Winery Tours On Long Island
(Long Island, N.Y.) With the brisk weather and the season change approaching, it is the perfect time to head out east to the Long Island Wineries. Between the festivals, wine tasting, and enjoying the beautiful autumn foliage there is something for everyone to do.
Personally what I recommend is taking a bus or limousine and taking a tour. Most of the tours have a prix fixe price, some including lunch. It is a great opportunity to kick back with some family, friends or both and enjoy this time of year. Wine tours are also great ways to celebrate birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties and weddings. With over 40 vineyards, where do you begin? If you have your heart set on a specific vineyard, go there first because after a few hours of wine tasting you are not able to experience the full body taste. The first step is to decide if you prefer to visit the South Shore or North Fork. The North Fork is known for their extended row of one winery after the other. Each winery has something different to offer, make sure to do your research prior to heading out East to see what each Vineyard is most commonly known for!
A personal favorite of mine is Martha Clara Vineyards; this vineyard combines a beautiful ambiance as well as great wine. Located on Sound Avenue this location allows plentiful parking, a variety of events each weekend, in addition to delicious wine. Martha Clara Vineyard was originally owned by Robert Entenmann (just like the baked goods) and was later named after his mother Martha Clara. Each weekend they offer live music, book signings, tours, and have a fabulous little shop located in front of the vineyard for the wine lovers. This month stop by for karaoke, dress up your pet, or their annual chili cook off. Check out their site for more upcoming events as well. While there make sure to purchase a bottle of their Five-O red blend, it is fantastic! Martha Clara is also pet friendly so bring the dog too!
Bella Vita Winery is also a personal favorite, but more intimate as well. At this vineyard they offer a wine education class that teaches you about the North Fork Wineries, as well as wine and food pairing. This class is offered to groups of 8 and even sends you home with a packet. Bella Vita also offers wine tasting and ballroom lessons, after trying out a few different types of wine, let loose and take a lesson with a certified dance instructor. My favorite part about this winery is that if you have an anniversary approaching you can let Bella Vita Vineyard cater to you. They offer a Bed & Breakfast, accommodating only one reservation at a time.
Are you interested in fabulous wine as well as beautiful art? Check out the Castello Di Borghese winery, where they host various art events as well as a Winemaker’s walk, where you are taken on a personal tour to see how the grapes are picked, plus how the wine is made. My personal favorite bottles of their wines are the 2005 Merlot and their 2008 Riesling. Castello Di Borghese also offers gourmet olives and olive oil imported from their family estate in Calabria, Italy which is absolutely to die for.
Aside from wine tasting, most of the vineyards offer to host your private events and weddings. It is a great idea to have a country themed wedding at this time of year, and most of the vineyards only host one event at a time to ensure all of your needs are taken care of for a memorable day.
