This summer marks 50 years since the first grape vines were planted in the vast farmlands of Long Island’s North Fork. These days, the region is home to 57 vineyards and has been rated one of the Top 10 Wine Regions in the world by Wine Enthusiast magazine. For the big anniversary, the region’s winemakers are celebrating with a slate of events, all just a 90-minute ride away via the Long Island Rail Road.
In addition to all that high-quality wine poured at vinyards with waterfront views, and in tasting rooms at historic barns and glamorous mansions, the region has plenty more to explore. Immerse yourself in the bucolic winding country roads, historic B&Bs, dozens of farm stands, quaint downtowns, farm-to-table eateries, centuries-old properties, and antique shops.
With so many vineyards and events to choose from, we rounded up a few top spots for toasting 50 years of the region’s wines this season.
50th Anniversary Grand Celebration at Peconic Bay Vineyards (Cutchogue, NY)
Saturday, August 19, 2023
Mark this year’s anniversary at the height of the popular summer season in Long Island Wine Country, with the Grand Celebration at Peconic Bay Vineyards, one of the oldest operating vineyards in the region. This grand tasting event will celebrate pioneers of the industry, many of whom will be in attendance, responsible for creating some of your favorite wines over the years. Top culinary talents from the region will also offer tasty food options from locally sourced farm products, paired perfectly with wines that celebrate the diversity of wine styles produced on both the North and South Forks.
LIRR
Ronkonkoma
Take the Long Island Rail Road to Mattituck. The vineyard is less than 10 minutes away from the station by ride share.
Summer Sunset Clam Bake with Lombardi Caterers at Rose Hill Vineyards (Mattituck, NY)
Thursday, August 3, 2023
Enjoy an evening of wine, food, and fun while soaking up the perfect sunset ambiance among the vines of Rose Hill Vineyards. Enjoy a taste of the ocean created by Lombardi Caterers showcasing everything from clams, to grilled shrimp, to delicious mussels and more! The event’s entire wine list will be available for purchase by the glass or bottle.
LIRR
Ronkonkoma
Take the Long Island Rail Road to Mattituck. The vineyard is less than 10 minutes away from the station by ride share.
Private Rosé Tasting Suite Lunch at Macari Vineyards (Mattituck, NY)
Bookable through August
Check out this beautiful rosé-themed suite and live out your wildest Barbie dreams in this pink paradise. Perfect to celebrate any occasion with friends or family, your two-hour experience includes a sparkling rosé toast, a brief history of the vineyard, a flight of top-rated Macari wines, a gourmet charcuterie, and an exquisite lunch. Celebrating a special occasion? You can further enhance your visit by adding-on items like a specialty cake or rosé tower. (Please note that a minimum of 10 guests is required for Friday - Sunday.)
LIRR
Ronkonkoma
Take the Long Island Rail Road to Mattituck. The vineyard is less than 10 minutes away from the station by ride share.
Harvest Series at RGNY (Riverhead, NY)
Multiple events August - October
Immerse yourself in all things wine, from the grape to the glass, with this year’s Harvest Series at RGNY. The series begins in August with an intimate Dinner in the Vines event, sure to be the perfect experience for you and that special someone. Visit RGNY again in September for a fun-filled, lunch-time Stomp Party to get a hands-on, or should we say feet-on, experience with some grape stomping. Round out the series in October with the Help Us Harvest interactive event where you will learn the ins and outs of harvesting by picking and sorting grapes yourself, followed by lunch and complimentary wine, of course.
LIRR
Ronkonkoma
Take the Long Island Rail Road to Mattituck. The vineyard is less than 10 minutes away from the station by ride share.
Blind Wine Tasting: An Interactive Experience at Sannino Vineyard (Cutchogue, NY)
Sunday, July 30, 2023
Think you’re an expert wine connoisseur? Come try your knowledge at Sannino Vineyard’s Blind Wine Tasting event! Compare, contrast and learn all about the different wines available and what makes them taste the way they do. Who knows, you may even find yourself a new favorite to sip on.
LIRR
Ronkonkoma
Take the Long Island Rail Road to Mattituck. The vineyard is less than 10 minutes away from the station by ride share.
North Fork Lobster Roll & Potato Chip Sparkling Wine Pairing at Sparkling Pointe (Southold, NY)
Sunday, August 27, 2023
Join Sparkling Pointe for a taste of Long Island’s quintessential summer food favorite, the lobster roll, paired with a glass of the winery’s most popular Topaz Impérial Brut Rosé. That’s not it though – attendees will also enjoy a flight of three Sparkling Pointe wines paired with a trio of local potato chips. This event sold out last year; be sure to secure your ticket soon!
LIRR
Ronkonkoma
Take the Long Island Rail Road to Southold. The vineyard is less than 5 minutes away from the station by ride share.
Southold Bay Oysters & Wine at Suhru Wines (Cutchogue, NY)
Sunday, September 3, 2023
Looking for Labor Day weekend plans? Stop by Suhru Wines Tasting House on Sunday, September 3 for an afternoon filled with Long Island’s finest Southold Shindig Oysters served on the half shell, and a glass of wine. Freshly shucked oysters and the full Suhru Wines menu will be available at the Tasting House from 1-5pm.
How To Get Here: Take the Long Island Rail Road to Mattituck. The vineyard is less than 10 minutes away from the station by ride share.
LIRR
Ronkonkoma
Take the Long Island Rail Road to Mattituck. The vineyard is less than 10 minutes away from the station by ride share.
If you can't make it to these, or are looking for more vinyard trips to fill the summer, check out the LIRR Escorted Tour for the North Fork Vinyards. Details can be found here.
