Explore Long Island

Wineries

Touring Long Island's wineries requires pacing -- on the road and in the tasting room. Otherwise, at day's end, the North and the South Forks both may contour into corkscrews.

For first-rate wine on the North Fork, start at Paumanok Vineyards in Aquebogue. Try the only chenin blanc made on Long Island, fruity and delightful dry and semi-dry rieslings, an excellent late-harvest sauvignon blanc, and Assemblage, a rich red blend.

In Peconic, The Lenz Winery, one of the region's first producers, stands out for its full-bodied old-vines merlot, cabernet sauvignon and lively sparkling wine. Pindar Vineyards, Long Island's biggest producer and among the first wave of wineries, makes wines at many price points and has an informative tour. Nearby, Raphael offers exceptional "first-label" merlot, in a handsome setting.

Bedell Cellars, a veteran winery respected for its merlot, offers a fine C-Block South merlot; and Cupola, a consistent red blend. The "artist label series" is eye-catching and good.

And, on the South Fork, Wolffer Estate in Sagaponack has a list of winners, including Long Island's priciest wine, the lush, $125 premier cru merlot. You'll enjoy Wolffer's pinot noir, sparkling wine, chardonnay and late-harvest chardonnay, and the classic look of the place.

Time for a toast.

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