Articles on Long Island Wine Tours

Long Island Wine Tours: The 4 Can't Miss Vineyards

By John Erbis
Many may be surprised to hear that the new geographical hotspot for wine is on Long Island. But as the New York Times, Food and Wine and Travel and Leisure magazines have recently discovered, Long Island wine tours offer travelers a chance to sample world class vintages among some of the East Coast's most serene settings. Long Island wine tours are perfect outings for friends, families and business partners.

Wine tours give participants the chance to view first hand what is by far the fastest-growing wine region on the East Coast. Most wineries in the region are not even 30 years old. And while that's young even by California winery standards, several of the 40 or so Long Island wineries and vineyards have already been able to produce vintages that have been singled out by some of the world's most trusted wine experts and connoisseurs.

As relative newcomers, the vineyards that one will encounter on Long Island wine tours offer a slightly different experience that one would encounter in places like California. On Long Island, several enterprising wineries have been able to distinguish themselves and their region. This means that those on Long Island wine tours can oftentimes expect the unexpected. Interesting new vintages abound on Long Island wine tours. And since most of the wineries that one will visit on Long Island wine tours are family-owned, it's much easier to meet and chat with the very people who are responsible for making the wine.

Most Long Island wine tours will take travelers to North Fork, where the majority of Long Island's wineries are located. While the entire island has been deemed an American Viticultural Area, the unique geography of the North Fork area makes it an excellent area for fostering vines and grapes. Surrounded by water, visitors on a Long Island wine tour will find that the climate is very similar to the finest wine producing areas of France.

So where are the must-visit areas and wineries on Long Island wine tours? Here are some of the highlights for those planning a wine tour.

Paumanok Vineyards is the first large winery that many will encounter on Long Island wine tours, if they're coming from the west. It's operated by the Massoud family and offers a very friendly tasting room. Named by the New York Times as the "New York Winery of the Year" in 2004, Paumanok offers a range of whites, including the only Chenin produced in New York State.

Continuing east on scenic Rt. 25, those on Long Island wine tours will come across the Jamesport Vineyards. Under the supervision of head winemaker Les Howard, this father and son operation has been practicing sustainable farming with both the land and water they use. Along with lauded wines like the 2005 Sauvignon Blanc, Jamesport also offers several types of cured meats and cheeses. Those on Long Island wine tours that visit Jamesport on a weekend will also get the chance to sample fresh local oysters and clams from their raw bar.

Returning to Rt. 25, Long Island wine tours participants will next encounter Martha Clara vineyards. This vineyard was established in the late 1970's by Robert Entenmann, member of the famous family-owned Entenmann's Bakery Company. A huge tasting room greets travelers on Long Island wine tours and an array of white, red, dessert and sparkling wines are available for tasting in this comfortable setting as well.

After Martha Clara's, many who travel the Long Island wine tour will want to turn east onto Rt. 48. That's where a wine tour of Long Island will lead travelers to Pellegrini Vineyards. Established on a rolling serene plot of land, Pellegrini. combines old world charm with modern technology and efficiency. Pellegrini offers those on Long Island wine tours some one-of-a-kind sights. Visitors on Long Island wine tours can take a self-guided tour of the grounds. Praised by the New York Times and Wine Spectator, Pellegrini is one of those vineyards where there's no such thing as a bad choice when it comes to sampling wines.

Situated between the Little Peconic Bay and the Great Peconic Bay, the Galluccio Family Vineyards should be next on the list for those on Long Island wine tours. With a large tasting room and gift shop, this winery is the perfect place for travelers to kick back and relax. In fact, the Galluccio family encourages picnicking on their spacious lawn. Along with their own series of popular wines, the Galluccio Family Winery carries wines from upstate New York.

As those on Long Island wine tours travel east along the sound, they'll come across the Pugliese Vineyards, a quaint family-operated winery that serves a variety of award-winning varietals. The Taster's Guild gold medal winning 2002 Blanc de Bland brut is particularly recommended.

Wine tours have a lot to offer anyone with even the most remote interest in wine. Unique award-winning varietals await the intrepid traveler. In addition to great local foods and stunning sights, Long Island wine tours rank among the most fascinating and fun New York getaways.

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