The Long Island wine region—including both the North Fork and South Fork—is quickly becoming one of the East Coast’s most exciting wine destinations. Thanks to its cool maritime climate, Long Island produces wines with bright acidity, balanced fruit, and strong regional character.
From crisp Sauvignon Blanc to lesser-known varieties like Albariño and Teroldego, the region offers far more diversity than many visitors expect. Whether you’re planning a North Fork wine trip or simply looking to explore Long Island wines, here’s a guide to some of the top grape varieties grown across the region—and where to taste them.
Sauvignon Blanc: Long Island’s Crisp, Citrus-Driven White
Sauvignon Blanc has become one of the signature white wines of Long Island. The region’s cool climate helps preserve the grape’s natural acidity, resulting in wines that feel bright, refreshing, and food-friendly.
Expect flavors like:
- grapefruit
- lime
- green apple
- gooseberry
- fresh herbs
Sauvignon Blanc pairs especially well with:
- seafood
- oysters
- goat cheese
- salads
- lighter summer dishes
Where to Taste Sauvignon Blanc on Long Island:
- Macari Vineyards –
Macari’s Sauvignon Blanc highlights crisp minerality and bright citrus flavors shaped by the North Fork’s maritime influence.
- Suhru & Lieb Vineyards –
Suhru & Lieb produces a Sauvignon Blanc that balances freshness and texture, with layered citrus notes and vibrant acidity.
- Saltbird Cellars –
One of the region’s newer wineries, Saltbird Cellars offers a tropical, citrus-forward expression of Sauvignon Blanc.
Cabernet Franc: The Rising Star of New York Wine
Cabernet Franc has become one of the most important grape varieties grown across Long Island and New York State. While many people associate it with red wines, Cabernet Franc can also be made into Rosé and even white wine styles.
On Long Island, Cabernet Franc often shows:
- red berry fruit
- herbs and spice
- floral aromatics
- earthy complexity
The grape has also gained momentum through the Cabernet Franc Forward
initiative, which promotes New York Cabernet Franc across the state.
Where to Taste Cabernet Franc on Long Island
- Bedell Cellars –
Bedell produces multiple expressions of Cabernet Franc, including both red and white-style wines.
- Suhru & Lieb Vineyards –
Suhru & Lieb offers red and Rosé Cabernet Franc wines, showcasing the grape’s versatility and balance.
- Wölffer Estate Vineyard –
Located in the Hamptons, Wölffer’s Cabernet Franc combines red fruit, herbs, and subtle earthiness.
Merlot: Long Island’s Signature Red
Merlot remains the most iconic red grape variety on Long Island. The maritime climate helps the wines retain freshness while developing ripe fruit and soft tannins.
Long Island Merlot often features:
- black cherry
- plum
- cocoa
- herbs
- earthy undertones
Its smooth texture and versatility make it an easy pairing for:
- roast meats
- grilled vegetables
- pasta dishes
- stews
Where to Taste Merlot on Long Island
- Bedell Cellars –
Known for rich, velvety Merlot wines with deep fruit flavors and elegant structure.
- Lenz Winery –
Lenz Winery has long been recognized as one of the pioneers of Long Island Merlot. Their wines are structured, age-worthy, and known for balancing dark fruit flavors with earthy complexity and refined tannins.
- Coffee Pot Cellars –
Coffee Pot Cellars focuses exclusively on red wines, and their Merlot showcases the depth and elegance the variety can achieve on the North Fork. Expect concentrated dark fruit flavors, balanced oak influence, and a smooth, polished finish.
Lesser-Known Long Island Wine Varieties Worth Discovering
Beyond Bordeaux varieties, Long Island wineries also grow several unique and lesser-known grapes that thrive in the region’s coastal climate.
Pinot Blanc: Elegant & Underrated
Pinot Blanc is delicate, refreshing, and incredibly food-friendly. Often overlooked, this variety produces wines with:
- pear
- apple
- citrus
- almond notes
Where to Taste Pinot Blanc
- Suhru & Lieb Vineyards –
Home to one of the largest continuous Pinot Blanc plantings in the United States, Suhru & Lieb produces both still and sparkling Pinot Blanc wines.
- Palmer Vineyards –
Palmer’s Pinot Blanc offers bright acidity and fresh citrus character.
Albariño: Bright, Coastal & Seafood-Friendly
Originally from Spain, Albariño has adapted beautifully to Long Island’s maritime climate. These wines typically feature:
- peach
- lime
- citrus
- saline minerality
Albariño pairs exceptionally well with seafood and oysters.
Where to Taste Albariño
-
Jamesport Vineyards –
Their Albariño balances citrus fruit with coastal minerality.
-
Palmer Vineyards –
Palmer’s version showcases tropical fruit and crisp acidity.
Teroldego: One of Long Island’s Most Unique Red Wines
Teroldego, an Italian grape variety, continues gaining attention on the North Fork for its:
- dark fruit flavors
- vibrant acidity
- earthy complexity
Where to Taste Teroldego
- Suhru & Lieb Vineyards —
One of their most popular wines, Teroldego highlights blackberry, plum, spice, and freshness, making it an excellent pairing for grilled meats and richer dishes.
Chenin Blanc: Bright, Versatile & Food-Friendly
Chenin Blanc thrives in Long Island’s cool climate thanks to its naturally high acidity.
Flavor notes often include:
- green apple
- honey
- citrus
- floral aromas
Where to Taste Chenin Blanc
- Paumanok Vineyards –
Known for crisp, vibrant Chenin Blanc with bright acidity.
- Macari Vineyards –
Macari’s Chenin Blanc combines floral aromas with citrus and ripe orchard fruit.
Explore the Diversity of Long Island Wine
Long Island wine country offers far more than people expect. From classic Bordeaux-inspired reds to refreshing coastal whites and lesser-known varieties, the region continues to grow as a destination for wine lovers looking to explore something unique.
Whether you’re visiting the North Fork or the Hamptons, these wineries offer a chance to experience the diversity and character that make Long Island wines so special.
