Join us on Long Island's North Fork

Where:  Long Island, New York – The North Fork

The North Fork of Long Island is an ideal destination for winery visits due to its picturesque landscapes, rich agricultural heritage, and perfect climate for wine production. The region’s gently rolling hills, surrounded by lush vineyards and breathtaking views of the Long Island Sound, create a serene and inviting atmosphere for wine lovers. The microclimate, influenced by the surrounding waters, provides optimal conditions for growing a variety of grapes, resulting in exceptional wines that range from crisp whites to bold reds. With over 30 family-owned wineries offering tastings, tours, and events, visitors can enjoy not only high-quality wine but also the charming, small-town vibe and artisanal experiences that make the North Fork a memorable and relaxing getaway.

Here are the wineries we are visiting on Saturday (subject to change):

• Lenz Winery
• Pindar Vineyards
• Bedell Cellars
• Pellegrini Vineyards
• Jason’s Vineyard

We have a room block at the Hilton Garden Inn, Riverhead, NY at a discounted rate of $119++/night.  This is the only place that we have any official room block, but you are welcome to stay wherever you wish.  This is the starting and ending location for the bus tour on Saturday.   Our group code is “SEV” should you wish to make reservations by phone.  Otherwise, CLICK HERE to make your reservations online.  This discounted rate is only available until 2/14/25, so please book right away to get the best rate available.

What:  Exploring Wineries in Long Island

Itinerary for the weekend:

• Friday (or earlier) – drive yourselves to Long Island (visit some wineries on your own en-route) and check in
• Friday Evening – informal meet-up at the hotel bar
• Saturday (all day, pickup at 9:15 am @ Hilton Garden Inn, Riverhead) – limo bus service to visit 5 wineries & wine tasting, includes lunch
• Saturday Evening (return around 5:30 pm to Hilton Garden Inn) – dinner on your own
• Sunday (or later) – explore on your own, extend your stay, and/or drive yourselves home

Here’s what we included for you:

• Private Limo Bus Transportation to visit 5 award-winning wineries on Saturday, March 22nd.  Nobody is drinking and driving!
• Reservation and tasting fees, plus gratuity at each of the 5 wineries and for the limo driver are included.
• Picnic lunch for Saturday

Here’s what you will need to provide on your own:

• Transportation to Long Island.
• Transportation home.
• Lodging accommodations.  There is a room block established with a discounted rate ($119/night + taxes) at the Hilton Garden Inn Riverhead where the tour begins.  CLICK HERE to make your reservation.  The room block and rates are avbailable until February 14, 2025.
• Meals, aside from the picnic lunch provided on Saturday.

When:  Saturday, March 22, 2025

Who:  Wine Club Members, Friends & Family

As a benefit of the Seven Birches Wine Club, members may invite their friends & family to join us, if space permits.  We are limited to 28 people for this trip, so please don’t hesitate and miss out.  Your tour leaders, are Mark & Stephanie and they have put together a great itinerary of wineries to visit for this trip.

How:  Up to you.  But, once you are there, we’ve got transportation covered.

Since everyone is coming from a different location, it is best that we simply all meet up on Long Island.

Transportation on Saturday, including all the wine tasting you will do, is covered!  We have a limo bus reserved that will be driving our group (max 28) around to the 5 different wineries.

Then, on Sunday, its back to you to figure out how to get home.  I would suggest stopping at a couple of other wineries on your way out of town!

Pro Tip:

To shorten your drive to Long Island, check out the ferry from CT.

Cross Sound Ferry: New London, CT to Orient Point, NY
https://www.longislandferry.com/Reservation/Bookatrip.aspx

Why:  You should visit the Long Island wineries for their exceptional wines, beautiful vineyard landscapes, and the chance to experience a unique, relaxing escape just a short drive from New England.

“Long Island has an amazing terroir for vinifera and a visit there brings you to the place where fantastic wines are grown.” ~ Winemaker, Mark LaClair

When thinking of New York’s wine culture, most people think of the Finger Lakes.  However, it may be that Long Island has a leg up on terroir due to its moderate climate and fertile soils.  Most of the farms on the North Fork were once potato farms and the new vineyardists that have planted vineyards are reaping the a reward.  The proximity to Long Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean keep the temperatures in the winter to more of a Mid-Atlantic zone.  This allows the growers there to plant Vitis Vinifera, classic European grape varieties; we love these grape varieties for their familiar wines.

This trip to Long Island will awaken another American Viticultural Area (AVA) for you to enjoy.  Join us, won’t you?