When it comes to Long Island vineyards and wineries, most people think of the North Fork as the end-all-be-all. The truth is, there are a handful of beautiful Hamptons vineyards worth visiting — and each one has its own unique personality and offerings.
While the South Fork doesn’t boast quite as many wine-tasting experiences as its northern counterpart, it may very well offer more than you think.
While you may be familiar with their viral “Summer in a Bottle” rosé wine, you may not realize that Wölffer has a stunning Hamptons estate and vineyard right in Sagaponack. The tasting room at Wölffer Estate is open year-round, seven days a week. It features rustic-modern decor, and it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards and Hamptons landscape. Sit inside the winery tasting room or outside on the patio as you enjoy their wine by the glass, bottle, or flight. Plus, drink wine as you snack on small bites and aesthetic cheese and charcuterie boards.
Though walk-ins are welcome, winery reservations are highly recommended – and occasionally the Hamptons estate may be closed for private events. Make a reservation at Wölffer for your group of eight or less up to two weeks in advance, and make the most of your day on the vineyard. Take photos in the vines after your tasting, and pick up a few bottles on your way out to enjoy at home.
Another little-known secret: Wölffer’s Wine Stand Boutique. Situated right on Montauk Highway, get a taste of the winery experience without having to plan ahead. The charming Wölffer Estate Wine Stand is a casual, laid-back outpost where you can sip signature Wölffer wines and ciders while you watch the sunset on the vineyard. Plus, it’s a popular post-beach pitstop for purchasing bottles to go.
This family-owned winery and vineyard is a well-known name on the North Fork, but they also have a Southampton village location. With the Duck Walk winery open seven days a week, visitors can enjoy wine by the glass, bottle, or opt for their signature wine tastings for $16 per person. One tasting includes a sampling of any four wines — white wine, red wine, dessert wine, and more. Light snacks are available for purchase, and you can also feel free to bring your own light bites to enjoy in the vineyards.
Duck Walk requires reservations for groups of six or more, but they don’t include seating. The outdoor seating at this laid-back winery is first-come, first served. The winery patio is lined with picnic tables and people sitting on blankets on the grass. Pets are welcome at the vineyards, and there’s live music on the weekends in the warmer weather. It’s casual, fun, and you’ll get to taste blends from one of the most popular names in Long Island wine.
Situated on twenty-eight acres in Bridgehampton, Channing Daughters winery and vineyards creates wines from more than two dozen grape varieties — about half of which are sourced from special sites, vineyards, and people on the North Fork.
The charming Hamptons winery includes both a retail shop and tasting experience that open daily at 11AM. Channing Daughters offers seated tastings for groups of up to six guests from November through May, and up to eight guests from June through October. They take reservations up to two weeks in advance, as well as walk-ins on a first-come first-served basis — though in the summer months, it’s always best to book ahead.
Opt for a themed flight or taste Hamptons wine by the glass, and choose a few picnic-style snacks to enjoy with your wine. The winery tasting experience differs depending on your group size and whether you’d like to be standing or seated, so be sure to ask about their different options for larger groups. Regardless of the occasion, you’ll love exploring their unique blends in a beautiful setting.
The good news about these Hamptons wineries and vineyards is that you can’t go wrong. Read a review of each winery online, and choose from one of these vineyards or tour all three. Try a selection of delicious wines, and rest assured that anyone who may not drink in your party can still enjoy non-alcoholic beverages and beautiful scenery.
Whether you visit Long Island for the weekend, travel here for the whole summer, or live permanently at a local Hamptons home, touring the vineyards will be one of your favorite things to do with friends and family. As long as you do your best to book ahead, you can plan anything from special events to a simple day of wonderful wine tasting.
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