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Welcome to our Jersey Gypsy column, where our resident travel reporter, Valentina, roams the globe in pursuit of stories.
Alicia Keys hit the nail on the head when she sang about New York being a concrete jungle where dreams are made. As much as I love the city’s endless energy, every once in a while, I find myself longing for a different kind of escape – preferably involving a glass of wine or two.
Lucky for me, the Empire State’s lesser-known vineyards and wineries offer just that. Tucked away from urban life, they promise a beautiful journey with delicate aromas and refined tastes.
Exploring Long Island & Its Best Vineyards
During my time in New York, I visited three different winemaking regions. First, I started with Long Island. Here’s how it went.
Pindar Vineyards
When it comes to wine in New York, Long Island is a must-visit destination. The East End, particularly the North Fork and South Fork, is home to over 60 wineries. This region is ideal for viticulture thanks to its maritime climate and fertile soil.
Choosing which wineries to visit was no easy task, but I started with Pindar Vineyards. It’s one of the largest on the East Coast, known for its diverse range of wines crafted from 17 different grape varieties.
The estate is huge, with rows of neatly planted vines and a picturesque tasting room. I’m so glad this was my first stop — it felt like the perfect introduction to the region.
Although I went mainly to sample wines, they also offer private tours (which should be booked in advance—I regret not doing that!). The tasting room, however, is open every day, and you can purchase and sample their wines.
I tried a flight of their award-winning wines, including a crisp Sauvignon Blanc ($22.99), a fruity Chardonnay ($19.99), and one of their unique blends, Autumn Gold ($17.99).
Macari Vineyards
After my visit to Pindar Vineyards, my next stop was the stunning Macari Vineyards, a family-owned winery celebrated for its dedication to sustainability and biodynamic farming. Situated in Mattituck, the vineyard spans nearly 500 acres, offering breathtaking views of the Long Island Sound and rolling hills that set the perfect backdrop for a memorable wine experience.
This time, I joined a tour led by one of the Macari. I learned about their biodynamic farming practices, which basically mean they work in harmony with nature to produce high-quality grapes.
After the tour, we gathered in the tasting room, a cozy yet elegant space that felt like a secret haven for wine lovers. The tasting itself was a revelation. Their Chardonnay was a symphony of flavors — crisp and elegant, with notes of green apple and a hint of vanilla. The rosé was equally impressive and refreshing.
Bedell Cellars
My final stop on Long Island was Bedell Cellars, a pioneering, family-owned winery that has been handcrafting wines in small batches for over 40 years.
Their tasting room was cozy and inviting, with sweeping views of the vineyards and lush gardens from their mahogany pavilion. I was particularly impressed with their sparkling wines, which were crisp, elegant, and perfect for celebrating any occasion.
I also discovered that they have wine clubs. You don’t even have to visit often to be part of this. Once you join and pay the membership fee, you’ll receive wine shipments year-round.
Next Up: Visiting Wineries in Finger Lakes
Now, while Long Island probably has more wineries, I just had to venture out and see what other regions of New York had to offer for wine lovers. So, I set off to explore the wineries and vineyards in Finger Lakes.
My Finger Lakes adventure began at Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, a pioneer in the region’s wine industry. Dr. Frank, a Ukrainian immigrant, introduced European vinifera grapes to the Finger Lakes in the 1950s, and his legacy lives on in the exceptional wines produced here.
I sampled a flight of their Rieslings, ranging from bone-dry to sweet, and each one was a revelation.
I also visited the Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard, another iconic winery known for its world-class Rieslings. The vineyard was perched on a hillside overlooking Seneca Lake, and the views were breathtaking. I enjoyed a tasting of their elegant wines, each one a testament to the meticulous care and attention to detail that goes into their winemaking process.
Last Stop: Hudson Valley
After Finger Lakes, I moved on to the Hudson Valley. Since it’s a short drive from New York City, I figured I had to check it out as well. My first stop was Millbrook Vineyards & Winery, and I was pleasantly surprised to find such a massive vineyard with spectacular views so close to the busy city.
They have an elegant and inviting tasting room/restaurant where I sampled a flight of their wines. I tried their fruity Gewürztraminer and a full-bodied Cabernet Franc. The Gewürztraminer was a standout—aromatic and floral, with a hint of spice. It paired perfectly with the cheese plate I ordered, which featured local artisanal cheeses and crackers.
Benmarl Winery was my last stop. As someone who’s passionate about sustainability, I was drawn to this winery because it shares those values. Plus, it has a scenic view of the Hudson River.
I sampled their handcrafted wines, including the standout Baco Noir. This hybrid grape produces a rich, full-bodied red wine. I visited on a Tuesday, so I practically had the place to myself.
Outside the Tasting Rooms
I know I went to these places for wine tasting, but these regions also offer much more. Here are a few other things you can do while visiting these areas:
- Hit the Trails: Many wineries are located near scenic hiking trails, offering stunning views and a chance to burn off those wine calories. I took a beautiful hike in Watkins Glen State Park in the Finger Lakes, and the waterfalls and gorges were breathtaking.
- Food is as Good as Wine: Aside from wine, Long Island, Finger Lakes, and Hudson Valley also have fantastic food. Long Island is known for its pizza, bagels, and seafood, while Hudson Valley is more known for artisanal foods (especially pastries!). For Finger Lakes, the Grape Pie is a must-try.
- Explore These Regions: Take some time to explore the charming towns, historical sites, and natural attractions in each region. I wandered through the quaint shops in Cold Spring in the Hudson Valley, visited the Women’s Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls in the Finger Lakes, and even went apple picking in Long Island (and yes, I paired those apples with some local cider!).
I recently visited California, and my favorite spot was definitely the Golden Gate Bridge – it was one of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever seen.
My Time Visiting New York’s Best Vineyards
Who knew New York could also be a great escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life? I never would have thought I could enjoy a glass of wine (or more) and let the world slow down for just a while visiting the Big Apple.
It’s always these little moments that get me the most, and I can’t wait to visit more wineries when I get back.
Wine Tasting New York – FAQs
How Do I Book Vineyard Tours in New York?
You can book vineyard tours through sites like Winetourism.com and Tripadvisor. If you already have a winery or vineyard in mind, check if they accept bookings on their official website or over the phone to get the best deals.
Is Wine Tasting at Wineries and Vineyards Expensive?
Premium wine tastings can be expensive, ranging from $30 to $60 per person. However, many wineries in regions like Long Island offer basic tastings, which often include a selection of standard wines, for $10–$30 per person.
When Is the Best Time to Visit New York’s Wine Regions?
The best time to visit is during spring and fall, as the wine regions offer beautiful scenery and pleasant weather.
Summer is also ideal for tourists looking to experience more outdoor events and festivals. Winter can be charming since most of the tasting rooms I’ve seen are cozy.
Are There Any Special Events or Festivals in New York’s Wine Regions?
Yes, each region hosts various events throughout the year, including wine festivals, harvest celebrations, and live music performances. Check the websites of individual wineries and regional tourism boards for upcoming events.
