The Long Island wine region, including both the North Fork and South Fork, is quickly becoming a prominent winemaking destination, known for its unique cool, maritime climate. Long Island Wines encompass a wide varieties of exceptional grape varieties including classic Bordeaux styles to lesser known grapes. From crisp, citrusy Sauvignon Blanc to the more obscure yet exquisite Albariño, the region’s diverse terroir provides the perfect environment for producing wines that reflect both the character of the land and the art of winemaking.

Sauvignon Blanc: The Crisp, Zesty Classic

Sauvignon Blanc is one of the signature white grape varieties grown in the Long Island wine region. Known for its zesty acidity, citrus-forward profile, and herbaceous notes, this variety thrives in Long Island’s cool maritime climate, which helps preserve its natural acidity and fresh flavors. Expect flavors of lime, green apple, grapefruit, and even gooseberry, making it a refreshing and vibrant wine, perfect for pairing with seafood, goat cheese, and light salads.

Where to Taste Sauvignon Blanc on Long Island:

• Macari Vineyards – Located on the North Fork, Macari Vineyards is well-known for its elegant Sauvignon Blanc. Their estate-grown version offers crisp minerality and bright citrus notes that reflect the region’s maritime influence. With sweeping vineyard views and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s an excellent spot to savor a glass of Sauvignon Blanc.
• Suhru & Lieb Vineyards – Another North Fork standout, Suhru & Lieb Vineyards produces a Sauvignon Blanc that is both fresh and complex, with delicate citrus notes and a refreshing finish. Their commitment to sustainable winemaking makes this wine even more special, and their modern tasting room offers an ideal place to enjoy it.
• Saltbird Cellars – A newer winery that has quickly gained recognition for its exceptional Sauvignon Blanc, Saltbird Cellars offers a refreshing take on this classic variety. Their Sauvignon Blanc is crisp, with bright citrus and tropical fruit flavors that shine.

Cabernet Franc: A Versatile and Aromatic Wine

Cabernet Franc is one of the most beloved grape varieties grown across the Long Island wine region, renowned for its versatility and aromatic qualities. While most famous as a red wine grape, Cabernet Franc is also used in several styles, from crisp white variations to bold reds and even rosé. This grape thrives in the cool climate of Long Island, producing wines with complex aromas of red fruit, herbs, and floral notes, making it a perfect variety for a range of wine lovers.In addition to its popularity on Long Island, Cabernet Franc is gaining recognition across New York State through the Cabernet Franc Forward initiative. Launched to highlight and promote this versatile grape, the program brings together winemakers from across the state who are dedicated to crafting high-quality Cabernet Franc wines and shines a light on the unique expressions of Cabernet Franc across New York’s diverse wine regions, further cementing the grape’s place as a star of the state’s wine scene.

Where to Taste White Cabernet Franc on Long Island:

• Bedell Cellars – Bedell Cellars has long been a champion of Cabernet Franc, offering several expressions of the grape, from their well-regarded red Cabernet Franc to their exciting white-style Cabernet Franc. Known for their commitment to sustainability, Bedell’s wines are crafted to reflect the unique terroir of Long Island, and their tasting room provides a perfect setting to enjoy these varietals.
• Suhru & Lieb Vineyards – Another fantastic spot to taste Cabernet Franc, they produce both red and rosé versions of this versatile grape. Their red Cabernet Franc is rich and expressive, with a balance of fruitiness and earthiness (and recently featured in the New York Times), while their Cabernet Franc rosé offers a refreshing, light take on the grape, showcasing its lighter, crisp, citrus notes.
• Wölffer Estate Vineyard – Wölffer Estate, located in the Hamptons, is well-known for its premium wines, and their Cabernet Franc is no exception. Their red Cabernet Franc is elegant and balanced, with a vibrant blend of red fruit, herbal notes, and subtle earthiness. Wölffer’s beautifully designed tasting room and picturesque vineyards make it an ideal spot to enjoy a glass of their exceptional Cabernet Franc.
  

  

Merlot: Long Island’s Signature Red

Merlot is perhaps the most iconic red grape variety grown on Long Island, and for good reason. It thrives in the region’s cool climate and produces rich, smooth wines with soft tannins and flavors of black cherry, plum, and herbs. Long Island Merlot often offers a wonderful balance of fruitiness and earthiness, with some wines showing more complex notes of cocoa and leather as they age. Merlot is a versatile red that pairs well with everything from roast meats to grilled vegetables and even richer dishes like beef stews.

Where to Taste Merlot on Long Island:

• Bedell Cellars – Bedell Cellars is known for its exceptional Merlot, which is rich and velvety with deep fruit flavors and a long, smooth finish. The winery’s commitment to sustainable farming practices and high-quality winemaking makes it a must-visit for Merlot enthusiasts.
• Pindar Vineyards – Pindar’s Merlot is a great example of the grape’s potential on Long Island. With its bold fruit flavors, soft tannins, and a touch of spice, Pindar’s Merlot is a perfect wine for a wide range of dishes.
• Macari Vineyards – Macari Vineyards produces a Merlot that is smooth and well-balanced, with rich berry flavors and subtle earthy undertones. Their spacious tasting room and scenic views make for a memorable wine-tasting experience.

Lesser-Known Varieties with Unique Character

Pinot Blanc & Where to Taste It

Pinot Blanc, a cousin of Pinot Noir, is a delicate and elegant variety that has found a home on Long Island. Known for its smooth texture and subtle flavors of pear, apple, citrus, and almond, Pinot Blanc is a versatile wine that pairs wonderfully with seafood, poultry, and light pasta dishes.

• Suhru & Lieb Vineyards – Known for having the largest continuous planting on Pint Blanc in the United States, Suhru & Lieb Vineyards produce a beautifully refined Pinot Blanc—both a still and a sparkling—that showcases the grape’s elegance. Expect notes of ripe pear, honeydew, and sea spray.
• Palmer Vineyards – Palmer Vineyards’ Pinot Blanc is bright, with crisp acidity and flavors of green apple and citrus, making it a great choice for those who enjoy refreshing whites.

Albariño & Where to Taste It

Originally from Spain, Albariño has become a popular choice on Long Island for its bright acidity and crisp profile. Known for its citrusy flavors with notes of peach, lime, and a touch of salinity, Albariño is an ideal wine for seafood and light Mediterranean dishes.

• Jamesport Vineyards – Jamesport Vineyards offers a beautiful take on Albariño, with a vibrant profile that showcases citrus and green apple notes balanced by a subtle saline minerality. Their Albariño reflects the unique coastal influence of Long Island’s North Fork, making it an excellent choice for pairing with oysters or grilled seafood.

• Palmer Vineyards – Palmer Vineyards also produces a standout Albariño, offering a refreshing wine that bursts with bright citrus and tropical fruit flavors, complemented by a clean, crisp finish. Their Albariño is a perfect expression of the variety’s versatility and works beautifully with light seafood dishes, salads, or even spicy cuisine. Palmer’s welcoming tasting room is the ideal setting to enjoy this exceptional wine while taking in views of their picturesque vineyard.

Teroldego & Where to Taste It

Teroldego is an intriguing Italian grape that’s gaining attention in Long Island for its deep color, vibrant acidity, and complex fruit flavors. Made by Suhru & Lieb Vineyards, their Teroldego expressions showcase a blend of dark fruit notes like blackberry and plum, with subtle earthy undertones and a lively, refreshing finish. This expression highlights the grape’s vibrant acidity, making it a perfect choice for pairing with grilled meats and rich dishes.

Chenin Blanc & Where to Taste It

Chenin Blanc is a versatile grape that can range from dry to sweet, and its adaptability to Long Island’s climate makes it an interesting addition to the region’s wine scene. Known for its high acidity and flavors of green apple, honey, and floral notes, Chenin Blanc pairs wonderfully with a wide variety of dishes, from goat cheese to spicy Asian cuisine.Where to Taste Chenin Blanc:

• Shinn Estate Vineyards – Shinn Estate’s Chenin Blanc is crisp and vibrant, showcasing bright fruit flavors and refreshing acidity.
• Macari Vineyards – Macari Vineyards produces a delightful Chenin Blanc that combines floral aromas with ripe apple and citrus flavors, perfect for food pairings.

Conclusion: Discover Long Island’s Unique White Wines

The Long Island wine region offers an exciting array of white wine varieties that cater to a variety of tastes, from the popular Sauvignon Blanc to the more obscure Teroldego. Whether you’re visiting the North Fork or the Hamptons, there are numerous wineries offering exceptional white wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. Be sure to visit these top wineries to taste the best that Long Island has to offer and discover your new favorite white wine.