Peconic Wine Tourism

Whether you’re in Long Island for a vacation or a weekend, drive down to Peconic and try some of the best wines New York has to offer. Whatever you’re in the mood for, a Merlot, Chardonnay or perhaps Cabernet Sauvignon, you’re bound to find it in Peconic. The area produces some great wines.

Raphael Winery

You’ll love this Mediterranean-style winery. As you’re driving down the Main Road (Route 25), you can’t miss this huge Tuscan villa called the Raphael Winery (pictured). The 28,000-square-foot building is owned by the Petrocelli family and has been producing the best Merlot in Long Island since it’s opening in 2001.

They offer guided tours and wine tasting on a daily basis by appointment. Reservations are required and there’s a fee of $12 per person. It takes about an hour for the tour. The Raphael Winery has been featured in The Wine Spectator Magazine, New York Times and the NBC hit show The Apprentice.

The winery is opened daily from 11am - 5pm. It is located at 39390 Main Road, Peconic N.Y. For more Information, contact 631.765.1100.

Pindar Vineyard

As you’re driving east on Route 25 to Peconic, turn left to Pindar Vineyard, Long Island’s largest and oldest vineyard. It was founded by Dr. Herodotus “Dan” Damianos in 1979. Their wines have received many awards, in both national and international wine tasting competitions. The 2004 Reserve Chardonnay is highly recommended by the Beverage Testing Institute. One of the most popular wines they produced is the 2000 Mythology, which is a red wine. They also produce Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Viogner and Syrah.

Their wine tasting is available daily from 11am - 5:30pm, with a $4 tasting fee per person. The winery is open from 11am - 6pm for sales. The Pindar Wine Shop, Port Jefferson is open from Monday-Sunday, 11am - 7pm. The Pindar Vineyard is located at 37645 Route 25,Peconic, New York. For more information, contact 631.734.6200.

Osprey’s Dominion Vineyards

The Osprey’s Dominion Vineyard is one of many Long Island’s vineyard located in Peconic. If you’re driving down Route 25, Osprey’s is about a quarter mile on the left. This 90-acres of vinifera grapes produces Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon among others. Their wines has received many awards from both national and international wine competitions.

The tasting room is open daily from 11am - 5pm, with extended hours from Memorial Day through September. The vineyard features live entertainment on weekends. For more information call 888.295.6188 / 631.765.6188.

Lenz Winery and Vineyard

The Lenz Winery is small compared to other wineries around the area, but it produces fine-quality wines that are all estate bottled. There’s nearly 70-acres of vinifera grapes varieties, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet franc.

The Lenz tasting room is open daily, 10am - 5pm from November-May, 10am - 6pm from Memorial Day-Columbus Day. They’re closed on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Tours are offered in February and March. Tour fees are $25 per person. For reservations contact Barbara Reuschle at 631.734.6010.

If you’re a wine enthusiast, stop by any of this winery in Long Island’s, North Folk and you will not be disappointed.

Photo credit: Brian Dorsey Studios - Raphaelwine.com