, but most vineyards produce far more wines than those alone. You can expect the Long Island wines to have moderate alcohol and crisp acidity, allowing them to pair extremely well with a variety of foods.
Quick Tips
COSTS
Expect a fairly affordable weekend trip, with wine tastings running between $15 – $25 per person
BEST TIME TO VISIT
A great year round destination, with peak season being during the warmer months.
TIME ZONE
North Fork is just a short drive from NYC, making it within Eastern Standard Time (GMT-5)
Getting There
The North Fork wineries are the perfect weekend getaway from NYC, as the wine trail begins a quick 75 miles from NYC. The area is extremely accessible by car, but the biggest consideration is ensuring you have a designated sober driver. Luckily, there are also a number of accessible public transportation options and winery tour options to choose from! Transportation options include:
By Car
Head out to the Long Island Expressway, pilot your car onto Route 25, and within 1.5 hours you’ll approach the start of the wine trail. From there, explore as many wineries as you desire as you continue heading north towards Greenport.
Public Transportation
If taking public transportation (our preferred method), we recommend heading all the way out to Greenport or Southold first, starting your wine tour at Lenz Winery, then working your way south back towards the city. Personally, we prefer booking a hotel in the North Fork and taking public transortation home the following day.
- Bus: Check out the Hampton Jitney schedule.
- Train: Take the LIRR about 3 hours to Southold or Greenport.
Winery Tour
Another great option is to book a full day wine tour from NYC, offered by numerous tour companies! Tours begin with a pickup in NYC, a full day visiting 3-4 vineyards, and end back in NYC.
Transportation in Greenport
Rideshare cars are few and far between. The best way to get from Greenport to the start of the wine trail in Southold (about a 10 minute drive) is via taxi. The area has numerous taxi services which can be found online or recommended by your hotel. Biking is another popular option in the warmer months!
Neighborhood Guide
The North Fork Wine Trail spans across several towns, made up of a number of unique, charming neighborhoods. Check out the map below:
GREENPORT
The biggest and most popular town in the North Fork, and the place we will focus on most throughout this blog. This 19th century whaling village has become the region’s unofficial capitol. You can expect an adorable, bustling tourist destination with gorgeous water views, excellent restaurants, art galleries, parks, beaches, shopping, and more. The town is also bursting with attractions, such as the East End Seaport Museum, the Village Blacksmith, Railroad Museum of Long Island, Fireboat Firefighters Museum, Greenport Harbor Brewing (in a renovated firehouse) and the landmark Claudio’s restaurant, to name a few. And of course, our favorite part about Greenport is its close proximity to the wine trail!
SOUTHOLD
A mere 10 minute drive west of Greenport is this small town that is well-known for the start of the wine trail! The town is set amid beautiful farmland in the heart of the North Fork, offering wineries, restaurants, outdoor activities, and more. We recommend spending time in this town, but staying in Greenport for a more luxurious experience.
CUTCHOGUE
If you’re a wine lover, Cutchogue is another important stop on a trip to the North Fork! This town, located just west of Southold, is home to a number of well known wineries on the wine trail such as Lieb Cellars and Bedell Cellars.
MATTITUCK
This is the last stop on your way back to NYC where you can find a number of wineries and tasting rooms, gorgeous waterfront views, and a well known strip of lunch spots and shops called Love Lane.
Where We Stayed
THE MENHADEN
This gorgeous boutique hotel is located in the heart of Greenport Village and is an absolute dream! The hotel has 16 rooms and provides incredibly high-end service. From the moment you walk in the door, the staff will make you feel like you are at home. Furthermore, the hotel offers the only roofdeck in town, easy access to the beach and the North Fork wineries, and is conveniently located in the center of town.
Other Accommodations
SOUND VIEW
This iconic 1950s motel recently underwent a full renovation, becoming one of the hottest spots on the North Fork today. The 55-room waterfront hotel offers a private beach, effortlessly cool mid century-inspired furnishings, a moody piano bar, and the perfect mix of New England modernist and coastal minimalism.
AMERICAN BEECH
A 19th-century historic and centrally located boutique hotel in Stirling Square, Greenport Village. The boutique hotel is modern and tasteful, featuring eleven suites, as well as a gorgeous onsite bar and restaurant.
The Vineyards
OSPREY’S DOMINION
This family and pet friendly winery contains more than 90 acres of vinifera grapes and is well known for its fabulous live music scene! You can expect exceptional wine that has received very high scores in Wine Advocate, Wine Enthusiast, Wine Spectator, as well as awards at the New York Wine & Food Classic, Atlantic Seaboard competition, and Taster’s Guild International.
PINDAR VINEYARDS
This family-owned vineyard encompasses more than 500 scenic acres, produces more than 17 varieties of grapes, creates 23 varietals and proprietary blends, and sells more than 70 000 cases every year! In fact, it is the largest vineyard on Long Island and one of our favorite spots for a weekend getaway from NYC. You can visit the winery any day of the year, but be sure to check out their live music schedule on their website in advance!
BEDELL CELLARS
A pioneering family-owned winery that produces exceptional wines with a commitment to sustainable farming and artistically blending grapes grown in their unique maritime land. Their wines have achieved critical acclaim and were proudly served at the 2013 Presidential inauguration. Some of their best wines include Sparkling Rose, White Cabernet Franc, and Malbec.
MACARI VINEYARDS
The Macari family, who immigrated to New York from Italy, have an extremely long history in winemaking and a pretty massive following. Their 500 acre waterfront farm, with sweeping views of the Long Island Sound, produces a large variety of wines including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viogner, Grüner Veltliner, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Merlot.
JASON’S VINEYARD
This animal-friendly vineyard offers boutique wine in a cozy atmosphere, as well as live music every weekend. It is truly an idyllic North Fork spot.
PALMER VINEYARDS
The place to head when you want a lively crowd, a laid-back atmosphere, and some of the best award-winning wines on the North Fork! Established in 1983 by Robert Palmer, the vineyard remains dedicated to producing the highest quality wine possible and strikes a perfect balance of fun and fulfillment. Visit over the weekend to experience a rotation of food trucks and oysters, delicious wine, craft beer, and a sprawling backyard area where you can relax and sip among the vines.
JAMESPORT VINEYARDS
Founded by a father-son duo in 1986, it remains one of the oldest and most sought-after vineyards in North Fork. The vineyard features a newly-expanded tasting room, as well as a popular great lawn where people gather to enjoy great wine, light fare, and summer jazz concerts.
PAUMANOK VINEYARDS
This Aquebogue winery is committed to sustainability practices and has received numerous accolades over the years from the Wine Advocate, Wine Enthusiast, and the New York Food & Wine Classic. You can expect a spacious tasting room built on top of the barrel cellar and delicious wine produced using minimalistic winemaking techniques.
BAITING HOLLOW FARM
This is the first vineyard you will see on the South Avenue in the North Fork and another one of our favorites! Head here during the warmer months to experience live music every weekend, seasonal food trucks, and a number of special events – all situated among a gorgeous outdoor setting!
Restaurants
THE FRISKY OYSTER
This small, modern, upscale restaurant provides an out-of-this-world culinary experience in downtown Greenport! Make sure to book reservations at least 2 weeks in advance – and don’t miss out on the scallops!
NORTH FORK TABLE
Located in Southold, this elegant restaurant is considered by many to be the best meal in the area! While a bit pricey, you can expect seasonally inspired dishes that taste like they are delivered directly from the farm.
SOUTHOLD FISH MARKET
New England is known for their excellent seafood – lobster rolls being one of summers favorites but let us tell you that Southold is not exaggerating when they tell you they have the “Best Lobster Roll” around. Trust us.
NOAH’S
A contemporary, pioneering North Fork farm-to-table restaurant with a wine list that highlights bottles from nearby vineyards. The food is really focused on seasonal freshness, making it a year-round hot stop for locals and visitors.
LOVE LANE KITCHEN
A well known breakfast and lunch spot on Love Lane in Mattituck! The menu is full of mouthwatering breakfast items like challah French toast and made-to-order omelets that will leave you ready to conquer the day.
THE HALYARD
The place to go for fresh, local seafood direct from foragers, farmers, growers and fishermen in the area! The restaurant offers a light-filled dining room & seasonal deck that provides amazing views of the sun setting over the Sound.
LITTLE CREEK OYSTER FARM & MARKET
This little farmers market is immersed in local charm. Shuck your own bivalves while sipping one of Greenport Harbor Brewing Co’s endlessly quaffable local beers at this snug harborside cottage!
CLAUDIO’S RESTAURANT & CLAM BAR
Nestled in the heart of Greenport, this restaurant is one of Long Island’s most historic dining & boating sites! It sits on the Peconic Bay, offering dockside dining, incredible views, delicious seafood and two fun bars.
GOLDBERG’S FAMOUS BAGELS
Everyone knows that Long Island has the best bagel’s but we’re here to tell you that Goldberg’s is by far the best in all of North Fork. From breakfast sandwiches to deli meats, fresh coffee and more, you can expect to be blown away.
Other Things To Do
- Hit the Beaches
- Drink local beer at a number of local breweries
- Head to the shops on Love Lane
- Sail to Shelter Island
- Head over to New York’s premier lavender farm and one of the largest in the entire country: Lavender by the Bay in East Marion
Conclusion
Overall, we were blown away by the North Fork Wine Trail and consider it one of the best hidden gems in the northeast! The North Fork is affordable, accessible, and has so much to offer, making it the perfect weekend getaway from NYC. Thanks for reading our North Fork Wineries blog post! Be sure to head to our Destinations page to access many more worldwide comprehensive travel guides!
