Less than twenty years ago, few people believed that fine wine could be grown on the eastern tip of Long Island. Today wine experts from California, France and other viticultural regions are amazed at the outstanding quality produced on Long Island estates. Seventeen wineries on this Fork, with more on the way, open their doors to wine lovers from around the world. The true experience of wine appreciation comes from actually touring vineyards, seeing the wine cellars and discovering the process of winemaking first-hand. Chardonnay, Merlot, Blanc, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and other vinifera varieties can be sampled in winery tasting rooms, most of which are open year round.
Modern technique meets old world tradition in the crafting of great American wines.
Row upon row of fine oak barrels attest to the commitment this award-wining community of wine growers has made to the region. The remarkable beauty of Long Island wine country offers great variety with each changing season. As Napa Valley is from San Francisco, the North and South Forks of Long Island are easily accessible from Manhatten and the tri-state area. With 20 full-time wineries and almost 50 vineyards on both East End forks totaling over 1400 acres of grapes, Long Island can produce three million bottles of wine annually. All North Fork wineries offer public tours, tastings and sales of their products to visitors, with and in-depth look at the winemaking process.