Eastern Long Island Vineyards

Wine tasting on the South Fork

Mar 15, 2009

Take a drive out to the south fork of Long Island and enjoy vineyards tours and wine tasting at these remarkable establishments.

Long Island is a unique vacation destination, what with its close proximity to New York, beautiful beaches, and quaint little towns. One of its more popular places to go, though, is out to the east end of the Island, specifically, to its south fork vineyards.

There are only a handful of vineyards out here, all of which offer tours, tastings, and otherwise complete and total isolation from the hustle and bustle of every day life.

Here are two of the very best vineyards that this area has to offer, in no particular order.

Live Music & Great Wine

Founded in 1994, Duck Walk Vineyard of Water Mill has quickly evolved into one of Long Island's best-known East End landmarks. The wine produced here includes some of the most popular names on Long Island, with the vineyard regularly producing over 25,000 cases of wine from some 130+ acres of vineyard, and repeatedly being recognized for its superb taste and overall excellent quality in national competitions.

The view from the tasting room truly can't be beat, with an awe-inspiring view of the Vineyard's lush landscape. The experience here is made that much more unique with live music playing on the tasting patio every Saturday and Sunday (weather permitting). The Duck Walk (South) Vineyard is open year round, seven days a week, from 11am-6pm in season, and 11am-5pm off-season. Tastings are done throughout the day, year round, and Summer tours of the winery are given Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm (there is a fee if you are a group of 15 or more).

A Unique Vineyard Experience

Perhaps one of the more distinct vineyards on the entire East End of Long Island is Wölffer Estate. Found in 1987, the entire estate was designed in the classic European tradition. All in all, though, despite its grandeur appearance, the vineyard itself is slightly above a total of just 55 acres, but as the saying goes, don't judge it by its size - the Estate pushes out13,500 cases annually. The wines themselves are also of European influence, with a rich concentration of fruit and lively acidity that greatly benefits from the rich, local soil.

The Wölffer Estate Winery is far and away removed from what many are accustomed to seeing out in the Hamptons. It is a 12,000-square-foot Tuscan building, filled with Old World charm. The tasting room itself seems like a grand hall with its high ceilings and historical pieces throughout. The Estate is open for tastings and tours during the Summer from Sunday through Wednesday, 11am-6pm, Thursdays, from 11am-730pm, and Friday & Saturday, from 11am-7pm. Thursday nights are definitely worth checking out, as live music is played, award-winning wines are sold by the glass, and complimentary cheese is served, all from 5-730pm, as the perfect way to kick start a weekend in the Hamptons one day early.

The copyright of the article Eastern Long Island Vineyards in New York Travel is owned by Jeffrey Bausch. Permission to republish Eastern Long Island Vineyards in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.