Top Winery Picks For 2021 On Long Island, New York

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Due to Covid, please get in touch with the wineries before visiting. Many require reservations or appointments and are offering limited access.

Long Island was not always the beautiful wine country it is today. Fifty years ago, they used the land to grow potatoes until folks thought that the cool climate would be the perfect place for vineyards. As of 2015, there are 56 wine producers in the state of New York. Many folks travel to the area to sample award-winning wines and take in the relaxing atmosphere.

See our updated winery picks for 2023!

The friends we were visiting in Massapequa chose their two favorite wineries for us to visit. The first one on our list is Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard. It was only about an hour’s drive from Massapequa to Baiting Hollow, and you are in another world. You are transformed from New York City’s bustling suburbs to a beautiful country landscape with vegetable stands offering their summer crops and homemade pies.

Baiting Hollow Family Vineyard

BHFV has an old country farmhouse with a barn for their rescue horses. This rustic farm has a rich family history and is run by the original owner, Sam Rubin’s children. Sam grew up in the city and eventually followed his heart to be a farmer. He eventually found this land and started experimenting with grapevines and other farmers in the area, and Long Island Wine Country was born. The climate, soil, and conditions were similar to other successful wine-producing regions, and Sam purchased the adjacent land, establishing itself as a winery.

The old 1861 farmhouse was renovated and turned into a tasting room for visitors. There is an outdoor area with live music and tables. Our friends took us here, knowing it would be the Sabbath, so we prepared our picnic the day before. They allow you to bring your own food and eat in the picnic area while listening to music, which was nice. This winery is not as fancy as some others, but it has character, and the wines are awesome.

BHFV also rescues horses. They accept donations for assistance with these beautiful animals.

Rescue Horses

Rafael Winery

Rafael Winery has a much different feel of a modern winery. The grounds are meticulously kept with gorgeous flower beds. Hydrangea abounds in the pristine setting, making a perfect wedding spot. The inside has a modern rustic feel, with old vines wrapping around the interior architecture.

Inside Rafael Winery
Interior Decor of Rafael Winery

Rafael Winery offers tapas and a tasting menu. The atmosphere and the generous pour make this one of our top wineries to visit. European grapes such as Cabernet Franc are harvested entirely by hand at this family-owned winery.

Thursday – Monday 12-6
39390 NY-25, Peconic, NY 11958
Phone: (631) 765-1100

A gift shop and seating areas are overlooking the landscape. Below is a photo tour of our time there.

Lush Gardens of Rafael Winery
Lush Gardens of Rafael Winery
The tasting area
 Wine vats at Rafael Winery Long Island Vineyard
Wine vats at Rafael Winery

Macari Vineyards

Located in the North Fork region of Long Island, Macari Vineyards has a long history of farming on Long Island. Its modern, elegant tasting room and spectacular vineyard views with their outdoor seating make this a top pick on Long Island. The staff is welcoming, and the views are amazing!

150 BERGEN AVE, MATTITUCK, NY 11952H OURS • MONDAY – FRIDAY: 9AM-5 PM, SAT & SUN: 11AM-5PM
(631) 298-0100
24385 MAIN RD, CUTCHOGUE, NY 11935 CLOSED FOR WINTER, RE-OPENING SPRING 2020
(631) 734-7070

Kontokosta Winery

If you are looking for a waterfront winery experience the Kontokosta Winery is your spot! Perched atop the sweeping bluffs overlooking the Long Island Sound, Kontokosta Winery offers hand crafted wines in the waterfront climate where they were created. It is a romantic experience! They offer tours, tastings and small plates.

They offer handcrafted, limited production wines. Kontokosta wine club extends a number of exclusive benefits to members, including select wines delivered to you every three months, discounts on tastings and purchases at the tasting room, and priority access to hosting private events at the winery. 

The Kontokosta family owns and manages the vineyard and farm operations on a day-to-day basis. They are active and involved owners and their daily involvement allows them to guarantee consistent fruit quality and ripeness from vintage to vintage.

Open Saturday – Thursday 11 AM – 5 PM
825 North Rd, Greenport, NY 11944-2261
631-477-6977

North Fork Region Wineries Best Wineries on Long Island New York
North Fork Region Wineries

Martha Clara Vineyards

The Rivero-González family has 15 years experience in the Mexican wine industry and recently purchased Martha Clara Vineyards in the North Fork Region of Long Island.

The Rivero-González family, one of the most renowned Mexican wine producers in Parras, Coahuila, and agreed to purchase Martha Clara Vineyards in Riverhead, N.Y. They offer vintage wines and new releases for sale. You will find a nice arrangement of wines for sale. Whites: Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier.

Martha Clara Vineyards is a 200-acre property located in one of the best places to grow vines. Thanks to its coastal location, ocean breezes keep temperatures moderate at any time of the year.


OPEN YEAR ROUND
Mon-Fri 11am-5pm
Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm
Reservations required for groups of 12 or more.

Sparkling Pointe Vineyards & Winery

Continuing down the North Fork Trail, you will find Sparking Pointe! If you are looking for sparkling wines (Champagne) you will want to stop here on your winery travels.

Sparkling Pointe’s has a state of the art winemaking facility. It was completed in the summer of 2010. The winery only produces Méthode Champenoise Sparkling Wines.

The winery features a bladder press for gentle whole cluster pressing of the grapes. A reserve room holds 1,700 gallons of base wines aged in French oak and stored in stainless steel drums. This allows visitors views of all steps of production with vistas overlooking the tank room and cellars.

Many of their wines have earned 90+ point scores from Wine Advocate, Wine Enthusiast, and Wine Spectator. Sparkling Pointe wines are consistently acknowledged as some of the best in the New York wine region. You can experience their wines at the Grand Tasting House. They offer guided, educational tastings that are conducted daily.

Open 7 days by Reservation Only
Curbside Wine Pick Up: 12pm – 4pm Daily
39750 County Road 48, Southold, NY 11971-5012
631-765-0200

Best Long Island Wineries
Vineyards on Long Island

Roanoke Winery

Roanoke has a reputation for being a hidden gem. Locals and visitors alike rave about the red wines offered at Roanoke. Long Island Wineries can face challenges when producing red wines. Roanoke does great job for the area. They offer farm to table events as well as tastings.

Roanoke Vineyards is Long Island’s only membership-based vineyard. They offer a wine club where you will have access to their estate wines. The club members have access to their events, kayaks, pick the grapes, and actually make the wine they call “The Hill.”

There is also a member’s tasting room where members and their guests are welcomed to spend snowy winter evenings by the fire, or venture out on the lawn in the summer months with a bottle of rosé. They accept new members on a quarterly basis, on an application basis which can be found at their Love Lane wine bar. Or you can call for more information.

Call for hours and accessibility.
3543 Sound Ave, Riverhead, NY 11901-1201
631-727-4161

Bedell Cellars

Bedell cellars offers both handcrafted reds and whites. You can taste their award winning wines under their mahogany pavilion with sweeping views of their vineyards and lush gardens for a truly relaxing experience. They also offer a loft area, with vaulted ceilings and a fireplace. You can view the barrel aging cellar through the viewing windows.

In addition to being able to taste their amazing wines, you will also be able to see the owner’s art collection while visiting. The artists are also featured on their Artist Series Labels.

Open Daily 11 AM – 5 PM
36225 Main Rd, Cutchogue, NY 11935-1346
631-734-7537

Channing Daughters Winery

Channing Daughter is a popular choice with wine country visitors. This winery grows and makes wines from over two dozen grape varieties. The white grapes include Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Tocai Friulano, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat Ottonel, Malvasia, Gewurztraminer, Ribolla Gialla and Pinot Bianco, and the red varieties include Merlot, Blaufränkisch, Dornfelder, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Teroldego, Refosco and Lagrein.  They are the only winery on the East End growing and producing wines from many of these grapes so you will be able to taste a wide variety of different wines.

At Channing Daughters, all of the grapes are hand picked. Then they only use the gentle whole cluster-pressing of white fruit. Red Grapes are stomped by foot and they use methods that are both traditional and artisanal with gravity bottling. Wine is grown by hand at Channing Daughters and they are known for their artisanal unique blends.


Call for access and hours
1927 Scuttlehole Road, Bridgehampton, NY 11932
631-537-7224

Wrap Up

In the end, Long Island is certainly diverse in its attractions. You will not run out of things to do here, from relaxing in the country to the summer hot spots along the coast. Make sure you stop by a roadside stand and pick up a homemade pie! I definitely gained weight on this trip hanging out with our Italian friends.

We made our way back to Massapequa just in time for the sun to set and us to welcome in the new week with dry-aged porterhouse steaks with a side of mushrooms and wine to end our perfect day in the vines. New York is also famous for its steak houses. Dry Aged Beef is a real treat and not easily found in Florida. Dry aging allows for a more concentrated beef flavor, and the meat is so tender!

Our friends planned the most amazing trip for us and the memories will last us a lifetime.

Let us know what wineries you have visited in the area in the comments below. We would love to hear from you!

Next we head off to Fire Island for a day trip!

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98 responses to “Top Winery Picks For 2021 On Long Island, New York”

  1. Julie Gazdecki Avatar
    Julie Gazdecki

    Wine Country Long Island Style looks like a perfect couples getaway!! DId not know there are so many wineries.

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      It is a fun trip! Thanks Julie!

  2. Cindy Avatar
    Cindy

    I’m not much of a drinker, however, I love visiting wineries and distilleries. They are so interesting to tour and learn about the process of making wine or whisky. And I enjoy the tasting parties too.

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      I agree. The tasting is fun but learning how it all works is fascinating! Thanks Cindy!

  3. Maya Avatar
    Maya

    Wow! Had no idea there were so many of them. Great pics!

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      You could definitely make a weekend (or more) of it! Thanks Maya!

  4. Tiffany Avatar
    Tiffany

    Amazing – lovely to think of Long Island and wineries! Would love to visit one day!

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      Thanks Tiffany! I hope you get there!

  5. Kristin Avatar
    Kristin

    How neat! I haven’t heard much about Long Island’s wine country before. Looks amazing!

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      We love it there. The south’s wineries have a bit to go. lol

  6. Danielle Ardizzone Avatar
    Danielle Ardizzone

    I had no idea there were so many wineries in the area! Thank you!

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      Thank you Danielle! Let us know if you get to any on the list.

  7. Maria Gustafsson Avatar
    Maria Gustafsson

    Now that looks like a great day! The tasting room was beautiful!

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      They really have some fantastic places!

  8. Kendra Avatar
    Kendra

    I love visiting vinyards when traveling. Wine country in Long Island looks fantastic!

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      It is a fun activity!

  9. Leeanne Avatar
    Leeanne

    I grew up going out to Mattituck every summer so I know this area of Long Island very well. My husband and I took a wine tour of a lot of these vineyards and really enjoyed ourselves. It’s a beautiful area to explore.

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      Oh I am so glad you loved it. I ready to go back and explore some more!

  10. Carolyn Avatar
    Carolyn

    I had no idea there were so many wineries on Long Island!

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      You have to see it! It is beautiful on Long Island!

  11. Kendra Avatar
    Kendra

    Thanks for sharing this. I honestly never considered that Long Island would have vineyards and wineries. I need to get out more. LOL

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      Haha, I hear you. I thought they were in upstate NY until I was able to see these.

  12. Trisha Avatar
    Trisha

    Wow! Looks like Long Island has some amazing wineries! The grounds are just beautiful! I’ll have to check these out when I am in the area.

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      New Yorkers do it right!

  13. Sabrina DeWalt Avatar
    Sabrina DeWalt

    The days of California being wine country are over. I was surprised at some of the places we have seen vineyards in our travels.

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      They are popping up all over!

  14. Larissa Li Avatar
    Larissa Li

    Interesting experience. I’ve never been to wineries. Thank you for excursion:)

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      Thank you Larissa! I hope you get to one soon. They are becoming more frequent in our travels.

  15. Chelsea Avatar
    Chelsea

    I love wine tasting. And the views are one of the best parts. The Lush gardens of Rafael Winery look gorgeous!

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      I agree that one had the best gardens.

  16. Melissa Jones Avatar
    Melissa Jones

    What great ideas! I have only recently begun to enjoy wine. Those are definitely great places to stop!

  17. kmf Avatar
    kmf

    Wow…this is such a great curated list of the top wineries on Long Island, New York. Love how they each have their own special something to create a unique experience.

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      They are all unique! I think that makes it so cool too.

  18. Keirsten Avatar
    Keirsten

    You had me at rescue horses 🙌💜🐴
    Those cellars are gorgeous too. Thanks for sharing 🍷

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      That one was cool. We are horse people as well so it was nice to visit with their horses.

  19. Tiffany Avatar
    Tiffany

    What a fun time! Would love to hit up some of these wineries!!

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      I hope you get there soon!

  20. lisa Manderino Avatar
    lisa Manderino

    There are a lot of choices! This looks like a great location to explore the New York Wineries.

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      Absolutely! I was surprised how many are there too.

  21. Alexis Farmer Avatar
    Alexis Farmer

    I’ve never been to a winery! All of these in Long Island look legit though!

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      They are! I hope you get to a winery soon. They are fun!

  22. Holly B Avatar
    Holly B

    WOW! Some really amazing wineries! I have to get up there one day soon… Visiting and trying new wines is always a great adventure for me!! Thank you for sharing

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      I agree! It is all about experiencing new things!

  23. Barbara Avatar
    Barbara

    What interesting information for exploring the wineries of Long Island! Sounds fun!

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      Thanks Barbara! I hope you get to visit soon!

  24. Megan Avatar
    Megan

    What a great list! I always think “city” when I think of New York, but really there is SO much beautiful land and wineries!

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      There really is. I have fallen into that trap before. But now that we go to LI regularly we like going there as much as the city.

  25. Candy Avatar
    Candy

    All of these wineries look amazing! Thanks for the info.

  26. Marianne Avatar
    Marianne

    Love doing winery tours. Before kids, we did them all the time. Now that the gang travels with us, we don’t do as many!

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      That is what your 50s are for! Once the kids are gone you can revisit that part of your life.

  27. Alexandra Booze Avatar
    Alexandra Booze

    Oh I just love learning about wineries! Discovering new ones is one of my all-time favourite past times. New York state has some gorgeous ones as well 🙂 Thank you for all of the tips!

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      Thank you for stopping by Alexandra!

  28. Dee Avatar

    I love visiting wineries. If you return, there is a wine bike tour which I recommend.

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      Sounds wonderful! I will be in touch when we do. Our good friends live there and although they come here more often I like to go and see them.

  29. Terri Avatar

    Beautiful pics! I think wine-making is fascinating.

  30. T.M. Brown Avatar

    This place looks fascinating. I love visiting wineries, but haven’t in some time. I remember visiting one in upstate New York near Alex Bay years ago. Thank you for sharing. I’ll have to add this to our must-visit list.

  31. Dennis Avatar

    It’s hard to imagine a better way to spend a fall day! Great views, wine, wonderful food and friends! Looks like a great place to visit!

  32. Carmen Avatar

    Such a pretty place and the food looks delicious!

  33. Arianny Avatar

    I live in Long Island so I visit the North Fork quite often. These are some great places you visited!

  34. Kirsten Avatar

    I’ve never been to a winery! I will have to try this one when I travel up north!

  35. Monica Avatar

    I like wine but those dry aged steaks oh my! 🙂 Looks like a fun tour and trip. Maybe once the kids are older a definite must.

  36. Pauline Avatar
    Pauline

    This looks lovely. I think of new York as being cold so I wouldn’t have expected wineries.

  37. Kathryn at QuestFor47 Avatar

    What fun! Definitely a great point of interest in Long Island. And so pretty!

  38. Laura Avatar

    I love a great winery tour!. This looks like a really fun one. Will have to check it out!

  39. Jennifer Avatar

    This looks like an amazing winery. I have not been wine tasting in years. And the food looks amazing too!

  40. Mary Avatar

    This looks like such a great trip! I’m within driving distance, and this looks like a great way to spend some time. Thanks!

  41. Nikki Avatar

    Looks like you guys had a blast. I’ve never gotten to explore the area but of course knowing about the wine I may have to put it on the list. I love that it has coastal adventures and country adventures. Great post!

  42. alison Avatar
    alison

    Rustic barns, rescued horses, good friends, and great wine. What an amazing weekend. This is not far from me for a nice long weekend. Thank you

  43. Nicki Avatar
    Nicki

    What beautiful places to explore! Thank you!

  44. Jocelyn Avatar

    Beautiful scenery! It looks like you had a lovely time.

  45. Janine Avatar
    Janine

    I’m not a wine drinker, but I do love vineyards. It’s such a beautiful landscape.

  46. Flor Avatar

    Both wineries look amazing but the dry aged beef has my heart! 😀 Loved your post and your pictures!!!

  47. Katie Avatar

    I’m not a huge wine drinker but I love vineyards! They are so pretty.

  48. Missy Avatar

    Beautiful grounds and vines. We enjoy touring wineries and looking for more to visit. Thank you for sharing about these locations.

  49. Holly Bird Avatar

    Not only does this look like a great winery to visit, the food looks great too! Thank you for sharing this fantastic place!!

  50. Noelle Avatar

    Wine tasting is a must in new areas! Thank you for highlighting Long Island.

  51. Courtney Radmall Avatar

    Such a beautiful place! And that food looked amazing!

  52. Julie Avatar

    This is more my speed for visiting New York. Even if I’m not a wine drinker. The dinner and atmosphere look so relaxing.

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      The dinner was amazing! I had never had dry aged beef like that that I can remember. Delicious!

  53. Karie Avatar

    This looks so lovely. What a peaceful relaxing way to spend a day.

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      Our friends know we keep the Sabbath so they picked it for this reason. The wineries allowed us to bring our own prepared food and non-alcoholic beverages for a picnic so we did not violate our beliefs. Our friends ordered their wine and we tasted from theirs. (We might have cheated a little with that!) But it was such a nice time and very relaxing!

  54. Dominique Avatar

    I just started getting into the winery scene (in the Temecula area.) I love the pictures! I’ve never seen a winery quite like this one.

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      Dominique that is the cool part. They are all different!

  55. Kristie Avatar

    This looks like a fantastic winery to visit. Interesting information, beautiful scenery, and of course wine! The food looks amazing as well. Looks like yet another area of the US I need to explore more!

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      The US alone could take a lifetime! lol

  56. Susan Franklin Avatar

    What an awesome trip. I love the pictures. Wineries are so beautiful. We’re not wine connoisseurs, but I would definitely visit just for the view!!

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      Thank you! The great part is you do not have to be! I tend to get stuck in what I know and never try anything new. Having small samples expands your knowledge.

  57. Angela Avatar

    I love your site! Really enjoyed this post, I’m from Manhattan and been to LI many times. The winery is just beautiful and that dinner Yum! Funny how hanging out with Italians you gain weight. lol 😉

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      Yes! Long Island is not what people think. Beautiful farms are everywhere!

  58. jen Avatar

    looks like it was a great time! I don’t really drink but it looks like there is still plenty to enjoy.
    https://www.thisfamilyblog.com

  59. Pam Avatar

    Those both look like lovely wineries to explore! I love visiting a fun winery!

  60. Cathy Avatar

    Wish I had this info when we were on along Island a few years ago. Sounds like a great time!

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