If you’re planning a trip to Long Island’s North Fork, there’s no better way to explore the area than by visiting a few women-owned/supported businesses and supporting local entrepreneurs. From boutique wineries to charming cafés and artisanal shops, women entrepreneurs are shaping North Fork’s thriving small business scene. Whether you’re a wine lover, a foodie, or just looking for a laid-back day of shopping and sightseeing, this itinerary will help you experience a selection of the best of women-owned/supported businesses on the North Fork.
So, let’s dive into an epic North Fork itinerary that highlights some of the many women-owned/supported businesses you should check out on your next visit! There are too many wonderful local businesses to count, but here is a small sampling!
Women-owned/supported businesses of the North Fork. Images courtesy of businesses’ respective websites.
☕ Start Your Day with a Local Brew
Kick off your morning at a women-owned café like Love Lane Kitchen (Mattituck) or Nofo Roasting Co. , (Southold) where you can sip on locally roasted coffee and fuel up with a pastry. The best part? You’re not just getting your caffeine fix—you’re supporting a small business that prioritizes sustainability and community.
🛍 Shop Local & Discover Unique Finds
After coffee, take a stroll through one of the many quaint downtowns across the North Fork, where you’ll find boutique shops run by local women entrepreneurs. From handmade jewelry and artisan candles to farm-to-table treats, these shops offer one-of-a-kind treasures that beat mass-produced souvenirs any day. Our favorites include Arni Paperie(Southold), Lumber + Salt(Jamesport), North Fork Apothecary and Disset Chocolate, both in Cutchogue.
Women-owned/supported businesses of the North Fork. Images courtesy of businesses’ respective websites.
🍷 Visit a local Woman-Owned/supported Winery
No North Fork itinerary is complete without a winery stop! Luckily, several women-owned/supported vineyards in the area are making waves in the industry. Whether you prefer a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, a bold Cabernet Franc, or a sparkling rosé, you’ll find high-quality wines crafted by passionate female vintners. Some of our favorites include RGNY (Riverhead), Chronicle Wines (Peconic), Macari (Mattituck), One Woman (Southold), Terra Vite (Riverhead). Shout-out to our wonderful female winemakers as well! Allissa Goodale at Borghese (Cutchogue), Marin Brennan at Bedell (Southold) and Kelly Koch of Poppy & Rose (sold at Woodside in Aquebogue).
Women-owned/supported businesses of the North Fork. Images courtesy of the businesses’ respective websites.
🍽 Enjoy a Farm-to-Table Lunch or Dinner
For lunch, head to a local women-owned/supported restaurant or farm stand that serves seasonal, locally sourced dishes. Think fresh oysters, organic veggies, local beers on tap, and North Fork wine, of course. Supporting women-owned restaurants means you’re not only getting amazing food but also backing businesses that work with local farmers, fishermen, and artisans. It’s a win-win! We love First & South, Ellen’s on Front, Crazy Beans, and Little Creek Oysters (both in Greenport).
🍨 End the Day with a Sweet Treat
Before heading home, stop by a local women-owned/supported bakery or dessert shop for a homemade treat. Whether you’re craving small-batch ice cream, artisanal chocolates, or freshly baked pastries, you’ll find plenty of options to satisfy your sweet tooth. We are big fans of The Treatery (Jamesport) and Ali Katz Kitchen (Mattituck)!
📱 Follow them on social media – A simple like or share helps spread the word!
⭐ Leave a review – A glowing review on Google or Yelp can help bring in more customers.
🛍️ Shop online – Many local businesses offer online stores, so you can support them year-round.
🎪 Attend pop-up events & markets – Many North Fork women entrepreneurs showcase their goods at local farmers’ markets and craft fairs.
Exploring North Fork’s wineries, restaurants, and boutiques is always a great time—but knowing your purchases are directly supporting local women entrepreneurs makes it even better.
Why Supporting local women-owned/supported businesses on the North Fork Matters
North Fork isn’t just about vineyards and beaches (though, let’s be real, those are major perks). It’s a community built on hardworking, independent business owners, many of whom are women bringing creativity, passion, and unique experiences to the region.
When you shop at at a local woman-owned/supported winery, boutique, or restaurant, you’re not only getting high-quality, locally made products—you’re also investing in the local economy and helping small businesses thrive.
So next time you’re in town, swap the big-box stores and chain restaurants for authentic, locally owned businesses that make North Fork so special. You’ll walk away with amazing memories, unique finds, and the satisfaction of knowing you made a real impact on the local community.
Cheers to shopping small, sipping local, and supporting women in business! 🍷✨
Did you enjoy “Women Owned/Supported Business on the North Fork”? Check out our March North Fork itinerary!
