The 11 Best Wineries in North Fork to Visit

New York might be known for its beautiful rural scenery and a certain fairly large apple, but more and more people are discovering it’s one of the best states for wine in the nation. North Fork on Long Island is particularly renowned for its fantastic array of wineries and its beautiful scenery.

So if you plan on visiting New York soon or live in the area and have never explored these wineries, you deserve the inside scoop on your options, including tips on the best wineries for tastings and delicious meals.

Where’s North Fork (Long Island)?

Long Island stretches from New York City towards various more rural areas, like Greenport and Montauk.

North Fork sits on the eastern section of this island and is part of the area’s winemaking scene. These communities have been classed an American Viticultural Area in recent years.

This term means that high-quality wines are produced and sold here, in fascinating wineries with high-quality tasting rooms and unique styles and flavors.

New York winemaking is reasonably similar to the traditional American style, though more commonly uses imported, rather than homegrown, grapes.

That said, New York grapes often have that unique flavor and acidity familiar in cold-weather regions.

New York grapes don’t mature as fully as California’s because the growing season is so short in this wintery state. As a result, their wines often have a pretty low sugar content.

Related: Checkout wineries close by at Seneca Lake, New York.

Popular Wines from North Fork

North Fork produces many popular wines that residents and visitors love.

I was particularly impressed when trying the region’s Chardonnay, as I didn’t anticipate it would have the light texture you get from a traditional Chardonnay.

Of course, most of the wineries in this area make a fairly good Sauvignon Blanc, too.

Another thing that impressed me was the area’s commitment to some somewhat underrated and underutilized wine types.

For example, while I expected the always popular Merlot from New York wineries, I wasn’t expecting Malbec, Viognier, or even Gruner Veltliner from these wineries!

I tended to prefer relatively dry wines in this area, which is partially due to the cold weather growing season.

However, there are still plenty of attractive sweet wines, including surprisingly good Cabernet Franc that is fermented just long enough to add a touch of sweetness.

11 of the Best Wineries in North Fork

Let’s not delay a moment longer but, instead, dive right into the 11 best wineries I found in North Fork. There should be something for just about anybody in these wineries!

Map of The Best Wineries in North Fork

1. Pindar Vineyards

• Website: Pindar Vineyards
• Phone Number: 631-734-6200
• Address: 37645 NY-25, Peconic, NY 11958

Pindar Vineyards is the largest winery in North Fork, with over 500 acres of beautiful vineyards.

Their public access area is quite enjoyable and relaxing, with comfortable seats, outdoor relaxation areas, and much more.

They offer various tastings and provide some food via outside vendors. Most of these vendors are high-quality and create a unique range of food options for many people.

Pindar makes 23 different varietals from 17 grape varieties every year, producing over 70,000 cases. This makes them a regional and state favorite and a national option.

In addition, they create a variety of white, rose, red, and sparkling wines that you can give to friends with gift certificates, gift packages, and more.

Other amenities of these wineries include:

• Live music every weekend, including some very fun local bands
• Soft drinks and snacks for kids, as well as some entertainment options
• Tours through the vineyard that most people will enjoy

2. Paumanok Vineyards

• Website: Paumanok Vineyards
• Phone Number: 516-722-8800
• Address: 1074 Main Rd, Aquebogue, NY 11931

When a winery has been operating for almost 40 years, you know they’re doing something right.

This vineyard is renowned for its old-style winemaking, with a barn-style fermentation tank room and lab.

They pride themselves in hands-on winemaking and the quality shows. I loved every wine I tried, and I found very few people who had many negative things to say about their wines.

Another thing that stands out about this winery is its high-quality vinifera grapes. They grow Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Chenin Blanc, Petit Verdot, and more.

They use a traditional dense planting style that allows for 1,400 vines per acre, creating a higher grape quality. As all their wines are grown on-site, they produce limited but consistently outstanding wines.

Amenities include:

• Private party rentals for weddings and other private events
• Outdoor seating areas that overlook their beautiful vineyards
• On-site lodging that lets you have a whole vineyard experience

3. Palmer Vineyards

• Website: Palmer Vineyards
• Phone Number: 631-722-9463
• Address: 5120 Sound Ave, Riverhead, NY 11901

Palmer Vineyards is a family-owned winery with a very high reputation.

The reviews I found were almost universally five-star, with the few odd, disgruntled one-star review posted by people who stubbed their toes or who simply love to complain.

Most reviews praised the customer service as incredibly friendly and stated that the reservation and wedding options were significant.

I found myself continually drawn to their Chardonnay offerings. Each vintage I tried was as good as the last, making them a fantastic option for Chardonnay fans.

I also thought the prices were fair, with bundles like the Weekend Wine Trio providing three bottles of wine for very reasonable prices. Palmer just does many little things right, and I love them for it.

Their amenities include:

• Winemaker’s Corner is a fun blog that provides real winemaking tips
• Enjoyable accessories to commemorate your visit
• An in-depth wine club that provides you with great vintages

4. Rose Hill Vineyards

• Website: Rose Hill Vineyards
• Phone Number: 631-804-0367
• Address: 2000 Oregon Rd, Mattituck, NY 11952

Want to try a vineyard with a bit of a rustic feel?

How about one set in a 125-year-old barn?

Rose Hill Vineyards operates out of this barn and a nearby farmhouse to create a rural and family-friendly atmosphere.

Though they include the subtly classy touches you’d expected from a glass of great wine, you also get a bed and breakfast atmosphere along with fantastic reds, whites, and rose wines.

While this winery has just 22 acres of vines, this small size is a bonus for those who want a more intimate atmosphere.

You can easily book a private party for just a few people and get your money’s worth out of it. I strongly recommend this option for anybody who wants to hold a wedding experience that they’ll never forget.

A few amenities that you get when you visit here include:

• Group tours of the vineyard that will keep you engaged
• Overnight lodging options for the whole family
• Pet-friendly atmosphere: bring your dog!

5. Sparkling Pointe Vineyards and Winery

• Website: Sparkling Pointe
• Phone Number: 631-765-0200
• Address: 39750 County Rd 48, Southold, NY 11971

Sparkling wine fans, take note!

This 40-acre winery grows classic Champagne grape varieties, including Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, and Pinot Noir.

This means that their options might seem a little limited compared to other wineries.

However, if you’re a big fan of sparkling wines and want the best champagne options (made using the Traditional French Method) available in the area, this should be your first and last stop.

You should find many Brut, Brut Rose, Brut Nature, Blanc De Blanc, and Blanc De Noir options at this winery.

The bottle prices are a little high, but you can join their wine club to bring them down.

However, I found that the higher prices were compensated by quality. Simply put, I’ve never tried a better sparkling wine in North Fork, and I doubt I ever will.

A few necessary amenities include:

• Tasting house events that give you early access to many wines
• A wine club that helps minimize your expenses
• Vineyard tours that immerse you in a unique winery experience

6. Jamesport Vineyards

• Website: Jamesport Vineyards
• Phone Number: 631-722-5256
• Address: 1216 Main Rd, NY-25, Jamesport, NY 11947

Jamesport Vineyard is another barn-centered winery, this time starting in a nearly 170-year-old bar!

Since its opening, Jamesport has become a stylish tasting room and dining option. Weekends are particularly packed, as they host adult-only (21 and over) events, including live music and other exciting events.

They also host private parties and other small gatherings.

The true quality of Jamesport lies in its wines, though.

While its comfortable and inviting atmosphere will keep you relaxed during your visit, their wines include very East End and Estate blends that will give you a broad array of flavor options.

You may even stay on the premises overnight if you want to enjoy a few days of relaxing and enjoyable wine-drinking experiences!

Other amenities include:

• Little Oak wood fired kitchen
• They allow ADA-certified service dogs on the premises
• Fantastic restaurant with rich Italian foods
• Jazz concerts that provide a little touch of class

7. Macari Vineyards

• Website: Macari Vineyards
• Phone Number: 631-298-0100
• Address: 150 Bergen Ave, Mattituck, NY 11952

Macari Vineyards has legitimate Italian connections, as the Macari family moved to the area directly from Italy and integrated various Italian touches into their wine.

These include traditional Italian growing methods that quickly produce more prosperous and more mature grapes.

This benefit is enormous for people who prefer Italian wines and want an American alternative that remains as close as possible.

The biggest thing that stands out about this winery is its sheer range of available wines.

As they have 500 growing acres, you can anticipate options like Chardonnay, Viognier, Gruner Veltliner, Cabernet Sauvignon, and more.

Each of these wine options seems about as good as the next, making this an excellent opportunity for diverse wine fans.

Other amenities you may experience include:

• Encounter a friendly cow or pig on the vineyard grounds!
• Multiple event types, including dinners and concerts
• The Private Barrel Cellar, which focuses on wine education
• A fascinating wine club and various gift options

8. McCall Wines

• Website: McCall Wines
• Phone Number: 631-734-5764
• Address: 22600 Main Rd, Cutchogue, NY 11935-1398

While this winery is still relatively new compared to many of the nearly 40-year options on our list, they’ve already started making an impact on the North Fork scene.

As a family-owned and operated winery, you get a lot of personal attention when you visit here.

Interestingly, they raise cattle here as a rich source of fertilizer that helps their grapes grow more effectively with old-vine planting methods.

Trying out their wines, I found myself enjoying their Rose, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc options the best. That said, I did like almost all the wines that they offered here.

These wines just stood out for their exceptional attention to detail. The Rose, in particular, had some nice notes of raspberry and strawberries that I couldn’t get enough of drinking.

Amenities of this winery include:

• A comfortable and private tasting room experience
• Private reservations for many party situations
• Environmentally friendly growing options that make them a great place to visit

9. Anthony Nappa Wines

• Website: Anthony Nappa Wines
• Phone Number: 774-641-7488
• Address: 2885 Peconic Lane Peconic, NY 11958

When it comes to family-owned and operated wineries, you can’t get much cozier than Anthony Nappa Wines.

Still primarily operated by owners Anthony Nappa and wife Sarah Evans, it’s not uncommon to see their young ones on the winery, interacting with guests and creating a family-oriented atmosphere.

This winery focuses on mixing old-world traditions with new-world technology.

Their hand-grown wines use no additives or preservatives and focus on environmentally conscious growing options.

Visitors can check out The Wine Maker Studio to taste some delicious wines, buy simple snacks or meals, and even purchase winemaking equipment.

Their hand-grown approach has made them a popular option for people who want a smaller and more intimate experience.

Amenities include:

• A diverse range of wines hand-grown by people who love their job
• Membership options that minimize your costs
• Unique apparel celebrating winemaking culture

10. Lieb Cellars

• Website: Lieb Cellars
• Phone Number: 631-734-1100
• Address: 13050 Oregon Road, Cutchogue, NY 11935

Lieb Cellars was once considered something of a little North Fork secret in the winemaking world.

Located in nearby Cutchogue, this winery has expanded from two acres to include three vineyard sites, two tasting rooms, and a full-service crush winery.

Their old-fashioned crush-based winemaking method makes them stand out by creating a unique experience your family will never forget.

Reviewers highlight the area’s natural beauty, including outdoor seating environments, as major pluses when visiting this winery.

They also produce a broad array of wines, including red, white, rose, and sparkling options. Their Merlot and Cabernet Franc are particularly strong, which is not unusual considering New York’s unique growing atmosphere.

Other amenities include:

• Private tastings that your whole family will enjoy
• Minimal intervention winemaking and sustainable farming practices
• A relaxing and family-oriented tasting room experience

11. Harbes Family Farm

• Website: Harbes Family Farm
• Phone Number: 631-482-7641
• Address: 715 Sound Avenue, Mattituck, NY 11952

Though Harbes Family Farm is a bit of a drive from North Fork, it’s still close enough to highlight. And honestly, I’d have felt bad not highlighting this winery destination.

It’s hard to limit Harbes Farm to just a winery because they provide so many unique elements.

They grow a variety of foods, like sweet corn, tomatoes, watermelon, peaches, apples, and pumpkins.

They also include a kid-friendly atmosphere and various treat options.

Adults can enjoy a few glasses of wine in their tasting room while their children enjoy things like pig races, musical hayrides, corn mazes, and much more.

Thankfully, the wine quality here remains surprisingly strong, as Harbes Family Farm pays close attention to all product quality.

Other amenities here include:

• Season passes for repeat visitors and their families
• Wine tasting events that include new vintages you might not expect
• In-person harvesting events where you can get the freshest foods possible

Best North Fork Wineries for Tasting

If you’re trying to find a winery for your tasting experience, there are many high-quality options to choose from!

I was impressed by what I heard about each of these wineries and examined various reviews to learn more about their tasting rooms. The following options were all highly rated:

Sparkling Pointe Vineyards and Winery

Reviews consistently pointed out the beautiful vineyard views offered by this winery, as well as its relaxing Tasting House and VIP Bubble Lounge. These areas provide comfortable seating, light music, and friendly conversation with skilled wine professionals.

Macari Vineyards

Wine fans seem to love trying the seasonal flights at this winery, which tend to change regularly. They also found the cheese and bread were a little higher in quality than other wineries in the area. The private tasting room was also relatively comfortable and easy to rent.

Pindar Vineyard

As Long Island’s long-time largest wine producer, Pindar Vineyards knows what it’s doing with its tastings. Fans raved about the outdoor seating experience, the beauty of the vineyards, the friendliness of the servers, and the live music options.

Each of the wineries I highlighted here has private tasting rooms and flights, so you might get a similar experience elsewhere. However, my research finds that the options listed here are among the best and should give you the knowledge you want and deserve.

Best North Fork Wineries for Food

Most of the wineries on this list have at least a meat and cheese board or a few delicious snacks that blend well with their wines. However, some wineries go a little further with their food options and provide genuinely fantastic meals.

Here are the best food options for winery fans:

Palmer Vineyard

Though Palmer Vineyards typically provides only small wine-pairing plates with cheese and bread, they let multiple fantastic food trucks park next to their facility. These trucks constantly change and, according to reviews, almost universally offer great food.

Jamesport Vineyards

People interested in outdoor dining may visit Jamesport and get delicious Italian food. This vineyard’s Little Oak Wood Fired Kitchen produces a variety of different rich Italian dishes that, when eaten near natural vines, will make you feel like you’re back in Italy.

Rose Hill Vineyards

Rose Hill Vineyards not only provides both indoor and outdoor dining areas but also includes a meat and cheese board, a Mediterranean basket filled with Italian and Greek favorites, and Antipasto skewers that the whole family will likely enjoy!

Other options that almost made this list include Bedell Cellars, with its array of pub-ready foods, and Kontokosta Winery, with its far above average snack options.

The choice you make will likely depend on how much you want to eat and what kind of food sounds appealing to you with your wine.

Overall Best North Fork Winery

Though many of the options here are well worth your time and money, I keep thinking of the delicious quality of Pindar Vineyard’s wine, their 500 scenic acres, and their family-friendly soft drinks and snacks.

They may not have the most diverse food options available, but for people who just want a high-quality wine that they’ll never forget, you just can’t go wrong with Pindar.

In Summary

What if you’ve tried Pindar Vineyard before and don’t think it’s the best winery available?

There are many other options from which you can choose! Don’t think that this list covers every winery in North Fork.

Many, many others may suit your taste. So get out there and do some taste testing with your wine-loving friends. You will discover an option that appeals to all of you: I promise.