The Hamptons is known for its stunning beaches, luxurious homes, and celebrity sightings. However, it is also home to some of the finest wineries and vineyards on the East Coast. These wineries and vineyards offer a unique experience that combines the natural beauty of the region with world-class wine and hospitality.
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the top wineries and vineyards in The Hamptons, their locations, tours, tastings, pricing, best time to visit, and what to expect during your visit.
1. Wölffer Estate Vineyard
Location: 139 Sagg Road, Sagaponack, NY 11962
Wölffer Estate Vineyard is one of the most famous wineries in The Hamptons, known for its award-winning wines and stunning views. The vineyard spans over 55 acres of land, with more than 30 acres devoted to growing Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and other popular grape varieties.
Visitors can take a tour of the vineyard and learn about the winemaking process, from grape to bottle. The tour includes a visit to the barrel room, where guests can taste wines straight from the barrel. After the tour, guests can enjoy a tasting of the vineyard’s signature wines, including their Rosé, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc.
Tours and tastings are available daily from 11 am to 5 pm, with prices starting at $35 per person. The vineyard also hosts events throughout the year, including live music, yoga classes, and food and wine pairings.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Wölffer Estate Vineyard is during the summer months, from June to August, when the vineyard is in full bloom. However, the fall months, from September to November, are also a great time to visit, as the vineyard is filled with vibrant fall foliage.
Wölffer Estate Vineyard
Location: 139 Sagg Rd, Sagaponack, NY 11962
Tours: Private tours are available by appointment only.
Tasting: Tasting flights range from $25 to $35 per person.
Best Time to Visit: Summer is the best time to visit, but the winery is open year-round.
Planning: Reservations are recommended, especially during the peak season.
2. Channing Daughters Winery
Location: 1927 Scuttlehole Road, Bridgehampton, NY 11932
Channing Daughters Winery is a boutique winery that produces a wide range of unique and delicious wines. The vineyard spans over 28 acres and grows over two dozen grape varieties, including Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.
Visitors can take a tour of the vineyard and learn about the winemaking process, from grape to bottle. The tour includes a tasting of the vineyard’s signature wines, which are made using ancient winemaking techniques, including fermentation in clay amphorae.
Tours and tastings are available daily from 11 am to 5 pm, with prices starting at $25 per person. The vineyard also hosts events throughout the year, including live music, food and wine pairings, and art exhibitions.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Channing Daughters Winery is during the fall months, from September to November, when the vineyard is filled with vibrant fall foliage.
Channing Daughters Winery
Location: 1927 Scuttlehole Rd, Bridgehampton, NY 11932
Tours: Private tours are available by appointment only.
Tasting: Tasting flights range from $18 to $28 per person.
Best Time to Visit: Summer is the best time to visit, but the winery is open year-round.
Planning: Reservations are recommended, especially during the peak season.
Duck Walk Vineyards
Location: 231 Montauk Highway, Water Mill, NY 11976
Duck Walk Vineyards is a family-owned winery that produces a variety of award-winning wines. The vineyard spans over 140 acres of land, with over 30 acres devoted to growing Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and other popular grape varieties.
Visitors can take a tour of the vineyard and learn about the winemaking process, from grape to bottle. The tour includes a tasting of the vineyard’s signature wines, including their Blueberry Port and Pinot Meunier.
Tours and tastings are available daily from 11 am to 5:30 pm, with prices starting at $20 per person. The vineyard also hosts events throughout the year, including live music, food and wine pairings, and harvest festivals.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Duck Walk Vineyards is during the summer months, from June to August, when the vineyard is in full bloom and the weather is perfect for outdoor activities.
Duck Walk Vineyards
Location: 231 Montauk Hwy, Water Mill, NY 11976
Tours: Guided tours are available by appointment only.
Tasting: Tasting flights range from $15 to $30 per person.
Best Time to Visit: Summer is the best time to visit, but the winery is open year-round.
Planning: Reservations are recommended, especially during the peak season.
4. Bedell Cellars
Location: 36225 Main Road, Cutchogue, NY 11935
Bedell Cellars is a family-owned winery that produces a variety of award-winning wines. The vineyard spans over 80 acres of land, with over 40 acres devoted to growing Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and other popular grape varieties.
Visitors can take a tour of the vineyard and learn about the winemaking process, from grape to bottle. The tour includes a tasting of the vineyard’s signature wines, including their Musée and Taste Red blends.
Tours and tastings are available daily from 11 am to 5 pm, with prices starting at $30 per person. The vineyard also hosts events throughout the year, including live music, food and wine pairings, and art exhibitions.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Bedell Cellars is during the fall months, from September to November, when the vineyard is filled with vibrant fall foliage and the weather is perfect for outdoor activities.
Bedell Cellars
Location: 36225 Main Rd, Cutchogue, NY 11935
Tours: Guided tours are available by appointment only.
Tasting: Tasting flights range from $18 to $30 per person.
Best Time to Visit: Summer is the best time to visit, but the winery is open year-round.
Planning: Reservations are recommended, especially during the peak season.
5. RGNY (Martha Clara Vineyards)
Location: 6025 Sound Avenue, Riverhead, NY 11901
Martha Clara Vineyards is a family-owned winery that produces a variety of award-winning wines. The vineyard spans over 100 acres of land, with over 90 acres devoted to growing Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and other popular grape varieties.
Visitors can take a tour of the vineyard and learn about the winemaking process, from grape to bottle. The tour includes a tasting of the vineyard’s signature wines, including their Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and Syrah.
Tours and tastings are available daily from 11 am to 6 pm, with prices starting at $25 per person. The vineyard also hosts events throughout the year, including live music, food and wine pairings, and harvest festivals.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Martha Clara Vineyards is during the summer months, from June to August, when the vineyard is in full bloom and the weather is perfect for outdoor activities.
6. Peconic Bay Vineyards
Peconic Bay Vineyards is one of the oldest and most renowned wineries in The Hamptons. Established in 1979, the winery is located on the North Fork of Long Island, overlooking the Peconic Bay.
Here are some important things to know about Peconic Bay Vineyards:
Tasting Room: The tasting room at Peconic Bay Vineyards is open seven days a week, year-round, offering a variety of tasting experiences. The tastings include a flight of five wines, including both reds and whites, and reservations are recommended.
Winery Tours: Peconic Bay Vineyards offers guided winery tours on Saturdays and Sundays, which take you through the vineyard and winery, and include a tasting of four wines. The tours are led by knowledgeable and friendly staff, who provide a behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking process.
Wine Varieties: Peconic Bay Vineyards is known for its wide variety of wines, including Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and more. They also produce a number of unique blends, such as their Red Blend, which is a blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Wine Club: The Peconic Bay Wine Club offers members exclusive access to new releases, limited production wines, and special events. Members receive quarterly shipments of wine, as well as discounts on wine purchases and tastings.
Events: Peconic Bay Vineyards hosts a number of events throughout the year, including live music performances, wine and food pairings, and vineyard tours. Check their website for a calendar of upcoming events.
Outdoor Seating: Peconic Bay Vineyards offers plenty of outdoor seating with beautiful views of the vineyard and Peconic Bay. Visitors can enjoy a glass of wine while taking in the stunning scenery.
Sustainability: Peconic Bay Vineyards is committed to sustainability and uses environmentally-friendly practices in their vineyards and winery. They were one of the first wineries on Long Island to be certified sustainable by the Long Island Sustainable Winegrowing program.
Peconic Bay Vineyards offers a unique and memorable wine tasting experience, with a variety of wines, tours, events, and beautiful scenery.
7. Macari Vineyards
Macari Vineyards is a charming winery located in the heart of the North Fork of Long Island, in Mattituck, New York. Founded by the Macari family in 1995, this vineyard has a long history of producing high-quality, estate-grown wines. The family’s commitment to sustainable farming practices has earned them a reputation as a leader in the field. Macari Vineyards is a must-visit destination for wine lovers, offering a variety of tasting experiences and picturesque views of the vineyards.
Here are some important things to know about Macari Vineyards:
The winery offers a variety of tasting experiences, including a standard tasting flight and a VIP tasting with a private tour and barrel tastings.
Macari also offers food and wine pairings, which include a selection of locally sourced cheeses and charcuterie.
Tastings start at $30 per person and reservations are required.
The winery is open year-round, but hours vary by season. In the summer, Macari hosts live music events on the weekends.
The vineyard is known for its sustainable farming practices, with a focus on producing high-quality, estate-grown wines.
Macari Vineyards is especially known for its Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet Franc.
8. Kontokosta Winery
Kontokosta Winery, located in Greenport, New York, is another must-visit destination for wine lovers. Situated on a bluff overlooking the Long Island Sound, Kontokosta Winery offers stunning views of the water and a peaceful, picturesque atmosphere. This winery is known for its commitment to sustainability and its use of solar power and eco-friendly farming practices.
Here are some important things to know about Kontokosta Winery:
The winery offers a variety of tasting experiences, including a standard tasting flight and a reserve tasting with limited production wines.
Kontokosta also offers a wine and cheese pairing, which includes a selection of artisanal cheeses from local purveyors.
Tastings start at $25 per person and reservations are required.
The winery is open year-round, but hours vary by season. In the summer, Kontokosta hosts events such as live music and outdoor yoga.
Kontokosta Winery is especially known for its Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc.
The winery’s focus on sustainability and eco-friendliness has earned it a reputation as a leader in the field.
Planning Your Visit
When planning your visit to The Hamptons wineries and vineyards, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Book in advance: Some wineries and vineyards require reservations for tours and tastings, so it’s best to book in advance to ensure availability.
Consider transportation: Many wineries and vineyards are located in remote areas, so it’s important to plan your transportation in advance. You can rent a car, hire a driver, or join a guided tour.
Dress appropriately: The Hamptons can be quite warm during the summer months, so it’s best to wear light and comfortable clothing. However, some wineries and vineyards may have dress codes, so it’s best to check beforehand
Bring cash or credit: Some wineries and vineyards may only accept cash or have limited credit card facilities, so it’s best to bring both just in case.
Stay hydrated: Wine tastings can be dehydrating, so it’s important to drink plenty of water between tastings.
What to Expect
When visiting The Hamptons wineries and vineyards, you can expect a unique and immersive experience. From learning about the winemaking process to tasting award-winning wines, each winery and vineyard offers something different. Here are a few things to expect:
Beautiful scenery: The Hamptons is known for its stunning natural beauty, and the wineries and vineyards are no exception. From rolling hills to picturesque vineyards, you can expect breathtaking views at every turn.
Friendly and knowledgeable staff: The staff at each winery and vineyard are passionate about their craft and eager to share their knowledge with visitors. They’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have and guide you through the tasting process.
A variety of wines: Each winery and vineyard produces a unique variety of wines, so you can expect to taste a range of different flavors and styles. From bold reds to crisp whites, there’s something for every palate.
A relaxed and laid-back atmosphere: The Hamptons is known for its relaxed and laid-back vibe, and the wineries and vineyards are no exception. You can expect a casual and comfortable atmosphere where you can take your time and enjoy the scenery and wine.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a unique and immersive experience in The Hamptons, visiting a winery or vineyard is a must. From learning about the winemaking process to tasting award-winning wines, each winery and vineyard offers something different. The Hamptons may be known for its stunning beaches and luxurious estates, but it’s also home to some excellent wineries and vineyards. From the boutique wineries of North Fork to the award-winning vineyards of South Fork, there’s no shortage of great wine to taste in The Hamptons.
When planning your winery tour, be sure to do your research and book your tastings and tours in advance to ensure that you have a great experience. Remember to dress appropriately, stay hydrated, and take some time to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery – after all, that’s what The Hamptons is all about.
In conclusion, whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just looking for a fun day out, The Hamptons wineries and vineyards are sure to impress. With stunning scenery, friendly staff, and a variety of wines to taste, The Hamptons wineries and vineyards are a must-visit for any wine lover. So why not take a break from the beach and explore the rich wine culture of The Hamptons? You won’t be disappointed.