Despite not always being on the top of wine enthusiasts destinations for great red wine, Long Island has some amazing experiences to chose from. From large estate vineyards, to intimate family owned operations, Long Island is a wine destination that shouldn’t be ignored.
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Here are my top suggestions for red wine lovers around the globe:
Locals and Sommeliers alike enjoy wines from Roanoke. With a Robert Parker score of 91, the Gabby’s Cabernet Franc shouldn’t be missed. The New York Times also called it a wine that was “absolutely beautiful”. In addition to the Cabernet Franc, Roanoke Vineyards offers a variety of other varietals including a Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot which also have rave reviews.
Sannino Bella Vita Vineyard has one of the highest ratings of all Long Island Wineries on Trip Advisor. Visitors are raving about their experiences while visiting the vineyard and love the private experiences offered in the tasting room. Many mentions about the excellent Cabernet Franc and Merlot keep this winery at the top of red wine options in North Fork.
Wölffer Estate Vineyard is 55-acres of a 175-acre estate which is the home to boarding stables, paddocks and a Grand Prix field. If this wasn’t impressive enough, world-class reds have been given birth here. The winery is most proud of their Merlot’s, with four different choices to taste. The 2010 Grapes of Roth Merlot was even included in Wine Spectators ‘The Top 100 of 2015’. Needless to say this particular vintage has sold out, however the 2011 has since been released and is getting amazing feedback as well.
Not only has Bedell Cellars been listed as one of the top tasting rooms in America, but the wines themselves have received critical acclaim and were even poured at the 2013 U.S. presidential inauguration.
Paumanok, the Native American name for Long Island, is a family owned, quaint winery that no one should miss. The relaxed atmosphere is one that is hard to match anywhere else. Paumanok offers multiple 90+ rated red wines for you to enjoy, many of which can be tasted directly out of the barel.
Castello di Borghese Vineyard & Winery
Castello di Borghese is said to be the winery that put Long Island wines on the map. It has the oldest vines in the area, and was just chosen as the 2015 best winery in Long Island in a Long Island Press Editor’s Choice Award.
Lenz Winery is the second oldest winery in the Long Island region and has remained a small estate winery which takes value in creating the highest quality wines. The winemaking philosophy is “low-touch”, and are very proud to create wine that expresses character brought out in their specific vineyard.
Shinn Estate offers reds, whites and sparkling wines, however the Malbec seems to be a fan favorite. It is said to have a wonderful range of flavors that will keep your palate entertained. The vineyard is organic and a self-sufficient habitat has been created, which includes rabbits, birds and honeybees, all of which encourage a balanced atmosphere for vines to thrive.
At Macari Vineyards, there is a great selection for all of those red wine lovers out there. With two tasting rooms, there is plenty of space and time to try the assortment of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot and Syrah’s that are offered.
Last, but not least, is Pelligrini Vineyards. Their Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot are well known in the area. Wine Enthusiasts has claimed that the Pellegrini Vineyards Merlot will outclass any Merlot in its class! The tasting room is by appointment only, but offers an intimate setting to try these outstanding reds.
