Hamptons Guide: Day Trip to Greenport Wineries
On the North Fork of Long Island is the village of Greenport. A short drive and ferry ride from the Hamptons, this is a romantic day trip worth taking. There are many vineyards and tasting rooms along the North Fork of Greenport to explore. A couple of years ago as part of a birthday weekend trip with my then girlfriend—now wife—we went to three tasting rooms in Greenport, so I’ll give you a guide/review to the three we visited, as well as a great sushi spot for lunch that was recommended to us. With so many tasting room options we started at Kontokosta Winery because it was highly recommended by a friend. There we asked our sommelier for her top recommendations of tasting rooms in the area and that’s how we came to our next two choices. It’s always a good idea to ask locals for recommendations. For more tips on visiting Greenport, read this NY Times Travel piece by Jan Benzel.
Address | 825 North Rd, Greenport, NY 11944
Located on the waterfront, Kontokosta Winery boasts stunning views of the Long Island Sound as well as acres of beautiful vineyards. The tasting room is a large hall brightly lit by natural light from the windows looking out to the bluff and the estate. You can order wines by the glass and if you’re feeling peckish the menu also offers local cheese, charcuterie and small bites. After your tasting enjoy a walk on the grounds and to the bluff overlooking the Long Island Sound.
Address | 5195 Old North Rd, Southold, NY 11971
One Woman Wines & Vineyards tasting room is located in a small unassuming red shack with outdoor tables and seating for when the weather is pleasant. The service is friendly and casual. The wines on offer were our favorite of the day. Owned and operated by Claudia Purita—who grew up in Calabria, Italy— One Woman wines produces a variety of wines (Rosé, Grüner Veltliner, Merlot and Chardonnay among others). It is worth the $12 for a flight of four wines. Tasting from the Reserve is $4 per taste. You can also make purchases by the glass or by the bottle and they offer small bites as well.
Address | 13050 Oregon Rd, Cutchogue, NY 11935
The last tasting room we went to, Lieb Cellars, is technically in Cutchogue but just 8 minutes down the road from One Woman. Lieb Cellars tasting room definitely had the most lively scene and outgoing somm. We sat at the bar, but the large tasting room offers a lot of comfortable indoor and outdoor seating at tables overlooking the beautiful countryside. I highly recommend ordering the cheese board (made up of local cheeses) to go with your tasting. Choose from 3 wine tasting flights: White Wines (4 wines, $14), Red Wines (4 wines, $16), Reserve Wines (6 wines, $22) or order by the glass. Take in the views lounging on their rustic Adirondack chairs.
Address | 477 Main St, Greenport, NY 11944
For a late lunch we decided to head back to the center of Greenport Village to eat at Stirling Sake. A classic minimalist Japanese style, the restaurant serves fresh and delicious sashimi and sushi. The menu offers other Japanese cuisine such as udon and rice bowls but we stuck to sushi and sashimi. You can also order a flight of sake which will vary depending on when you visit.
Greenport is a great day trip from the Hamptons or destination for your weekend getaway. Have you been? What is on your “must do” list? Let me know in the comments below.
