25 Jul YOUR BEST LONG ISLAND WEEKEND: NORTH FORK WINERIES
WHY NOT VISIT A WINERY THIS FALL?
As summer winds down and autumn quickly approaches, many of us are gearing up for the perfect weekend getaway, a great night out or simple afternoon activity to enjoy with our closest friends and family. Luckily, if you live on or near Long Island, there are tons of great ways to pass the time, get out of doors to experience the gorgeous autumn foliage and make memories with your friends and loved ones.
If you didn’t already know, the Long Island area is home to some of the most impressive and renowned vineyards in the country. From the variety of specialty wines to the beloved locales, finding a vineyard for your weekend or day off shouldn’t be difficult. We’ve listed a few of our favorites on the North Fork to ensure that your vineyard experience is everything it should be and more.
MARTHA CLARA VINEYARDS
Located on Sound Avenue, Martha Clara Vineyards is one of the most treasured destinations for wine and scenery on the North Fork. For nearly 20 years, the Entenmann family has owned and operated this impressive winery, which is also a host to weddings, live music, comedy events, art exhibits and more. Chances are, when you and yours stop by to enjoy some wine, a tour of the vineyard or a tasting, you’ll be privy to some local musicians playing in the outdoor area.
BEDELL WINE CELLARS
Another family-owned winery with years of experience in the wine-making industry, Bedell Cellars has what is considered one of the Top 25 tasting rooms in the country, according to Wine Enthusiast Magazine. With art, intimate yet elegant décor and some of the most knowledgeable tasting experts on hand to guide you, your trip to Bedell’s tasting room should be everything you hoped for and more. When you’re finished, why not consider purchasing one of their award-winning wines?
CLOVIS POINT WINE
What once was a potato farm on the Clovis Point property has been transformed into a beautiful tasting room, ready for you and your group to enjoy samples of some of the wineries premier wines. Dedicated to producing wines “with character and balance,” Clovis Point is a picturesque 10-acre destination sure to make your weekend getaway that much more memorable.
MCCALL WINES
Located in Cutchogue, New York, McCall Wines is the New York Wine and Grape Foundation’s 2013 NY Winery of the Year, a distinction which they earned by producing some of the most exceptional Pinot Noir and Merlot in the country. They have earned countless awards and continue to astound visitors to their vineyard with the truly exceptional quality of their main produce. Their tasting room is a perfect rustic-chic paradise, complete with knowledgeable staff and a welcoming atmosphere.
RAPHAEL VINEYARD
Raphael Vineyard was started by the Petrocelli Family in 1996, and for nearly 20 years, they’ve chosen sustainable methods for producing and bottling their exceptional wines. Hand harvesting and some Old World techniques contribute to their delicious array of wines, many of which you can sample for a mere $2-$4 at their vineyard during requisite hours.
Enjoy wine and beautiful scenery with your closest friends and family members is a wonderful way to spend your day off or weekend on Long Island. The North Fork has some of the most impressive wineries and vineyards in the country, so whichever one you choose, you’re sure to come away with a great experience. Because wine-tasting does involve the consumption of alcohol, planning for your transportation is important, for both safety and peace of mind. Why not make the day extra special and book a car service vehicle for your day out? Everyone will enjoy the luxury of a chauffeured car, and no one in your party will have to skip the wine tasting in anticipation of being the designated driver.
photo credit: jenny downing via photopin cc