16 Mar NEW YORK ESCAPES: PLAN YOUR LONG ISLAND GETAWAY

Winter is coming to a close and spring weather is finally here. Now, it’s time to celebrate the warmer weather, longer days and more time spent outdoors. When’s the last time you got away? Say hello to spring with a mini-vacation on Long Island. Here are our favorite getaways for a little inspiration.

LONG ISLAND WINE COUNTRY

Long Island Wine Country, which first took root in Cutchogue in 1973, continues to grow and change each year that it welcomes visitors. Today, the area has developed a reputation as one of the country’s most acclaimed, up-and-coming winemaking regions.

There is an abundance of vineyards in the North Fork. Visit any of this area’s great vineyards, and you’ll get to sample wine with unique flavors you just can’t find anywhere else. Winemakers attribute that to Long Island’s unique topography and beachfront locale.

This fall, two groundbreaking new wineries are celebrating the harvest along with the regions more than four dozen established wine producers.  Kontokosta in Greenport and Coffee Pot Cellars in Cutchogue both offer something different from their North Folk neighbors.

KONTOKOSTA WINERY

825 North Road, Greenport, NY 11944

As the first winery with a waterfront view of Long Island Sound, at Kontokosta Winery you’ll note only get to sample great-tasting wines; you’ll get to enjoy your surroundings, too. The vines at this establishment cover 23 acres near the tasting room, which is housed in a gorgeous open room with lots of natural light. Constructed as a LEED Gold-certified winery, Kontokosta also features siding on the building’s exterior that was recycled from a 100-year-old barn.

Kontokosta Winery’s tasting room is open Sunday, Monday, and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

COFFEE POT CELLARS

31855 Main Rd, Cutchogue, NY 11935

Coffee Pot Cellars is a small-batch winery that has been producing premium wines since it opened in 2008. The wines produced at Coffee Pot Cellars is made using grapes from expertly-farmed vineyards. The tasting room, which opening in 2013, also features fresh honey and beeswax products from a local beekeeper.

Coffee Pot Cellars’ tasting room is open Friday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

OHEKA CASTLE

135 W Gate Drive, Huntington, NY 11743

If you really want a vacation from life, why not make fantasy a reality by staying in a castle while you’re away? Financier and philanthropist Otto Herman Kahn built Oheka Castle on Long Island’s famous Gold Coast in 1919. The 443-acre estate is decorated with gorgeous formal gardens and rooms complete with antiques and original artwork.

At the time of its construction, the French-style chateau was, and still is, the second-largest private residence ever built in America at 109,000 square feet and 127 rooms. Today, Oheka is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is admired as a premier venue to host weddings, celebrations, and corporate retreats. The estate has also been the backdrop to many famous music, television, film and photo productions.

Mansion tours of the estate and gardens offer guests the unique opportunity to learn about Oheka’s rich history and experience the grandeur of this magnificent estate.

THE HAMPTONS

With its beautiful scenery, fine restaurants and events that show off the natural splendor of its surroundings, an escape to the Hamptons is always a great way to spend a vacation. Though it’s a beach town, it’s a place worth visiting any time of year. Ice sculpting, live music, theater, incredible food and the ocean make it a special place to getaway in any season.

You deserve a break now and then. This shortlist of Long Island offerings fit the bill and hopefully serve as inspiration as your start planning your getaway.

*Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in February 2014 and has since been updated to reflect the most accurate information.