Kontokosta Winery

Photos by David KorchinThe North Fork Wine Trail just added a new marker to its map and it’s a worthy addition. Kontokosta Winery located right outside the village of Greenport is located on 62 acres that include a vineyard, garden and bluff overlooking the majestic Long Island Sound. Set far back off the main road, the stone drive leads the way through the 24 acre vineyard to the massive tasting room. The two-story barn like structure with its floor to ceiling windows allows the beauty of the outside in. Neatly furnished with contemporary seating and tables, the tasting room, bar, loft space and outdoor patio offer enough variety of space to relax, enjoy the wine and soak in the surroundings. Grab a bottle and a few glasses and stroll down the wide, mowed path leading out to the bluff overlooking the Long Island Sound.

Harvesting began in 2006 and their tasting menu includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and Riesling varietals. Our favorites: the 2007 Merlot, 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2010 Viognier.

Good to Know: Limousines or any groups of 7 or more are by appointment only

825 North Road | Greenport | (631) 477-6977 |  kontokostawines.com

Lieb Cellars

PHOTO BY DAVID KORCHINLieb Cellars now has two very distinct tasting rooms. The original, located in Mattituck, is an energetic, classic tasting room with a tasting bar and high tasting tables peppering the room. Here groups are welcome but it's recommended to call in advance for reservations. On the more mellow side is their new tasting room on Oregon Road, complete with a large patio, overstuffed rattan sofas, fire pits and a view of the setting sun. An In-House Epicurean adds to the allure of this venue pairing locally sourced food products with their award winning house labels. Whatever the vibe the wines reign supreme. Try their 2010 Reserve Pinot Blanc: light, crisp with a hint of lemon, 2008 Right Coast Red: juicy and flavorful, 2010 Syrah: warm and delicious "a fireplace in a bottle, 2008 Craft Sparkling: Blended specifically for Craft Restaurant in NYC, sparkling, slightly dry, delicious.

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35 Cox Lane | Mattituck | 631.298.1942 | liebcellars.com

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13050 Oregon Road | Cutchogue | 631.734.1100 | liebcellars.com | Good to Know: Large groups are not allowed at this location.

McCall Wines

PHOTO BY DAVID KORCHINThere’s a delightful surprise in Cutchogue. First, the charming tasting room, located in an old potato barn and stable adorned with old tools and saddles. And then, the wine, one bottle better than the next. We loved their 2007 Pinot Noir, earthy silkiness, the 2007 Merlot with its rich berries and hint of spice, and the 2007 Ben’s Blend, velvety richness made from four distinct grapes. Not surprising you’ll find their wines being served in some of the finest restaurants on the North Fork and Manhattan.

GOOD TO KNOW  No limos. No buses. No big groups.

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22600 Rt.25 | Cutchogue | 631.734.5764 | mccallwines.com

One Woman Vineyards

PHOTO BY DAVID KORCHINNewly opened and already making a splash with the restaurants North Fork Table & Inn and Frisky Oyster on the North Fork, and Bouley in NYC. This is truly a one woman effort. Claudia Purita oversees and tends to 16 acres of vines herself. Her devotion and skill is evident in The Estate Reserve Chardonnay which is remarkable. Stop in to this charming tasting room and sample their Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer and Rosé. More wine varietals are expected to be available later this year. 

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5195 Old North Road | Southold | 631.765.1200 | onewomanwines.com

Corey Creek Vineyards

PHOTO BY JONI RENTZThis charming tasting room reminds us of Napa. Set up on a grassy knoll the large airy tasting room opens up to a beautiful view of the vineyard off the sun drenched patio. It's the perfect setting for tasting some of North Fork's finest. Better known for their Reserve Chardonnay but we go for their Domaines CC Rosé. FYI, all of Corey Creek wines are produced at Bedell Cellars, whose Cabernet Franc we love. Another worthy stop.

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45470 Main Road (Route 25) | Southold | 631.765.4168 | bedellcellars.com

Croteaux Vineyards

PHOTO BY JONI RENTZThis small, inviting tasting room will transport you to the south of France with their delicate wines and charming garden. Specializing in Rosé, choose from their 2007 Croteaux Merlot 181 Rosé, 2007 Croteaux Merlot 314 Rosé and our favorite 2007 Croteaux Merlot 3 Rosé. Enjoy a glass or bottle along with cheese, fruit and baguette available at the vineyard.

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1450 South Harbor Road | Southold | 631.765.6099 | croteaux.com

Sherwood House Vineyards

PHOTO BY DAVID KORCHINSherwood House serves up some of the finest wines on Long Island. Our favorites, Oregon Road Merlot, 2007 Chardonnay and the 2005 Estate Manor, a blend of estate grown merlot, cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot. Sherwood House now has two tasting rooms to choose from. Their original cottage tasting room where you can sit amongst the vines of the vineyard on Oregon Road, or their new, year round tasting room in Jamesport with its large tasting bar and comfy sofas and chairs, located on Route 25.

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2600 Oregon Road | Mattituck | 631.298.1396 | sherwoodhousevineyards.com

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1291 Main Road | Route 25 | Jamesport

Shinn Estate Vineyards

PHOTO BY JONI RENTZThis small and cozy tasting room offers up some of the best wines on the North Fork. Try their 2005 Shinn Estate Merlot, top rated in the region. Red plum fruit with aromas of chocolate, coffee and vanilla. Another one of our favorites, 2005 Cabernet Franc. If you want to make a weekend of wine tasting consider a stay at Shinn Estate Farmhouse. 

GOOD TO KNOW Small groups only.

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200 Oregon Road | Mattituck | 631.804.0367 | shinnvineyard.com

Bedell Cellars

PHOTO BY DAVID KORCHINA beautiful modern tasting room with soaring cathedral ceilings sets the mood for some serious wine tasting. Try their Prestige Flight tasting menu where you can sample their 2006 Merlot and 2006 Musée. Both exceptional reds. We like their Cab Franc which is not on the tasting menu but you can certainly ask for a pour.

GOOD TO KNOW Their outdoor space is perfect for an afternoon picnic so plan ahead.

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36225 Main Road (Route 25) | Cutchogue | 631.734.7537 | bedellcellars.com

Macari Vineyards

PHOTO BY DAVID KORCHINMacari vines are grown without the use of herbicides or fertilizers producing some of the best award winning wines on the North Fork. Our favorites, 2004 Cabernet Franc. Full bodied with spicy aromas of cloves, nutmeg, and just a hint of berry. 2004 Bergen Road (Meritage). Mild and velvety with hints of nutmeg and pepper. Now with two locations. Macari Vineyards & Winery on Bergen Avenue in Mattituck and their newly opened tasting room Macari Vineyards East on Rte 25 in Cutchogue.

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150 Bergen Avenue | Mattituck | 631.298.0100 | macariwines.com

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Main Road Rte 25 | Cutchogue | 631.734.7089 | macariwines.com