We love summertime. A big blue sky, long sunny days, and so many wineries to visit! There’s no better way to spend a summer weekend than by visiting the gorgeous wineries of New York and sampling the incredible wares of our local industry.
We don’t like to play favorites but we do have favorites. The two closest regions (both are award-winning, don’t worry) to Manhattan are in the Hudson Valley and on Long Island.
Hudson Valley:
Whitecliff: Family-owned and operated, Whitecliff Vineyards is one of the largest in the Hudson Valley, with over 20 varieties of grapes grown on the property. Owner Michael Migliore serves as the president of the Hudson Valley Wine and Grape Association so you know the operation here is run safely and sustainably. You can visit their tasting room and sample from their dozens of wines, or even get fancy and order yourself a flight!
Benmarl: This longstanding institution is actually the oldest winery in America, holding New York Farm Winery license no.1. Their wide range of varietals includes classic New York grapes like Cab Franc and Riesling with delicious Estate Rosés and Reserve Chardonnays as well as so many others. For stunning views of the Hudson, snag a reservation at their tasting room now.
Long Island:
Laurel Lake: This North Fork vineyard focuses heavily on the traditions of winemaking, especially in terms of methodology and care that they put into each and every bottle. They focus on the classics and the Noble grapes with award-winning Merlot, Cab Franc, and many more. The location itself is quite beautiful and will make you feel like you’re in a postcard for the day while you sip delicious wines and stare out into the lush vineyards.
Pindar Vineyards: Pindar was started by a medical doctor back in the 80s, however, there’s nothing clinical about this place.They produce over 70,000 cases a year which actually makes them the largest vineyard on Long Island. Sustainability is a large factor in the wines produced at Pindar and they have many eco-initiatives – from the lightbulbs and energy usage in the tasting room to their very own wind turbine on the property powering the winemaking process!
RGNY: Formerly Martha Clara Vineyards, RGNY comes from unique Mexican roots, adding an entirely new perspective to the flavors of winemaking. Their collection spans reds, whites, and sparklings, and even canned wines. Innovation and sustainability are among the key priorities here and you’ll see that reflected in every sip you take.
New York has so many beautiful vineyards to visit! Sure, you could go track them down on your own but to make it easier, we’ve designed an entire day trip for you. Hang with us for a few hours, visit some wineries, chat with the proprietors, enjoy gorgeous locations and delicious treats, and we’ll even take you back to your starting point. We host these all summer so go grab your ticket now!
