A Wine Tour of Long Island's East End

The 1770 House, East Hampton

About 75 miles east of Manhattan, far beyond the sprawl of the New York suburbs, Long Island splits into two, creating a “fish tail” either side of Great Peconic Bay. The North Fork and the South Fork (jointly referred to as the East End) have evolved very distinctly. Historically, the South Fork has been more prominent by far -- especially on July and August weekends! Yet the qualities that originally attracted people to this area can still be found: At times the light is almost transcendental; the produce from the remaining fields remains among the finest in the United States; and there is now a successful and growing aquaculture of oysters. The beaches still have fine, whitish sand and the sapphire-blue water is clean and invigorating. Below is a suggested six-night itinerary which focuses on the area's excellent wineries:

Day One

Check in to the Jedediah Hawkins Inn in Jamesport on the North Fork. Visit nearby Jamesport Vineyards for tastings. Return to Jedediah Hawkins for dinner at its fine restaurant.

Day Two - Five

Drive to the charming town of Mattituck and Shinn Estate Vineyards for a tasting of its wines. Then drive to The Tasting Room in Peconic, and if it is open, drive there to sample a fascinating portfolio of boutique wines. If it is closed, visit The Village Cheese Shop to put together another lunch to enjoy at a vineyard.

Drive to Peconic Bay Winery and have lunch on the terrace. Following lunch, proceed to North Fork Table & Inn in Southold. You can return to the Jedediah Hawkins or you might stay at one of the four rooms in the Greenport Tea Company. After lunch, drive out to the end of the North Fork and stroll the beach at Channing Daughters Winery for a tasting.

After this, proceed to the town of Bridgehampton for lunch at Wölffer Estate Vineyard for a tasting. Then, head east to East Hampton for dinner and an overnight stay at The 1770 House.

Day Six

Spend a leisurely morning strolling this charming town and perhaps take in an exhibition at Guild Hall. In the afternoon, drive east to see the historic lighthouse at the tip of the South Fork, Montauk Point. On the way, if the weather is good, stop at the delightful Clam Bar for a superb lobster salad roll. If the weather is not good, try Della Femina.

Day Seven

Return home.