Long Island Wine Country

Long Island wine country occupies the North Fork and the Hamptons, two peninsulas extending into the Atlantic Ocean east of New York City. The North Fork is the more concentrated wine region, with over 40 wineries along a 30-mile stretch of Route 25 and its side roads. The maritime climate moderates temperatures year-round, and the sandy, well-drained soils are remarkably similar to those of Bordeaux's Right Bank. Merlot is the signature grape, producing wines with plum and dark cherry fruit, supple tannins, and a saline mineral finish influenced by the nearby ocean. Cabernet Franc is equally impressive, with herbaceous complexity and bright acidity. Bedell Cellars, Paumanok Vineyards, and Wölffer Estate are among the region's most recognized producers, and the area has developed a sophisticated wine tourism infrastructure that rivals the Hamptons' own luxury reputation.