05 Sep Long Island, NY Wineries Now Making Serious World Class Wines
Nestled in the upper prong of Long Island’s two mystifying peninsulas, The North Fork is currently home to sprawling farmlands, charming coastal villages, and over 40 beautiful vineyards. Every year, thousands flock to its sandy beaches and crystal blue waters, finishing off a day spent baking in the sun with a crisp glass of Pinot Noir or the perfect sip of Cabernet. But what was more a locals secret is quickly becoming a national destination.
Despite its current nickname, “Long Island’s Wine Country,” North Fork didn’t always boast a terroir known for growing wine grapes. At least not until 1973 when Alex and Louisa Hargrave bought an old potato farm in Cutchogue with the dream to “make beautiful wine in a beautiful place.” Little did they know that when they planted their first vinifera grape that they would become the pioneers of what is now a thriving wine industry.
Ev&Em Vineyards
Dan Abrams was seeking something similar when he purchased his first winery in 2021. Then called Laurel Lake Vineyards, the winery has quickly become one of a handful of North Fork wineries focused on the highest quality wines. After Dan acquired the winery, the name was changed to Ev&Em Vineyards in honor of his children, Everett and Emilia. The tasting room and wine making facilities were renovated with the goal in mind of producing world-class wines that Dan and his managing partner Vanessa Price knew Long Island, New York is capable of achieving.
The 40-acre property was originally Chardonnay. Over the past four decades, the plantings have expanded to include a diverse array of classic French varietals for red, rosé, and white wine. With over 20 acres currently under vine, some of their vines are now 40 years old, providing concentrated and elegant fruit to make the finest wines Long Island has to offer. In fact, their 2024 wines can now compete at the highest levels.
Paumanok Vineyards
Three miles west of Ev&Em in lush Aquebogue lies the charming Paumanok Vineyards, an 127 acre estate founded in 1983 and entirely owned and managed by Ursula and Charles Massoud and their three sons. This unique winery is set inside a renovated turn-of-the-century barn that also holds a fermentation tank room and lab. Surrounded by a deck that overlooks the sprawling vineyards, the large tasting room built on top of the barrel cellar is regularly heralded for the quality of their wines.
Following in the North Fork heritage footsteps, Paumanok plants only premium vinifera grapes, the vines consisting of Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. With production limited to fewer than 12,000 cases, these are estate-only grown grapes. The family also now owns nearby Palmer Vineyard as well.
Lenz Winery
Located a little further up the peninsula is Lenz Winery, bought by Peter and Deborah Carroll in 1988. If you’re looking for a timeless glass of wine that feels familiar and comforting yet brand new all at the same time, Lenz Winery has perfected the art of vintage-classic that everyone is searching for. Settled right in the heart of Peconic, this 70-acre vineyard is dedicated to crafting exceptional classic wines like Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The charming tasting room holds about 30 seats, crafting the perfect cozy and rustic environment to sip one of their hand-harvested wines while the lovely outdoor space nestled in greenery is the perfect charming backdrop for pictures.
Macari Vineyard
Arguably the most widely distributed fine wine on the North Fork, is owned and operated by three generations of the Macari family. The waterfront farm of Macari Vineyard has captivating views of the Long Island Sound. Inspired by memories of his grandfather making wine in his basement in Queens, founder Joseph T. Macari purchased the farmland that would become Macari Vineyards in 1995 in Mattituck, Long Island with his son Joseph Macari Jr. and his daughter-in-law Alexandra Macari. The Macari family has made regenerative farming and wine education a focus, and their vast wine portfolio is filled with excellent and sustainable wines sourced from grapes grown in rich, well-nourished soil.
These top wineries are making wines that can now be compared to some of the finest wine regions in the world, so next time you think about doing serious wine tasting, don’t forget the North Fork!