Greater East End coverage is funded in part by The Watershed Kitchen & Inn — a warm, stylish North Fork destination in S. Jamesport featuring elevated comfort food, craft cocktails and beautiful boutique accommodations.
The magazine’s picks span the North Fork and Hamptons, from family-run classics to the buzziest scene on the East End
Summer officially arrives Sunday — and so does Father’s Day. If you’re looking for the perfect way to celebrate both, Long Island wine country more likely than not has your answer.
Wine Enthusiast recently rolled out its picks for the best Long Island wineries to visit right now, calling the region one that is “just hitting its stride.” With renovated tasting rooms, rising winemakers and some seriously food-friendly pours, the East End has plenty to offer this season.
Whether you’re treating pop to a tasting flight or just ready to kick off summer the right way, here’s a rundown of who made the cut in Wine Enthusiast‘s report.
North Fork
1. Paumanok Vineyards, Aquebogue One of the oldest and most beloved wineries on the North Fork, Paumanok has been family-run since 1983 — and it shows. The renovated barn tasting room comes with vineyard views, and every summer Friday brings raw oysters, a Greek snack bar and $8 glasses. Cellar-worthy Merlot and Bordeaux blends are the calling cards, but the Chenin Blanc and Albariño are also worth pouring, Wine Enthusiast says.
2. Macari, Mattituck Five hundred acres, a biodynamic philosophy and a winemaker (Byron Elmendorf) who’s been shaking things up for six years: Macari is one of the North Fork’s most dynamic stops. Guest chefs pop up regularly, and the winery’s second location, Meadowlark North Fork in Cutchogue, has become one of the area’s hottest wine-and-events spots.
3. Rose Hill Vineyards, Mattituck Gorgeous design, a vine-side patio, a four-bedroom inn and bites like burrata sliders and whipped ricotta crostini — Rose Hill checks a plethora of the right boxes. Wine Enthusiast says be sure not to skip the Brut Rosé. Sisters spots Croteaux Vineyards in Southold (all-rosé, French Riviera vibes) and Main + Mill in Jamesport (1920s Hollywood glamour, tater tots, family-friendly) are both worth a detour.
4. Lieb Cellars, Cutchogue Perched near the Long Island Sound, Lieb pours wines with a distinctly salty, maritime character — in the best way. The cozy tasting room hosts live music, themed masterclasses and Friday oyster nights. Bonus: You can also taste winemaker Russell Hearn’s private Suhru Wines label here.
5. Bedell Cellars, Cutchogue One of Long Island’s standing wineries (est. 1980), Bedell presents a clean, modern tasting room and food-friendly whites that boast a signature saline edge, Wine Enthusiast reports. New winemaker Marin Brennan took over in 2024 and keeps the creativity flowing. The magazine notes to check out Bedell’s sister Corey Creek Tap Room next door for a chic beach-hut vibe and live music.
6. Lenz, Peconic The second-oldest winery on Long Island takes it time with just about everything — including releasing its reds, which are held back four to five years before hitting the shelves. The barn tasting room is quintessential North Fork, and the Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris are must-tries. Cheese boards, cold brew and pop-up dumpling nights seal the deal, Wine Enthusiast asserts.
South Fork
1. Wölffer Estate, Sagaponack The unofficial Hamptons winery — high-end SUVs, sweeping vineyard views and the rosé that helped put dry pink wine on the American map. Wölffer’s Summer in a Bottle moves 125,000 cases a year and counting. But beyond the lifestyle brand, there’s serious winemaking happening here across a soliud range of bottles. Timesaver option: Hit the Wine Stand on Montauk Highway for a more low-key pour.
2. Channing Daughters, Bridgehampton This one is anti-Wölffer, but in the best way, Wine Ethusiast reports. Picnic tables, minimal fuss and over two dozen bottlings of some of the most inventive, unusual wines on the East End. The menu lists varieties you won’t find anywhere else in New York. Winemaker James Christopher Tracy has been at it since the early 2000s and shows no signs of slowing down.
Wine Enthusiast’s full feature, written by New York reviewer Christina Pickard, is available at wineenthusiast.com.
Top: Brian Harmon photo
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