Wine Tasting - The North Fork of Long Island

It was a perfect fall weekend in a cute fishing village - Greenport is charming, old-fashioned, and small. Wine, seafood, and rocky beaches on the Long Island Sound are not to be missed.

Quick Tips:

Best Way To Get Around:

You need a car out here if you want to explore the farm stands and vineyards, although the town of Greenport is small enough to walk.

The rooms are bare, and it is a traditional motel where one drives up to his/her room. Don't expect and frills here - or extra towels! The view from the back porch is worth the paltry accomodations - you are just steps from the Long Island Sound. The motel has a pool, a private beach, and an incredible sunset view.

I'll admit it - I'm spoiled by living in New York City and often judge restaurants outside of the big apple by unfair standards.

Claudio's came highly recommended, but didn't live up to its reputation. The clam chowder and raw oysters are good, but the entrees came overcooked. I couldn't eat my dry fish and mushy veggies. Maybe the sub-par food was due to our visit during off-season.

Baked clams, clam chowder, fish and chips, lobster rolls...this local pub/restaurant is a good bang for your buck. Just don't expect fancy-pants service or real plates- the down-home grub is served up in Styrofoam and on paper plates. Save room for the pie.

This greasy-spoon diner is good for a quick breakfast. Our local waiter speedily brought us huge plates of eggs, hashbrowns, toast, and pancakes.

Good coffee and good cheese - I'm in heaven.

Samll tables are crowded between a counter and a small market. You can also sit outside on a small front porch. It's a great local place for a hearty omelet, a lunchtime sandwich, or just to buy good bread and cheese for picnics.

Paumanok Vineyards, Aquebogue, NY - Friendly bar-keeper is happy to show you an extensive collection of excellent wine. Don't miss the Gewertraimer.

Jamesport Vineyards, Jamesport, NY - We got to see the first Chardonnay harvest of the season - machines in action are always cool. Wine is good, but not among the top vineyards.

Corey Creek Vineyards, Southold, NY - Beautiful tasting room with an awesome deck and view of the vineyards. Peetie the cat is friendly. The tasting fee also covers your tastings at their sister vineyard, Bedell Cellars.

Raphael, Peconic, NY - This tourist trap with mediocre wine is not worth a visit.

Osprey's Dominion Vineyards- Peconic, NY - Talented port makers. Great wines, too.

The Lenz Winery - Peconic, NY - Helpful staff and comfortable tasting room.

Pindar Vineyards, Peconic, NY - HUGE vineyards; this is one of the largest wine operations on the North Fork. I feel in love with the light, sweet beaujolais.

Bedell Cellars, Cutchogue, NY - Great reds; try their Cabernet Franc. Pugliese Vineyards, Cutchogue, NY - Wines were not memorable, but the great picnic area under an canpoy of grapevines is.

Peconic Bay Vineyards, Peconic, NY - They have a great complimentary tasting flight and great dipping mustard. We even took some of the mustard home!

Galluccio Family Wineries, Cutchogue, NY - Tons of fruit wines from their sister winery in upstate New York. I loved the apple and pear. They have an unsual WHITE port, which is delicious.

Pellegrini Vineyards Cutchogue, NY - Tourity and big, but redeemable beacuse the wine is actually good.