Long Island wineries have a history rooting back to the 1970’s and have grown exponentially, creating a name for themselves and attracting tourists from around the world. This region continues to produce the largest amount of European wine grapes on the East Coast.
For those white wine lovers, here are the top ten wineries to check out:
According to Wine Enthusiast, Shinn Estate has the best white wines in Long Island: Haven Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon. Rated at 90 points, this blend is not to be mistaken as a Bordeaux-style, and owner David Page prides himself in making a wine that represents the North Folk AVA.
Channing Daughters Winery prides itself on having a commitment to sustainability. Continuously pushing boundaries, and spreads its case production across three dozen different wines; two of which any white lover shouldn’t pass up. The Sylvanus White is a blend of Muscat, Pinot Grigio, and Pinot Blanc grapes, and has consistently been rating 90+ over the past four vintages. The Mosaico White has also received rave reviews in the last few months. The current vintage released is the 2013, and is a mix of 32% Pinot Grigio, 29% Chardonnay, 14% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Muscat Ottonel, 7% Tocai Friulano and 8% Gewurztraminer.
Bedell Cellars is continuously stated to have one of the top 25 tasting rooms in America. That alone would be enough to encourage me to visit. However, the Chardonnay and Taste White, are two even better reasons. Reviewed as two of the white wines to try in the area, there is sure to be an excellent experience when visiting this winery.
A new winery in the area which boasts great white wines is Kontokosta Winery. Their 2012 Sauvignon Blanc took home a Double Gold Medal as well as a Best in Class at the 2013 International East Meets West Wine Challenge.
Anthony Nappa wines focus on making wines with little to no additives and emphasis letting the wines shine on their own. Two of their top rated wines would include a Riesling and a White Pinot Noir. With a 91 rating from Wine Enthusiast, the Luminous Riesling is a fruit forward wine which boasts of peaches, mango and pineapple. Another 91 point earner is the Anomaly White Pinot Noir. This Pinot based wine is vinified like a white wine, and creates a barely blush rose. Not technically a white wine, this White Pinot Noir is worth mentioning, and has become quite famous in the region.
Roanoke Vineyards is said to have one of the most unique Chardonnay’s in North Folk. This is a wild ferment Chardonnay that has an amazingly refreshing crispness that pairs perfectly with oysters.
Martha Clara Vineyards’ 2010 Riesling was voted New York’s best wine back in 2001, and the vintages have continued to amaze ever since. The 2013 vintage currently for sale just won a gold medal at the 2015 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition.
The Lenz Winery is one of the oldest wineries on Long Island and is easily said to have one of the best Gewurztraminer’s around. Old Vines Gewürztraminer is a rich, medium-bodied wine with hints of apricot, fresh pineapple and ginger.
Wölffer Estate was voted one of the best wineries in Long Island to visit by Food & Wine Magazine. Suggested wines to try are their Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
Macari Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc is a raved favorite of the Wine Advocate. With a 90 point rating, the Sauvignon Blanc has an array of aromatics, leading to a finish of lovely acidity. There are also many Chardonnay’s that I’d encourage trying, including an early release wine every year called ‘Early Wine.’
