Long Island, New York Travel Guide: Five Wineries Worth Visiting

Long Island wineries are famous the world over. Less than 2 hours outside of New York City, the wineries in the Hamptons and on the North Fork are wonderful to visit on beautiful days-- especially during the summer. Whether alone, with your significant other, with friends or in a large group, all of these wineries are very accommodating for tastings and tours.

Duckwalk Vineyards - Water Mill, NY
Founded in 1994 by Alexander and Dan Damianos, Duck Walk Vineyards has become a landmark of The Hamptons. The Normandy Chateau-style building is easily seen from Montauk highway, and overlooks 130 acres of lush vineyards. Everyday of the week and even on some holidays, guests can enjoy complimentary wine tastings at the long bar in the main building. (Be sure to tip the wine steward!) The quaint gift shop offers all sorts of jams, cookies, crafts and more from local artisans. Of course, you can buy any Duck Walk wines that you want, including the amazing 2004 Aphrodite Dessert Wine.

Pindar Vineyards - Water Mill, NY
When visiting the vast property of Pindar Vineyards in Peconic, it boggles the mind to think it was founded in 1979 on 30 acres of uncultivated land. In 28 years, Pindar has grown to 550 acres and is Long Island's largest vineyard. While there is a small $3 charge for guests to taste up to six wines, the fee is worth it. The tasting room offers a friendly atmosphere to guests. Bottles of wine ranging in price from $9 to $40 and many wine-themed gifts are available for purchase. Bring a picnic lunch on a summer weekend and enjoy live music on the Pindar pavilion.

Macari Vineyards - Mattituck, NY
Macari wines are world-famous, having several mentions in publications such as Bon Appetite, Wine Spectator and Food & Wine Magazine. It is no wonder that tourists flock to the 300 acre Macari vineyards throughout the summer to sample some of their wines right on the estate. Nestled in the quiet town of Mattituck, Macari has quite a presence on Long Island. As the winner of several international wine competitions, Macari wines bring a bit more fame to Long Island. Visitors can stroll the gorgeous grounds overlooking the Long Island Sound and vineyards before or after sampling the fantastic wines in the tasting room.

Martha Clara Vineyards - Riverhead, NY
The next time you bite into a delicious pastry from Entenmann's Bakery, think of Martha Clara Vineyards. After selling their bakery business in 1978, the Entenmann family turned their farm on the North Fork of Long Island into a small, 18 acre vineyard. In 1999, after expanding to 112 acres, the vineyard released its first batch of wine and has been gaining popularity ever since. The chateau-type building is right off of Sound Avenue, and is quite spacious once you walk through the gift shop. You can sample and purchase wines at the bar, or just sit outside and gaze at the landscape.

Pugliese Vineyards - Cutchogue, NY
The North Fork of Long Island is home to some of the worlds finest wines and vineyards. Pugliese Vineyards has the distinct honor of being among these famous and fabulous wineries. Located in the quaint town of Cutchogue, Pugliese Vineyards features a variety of wines for visitors to taste and purchase, including many wines bottled right on the estate. The ambience of the Pugliese winery and tasting room is more of a friendly atmosphere than an atmosphere of wine critics sipping glasses of wine with their pinkies pointing up. Do utilize the free painting service and have a bottle of wine painted. It makes a very unique gift.