Escape to Wine Country on the North Fork

July 27, 2023

Picture this: You’re sipping a crisp glass of Chenin Blanc on a sprawling outdoor deck, with amazing vineyard views, while a salty ocean breeze gently caresses your skin. No, you’re not in heaven — you’re wine tasting on Long Island’s North Fork. The region has become a hotbed of boutique wineries that feature excellent wines, plus beautiful tasting rooms, idyllic picnic spots, and tasty local cuisine. Plan the perfect weekend getaway on Long Island by booking a stay at the Menhaden, a charming retreat for wine lovers who want to get away from it all (and taste glass after glass of delicious vino). North Fork luxury hotels don’t get any better.         

 

The Best Wineries in North Fork

Many may not know it, but some of New York State’s best wineries are on the North Fork, an area that’s especially known for Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Chardonnay. One of the most popular spots is Macari Vineyards, notable for its family-run operations and biodynamic farming methods — grapes are farmed without herbicide and pesticide, and compost is used as fertilizer. Make time for a guided experience at the tasting room. These range from a curated flight of five of Macari’s top wines to a private rose-tasting paired with a delicious lunch; all experiences are guided by knowledgeable experts who take you through the vineyard’s history and the characteristics of each wine you taste. 

 

Aside from Macari, there are several other wineries worth stopping at. Fans of bubbly should make it a point to check out Sparkling Pointe, which specializes in effervescent wine. Spread across 40 acres, the vineyard is planted with all the classic Champagne grape varieties. At Lieb Cellars, veteran winemakers produce estate-grown, sustainably farmed wines that routinely win all manner of industry awards. And, perched above the bluffs of Long Island Sound, Kontokosta Winery boasts the most picturesque setting of the bunch. Enjoy views of the sparkling coastline while you sip family-made blends. Be sure to explore the property — aside from being incredibly scenic, this winery is also known for being entirely wind-powered.

 

Stay at a Wine Country Retreat

The Menhaden is located a stone’s throw from many of the best wineries in the area, making this boutique hotel a fantastic place for Long Island getaways. Start your morning off right with a gourmet coffee and buttery croissant from For Five Coffee, located off the lobby. Then, spend your days savoring local wine and breathtaking scenery and your nights cozied up next to one of our fire pits on the roof deck overlooking Greenport Harbor. As far as hotels near Long Island go, this is the ideal home base for tasting your way through wine country.