[NEW YORK] Vineyard-style in Long Island

New York is always buzzing in the summer. With hot weather prevailing, swarms of people head “out east” for its beaches, ocean-view restaurants, and seaside nightclubs. Eastern Long Island becomes a hive of activity from June through August.

This season, while visiting my family at home, I flocked to the North Fork of Long Island. Less famous than the South Fork’s glamous Hamptons, but equally pretty. The North Fork retains its rural roots, with farmland stretching on for miles and farm stands selling fresh flowers, fruit pies and corn-on-the-cob roadside.

There, I embraced the summer buzz. Literally – as this area is also populated by dozens of vineyards. Neighbouring each other, winery hopping has become as popular as bar crawling. Each vineyard offers a unique tasting experience, from small family-run facilities to grand wedding-apropos halls. Wines are cross-pollenated across lots of grapes types, offering a flavor for everyone.

On my tasting tour, I indulged in one of the biggest trends of the season. And no, I don’t mean rosé. I wore a new white, eyelet off-the-shoulder top. This clavicle-bearing design has been seen all summer long, with women showing off their shoulders in true Bardot-style. Since vineyards are ultimately farms, I kept my look pretty casual, pairing my top with cut-off denim shorts, lavender boat shoes, and purple sunglasses. I call this look – Merlot-style.

The Bee’s Knees of Long Island Wineries

While there are lots of great vineyards to visit on Long Island, here are a few that I highly recommend. All located on the North Fork, each one has a special quality. (Insider tip: these vineyards are just as fun in the early fall as they are in the summer. Just check their open times.)

Mattabella, Southold

Famed for its sustainable farming methods, this small family-run vineyard offers loads of shaded seating pavilions, making it a great place to go and converse among the vines. Here I tried the Rosé 2015. A perfect peachy-pink summer tipple. (Insider tip: join the club and keep your eye out for their wine release parties for a first taste of the season.)

McCall, Cutchogue

This award-winning vineyard, famous for its reds and for being a house wine at the posh Gramercy Tavern, keeps a low-key profile, offering seating in its rustic (yet highly stylized) barn or outside on picnic tables. Here I drank the Pinot Noir 2013. And bought 2 bottles for later. (Insider tip: if you buy bottles for take away, you get a nifty lightweight, reusable bag, complete with bottle compartments.)

kon-to-KOS-ta, Greenport

A relatively new kid on the block, this winery offers wine with a water view. Its grand barn features an industrial looking interior main bar, while barrels and tables are scattered across its expansive backyard overlooking the Long Island Sound. Here I tasted the white wine flight, which included: Orient Chardonnay 2014, Sauvignon Blanc 2015, Viognier 2015, Field Blend 2015, and Riesling 2014. And then enjoyed a glass of their Rosé 2015, a neon shade of pink, along the coastline. (Insider tip: you can’t bring your own food, but you can buy a nice picnic platter.)

Sparkling Point, Southold

Flashier than the previously listed places, with its crystal chandeliers, white leather couches and raised patio area overlooking the vines, this winery nods to Brazil’s festive culture and offers the only sparkling wines in the region. Plus you can frolic through their vines, paying respect to their Christ the Redeemer at the far end of the field. Here I drank the NV Cuvee Carnaval Rosé. (Insider tip: make friends with the owner and he’ll drive you through the vines in his golf cart.)