At the city of Riverhead, Long Island divides into two forks. These are separated by Great Peconic Bay. These two regions have their own American Viticultural Area (AVA) recognition as North Fork, Long Island, where most of the region’s wineries are situated. In the Hamptons, Long Island, (or the south fork) there are a few more wineries that deserve a visit.
Join us as we learn more about the wonderful wineries in the Hamptons!
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How Many Wineries Are There In The Hamptons?
The east end of Long Island is home to many magnificent wineries in the Hamptons. With over 60 vineyards and wineries that are rooted in the Hamptons. Across the North Fork, you may find a red, white, bubbly, or rose that is perfect for lazy summer nights or fabulous festivities.
What Is The Largest Winery In The Hamptons?
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Pindar Vineyards is the largest of the Long Island wineries. This vineyard is headed up by Pindar Damianos and the winemaker is Erik Bilka. This vineyard in the Hamptons encompasses more than 500 breath-taking acres. They grow 17 varieties of grapes, developing them into some 23 varietals and proprietary wine blends.
Pindar produces 70 000 cases of wine a year. The vineyard is open every day and offers tastings, wine by the bottle and glass, cheese as well as other snacks. During the summer Pindar has live music every weekend.
Green Initiatives
They are dedicated to being leaders in environmental stewardship and sustainable agriculture in every step of their operations, from the vineyards right down to the tasting rooms.
Out of all the wineries in the Hamptons, at Pindar every season the grapevine absorbs the vital nutrients from the soil. This means that it’s important that you give it back. In that spirit, the team at this vineyard in the Hamptons have pioneered the move away from chemical fertilisers and pesticides with a massive composting operation that benefits both their grapes and their community.
This stellar example on the wineries in the Hamptons combines lawn clippings from a number of local landscapers, fish parts from a seafood wholesaler and their own grape skins into huge piles so imposing that the winemaker dubbed them “The Himalayas”.
The piles are tended to and turned for months in order to create rich compost. They then spread ‘The Himalayas’ on top of Long Island’s sandy soil to create the perfect environment for their grapes. With this system, their vines are thriving. Tonnes of organic waste is being returned to the earth rather than being wasted in landfills.
Pindar is always searching for new ways to lower its environmental footprint. They are tapping into Long Island itself to do so. The winery at Pindar is utilising wind to power the production facility.
What Is The Oldest Winery In The Hamptons?
Castello di Borghese is Long Island’s oldest vineyard. It was started in 1973 by Alex and Louisa Hargrave. They became innovators of the viticulture industry of the East End, paving the way for the 50+ other vineyards and Hampton wineries that now shape the region.
In 1998 they put Hargrave Vineyard up for sale and caught the eye of Ann Marie and Marco Borghese, who were a Philadelphia couple who loved wine, who had profound respect for tradition, and whose aristocratic heritage date back to medieval Italy.
In 1999 the vineyard was re-christened Castello di Borghese – Castle of the Borgheses. The couple produced vintage after vintage of award-winning wines. The 2013 season signalled the 40th anniversary of the founding vineyard of Long Island. In 2014, the Borghese children took over operations and proudly carry on with the legacy of producing superb, sophisticated wines.
Winners of a number of international awards, Castello di Borghese Vineyard has garnered widespread recognition. With a microclimate that is comparable to the Bordeaux region of France, the wineries near East Hamptons provide a lush environment to grow some of the world’s best French grape varietals.
Private tours of the Borghese Vineyards can be arranged from Tuesday to Sunday at either 11.30, 1.30 or 3.30.
Their vineyard offers a rustic and romantic setting for weddings and private events. The experience our venue offers will be unforgettable for you and your guests. Their gallery can be customised for each event, with wide barn doors to allow a close-up view of the vines.
What Wine Is The Hamptons Known For?
The wineries in the Hamptons are best known for their superb reds – classic Bordeaux blends (called “Meritage” wines in the U.S.), Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot:
- A Bordeaux red blend often combines two or more of the classic Bordeaux varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Carmenère and Malbec. A white blend would most probably include at least two from Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris and Muscadelle.
- Cabernet Sauvignon is a red grape varietal that is known for its thick, durable skin and the vine’s resistance to the weather elements. After the origin of the grape, the Cabernet Sauvignon varietal started to be adopted in parts of France by winemakers looking for more durable plants which were relatively easy to grow.
- Merlot is one of the world’s most well-known red wines and America’s second favourite after Cabernet Sauvignon. Known for its soft and sensual texture and approachable style, it’s made from red-skinned grapes which may adapt to a variety of climates in order to produce food-friendly wines at varying costs. Merlot may be velvety and plummy, or rich and oaky. There’s something for everyone. This is why Merlot is such an oenophile favourite.
The Hamptons is a region of the United States that is well known for being the playground of the rich and famous. It is also a summer escape from New York City. There are some exquisite wines that come out of this region and everyone needs to sample at least one bottle from the Hamptons wineries in their lifetime!
So, if you ever find yourself rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous in the Hamptons, you should swing by their vineyards. Cheers!
Born amidst the rolling vineyards of Napa Valley, Chloe’s love for wine was instilled from a young age. This passion led her to the picturesque wine regions of France, where she immersed herself in the rich wine culture and traditions.
Chloe’s dedication to the craft culminated in her becoming a wine sommelier, a testament to her deep knowledge and appreciation for wines.