Visiting the North Fork Vineyards During COVID-19

Exploring the North Fork vineyards on the eastern end of Long Island in New York is one of my favorite things to do.

Why?

Because I love wine.

Also, the scenery. It’s vineyards plus farmland plus charming coastal towns.

Basically, everywhere you look on the North Fork is like a postcard.

And the fresh seafood along with the farm to table cuisine doesn’t hurt either. (I highly recommend washing it all down with a glass of local wine!)

But with the pandemic upon us this year, you might be wondering if it’s even safe to visit the North Fork vineyards and wineries. My family and I were wondering the same thing before we ventured out there for a day while staying in nearby Wading River.

Now that we’ve had a great day exploring the North Fork wine trail, I want to give you all of the tips you need to plan a day trip or weekend out to this beautiful part of Long Island.

And you might find it interesting to know that when I talked to staff members at a few of the vineyards, they said that not only are they having a record turn out this year, but strangely, the busiest days for them have been weekdays, not the weekends.

Who would have thought? I guess this wfh thing has its perks when you can hit up a vineyard or two during the week!

Related: Check out my full North Fork Travel Guide for all of my recommendations on things to do, see, eat, and drink (besides the vineyards)!

How To Plan Your Trip to the North Fork Vineyards

The good news is the vineyards are open and welcoming visitors! However, there are many protocols in place this year because of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Below is a snapshot of the guidelines we encountered when we visited in late August.

Many of these rules are still in effect, but I urge you to call or check online for the latest information about the vineyards you want to visit at least a few days before you go. The last thing you want is to show up at a vineyard that can’t accommodate you because you haven’t followed all of the protocols in place.

General Guidelines for Visiting the North Fork Vineyards & Wineries:

• You must wear a mask at all times except when sitting at a table/tasting wine.
• Bring your own hand sanitizer because not all of the vineyards have it out.
• Many vineyards have a maximum party size of 6 or 8 people including children. (We did not find this to be strictly enforced at every vineyard.)
• Some vineyards are requiring reservations booked in advance.
• For the vineyards that are not accepting reservations, be prepared to wait. (We got a table right away at Bedell but waited for 25 minutes at Croteaux.)
• As of now, all seating is outdoors only, rain or shine. (This depends on NY State guidelines and could change at any time.)
• Tastings are still available at some of the North Fork vineyards, (Versus ordering by the glass or a bottle) but they typically pour all of the tastings at once and you bring all the glasses to your table.
• Some of the vineyards are requiring a food purchase with your wine.
• Some vineyards do not allow kids and most do not allow pets.
• Last but not least, and this goes for whenever you’re visiting a vineyard, (COVID or no COVID) make sure you have a designated driver!

My Favorite North Fork Vineyards

Now that you have a general sense of the COVID-19 protocols being used at most of the North Fork vineyards and wineries, I want to share with you some of my favorite vineyards to visit.

Bedell Cellars

Bedell is always at the top of my list and the first North Fork vineyard I recommend to people. The setting is beautiful (my husband and I considered getting married there but ultimately chose Brooklyn for our wedding venue,) and the wines are fantastic. In particular, I recommend the Viognier, the Rosé, and the Albarino.

Things to know:

• Open Daily for Tastings, Sun – Thurs 11 AM -5 PM, Friday & Saturday 11 AM -6 PM
• Walk-ins only
• 6 guest maximum *We were 7 including my 6-year-old niece, and we were able to get a table
• Children and dogs are permitted

Croteaux

Another North Fork vineyard high on my list is Croteaux. This vineyard only serves rosé – including sparkling – and the tasting area is set up around a rustic barn. This year, because of COVID-19 and the need to socially distance the tables, they’ve also set up adorable picnic tables complete with pillows, blankets, and umbrellas.

Things to know:

• Open Daily for tastings 12 – 6 PM
• Walk-ins only
• Party size limited to 6 people (including children unless they are in a stroller)
• Contact information collected from all guests for contact tracing
• Children are permitted, pets are not

Sparkling Pointe

Sparkling Pointe is the only exclusive producer of sparkling wine on the North Fork. The wines are produced exclusively in the traditional Méthode Champenoise. If you’re a fan of bubbly, this is a great option.

Things to know:

• Open Daily for tastings 11 AM – 4:15 PM
• Reservations are required
• Party size limited to 6 people
• Visitors must be 21 years or older and pets are not allowed

Lenz

The Lenz vineyard has a smaller tasting room but their wines are outstanding. Fun fact – a while back the producers did a blind taste test with sommeliers with Lenz wines and very well-known French wines. Many of the sommeliers could not identify which were which.

Things to know:

• Open Daily for tastings 10 AM – 6 PM through Colombus Day and then 10 AM – 5 PM
• Reservations and pre-payment are required
• Party size limited to 10 people
• Dogs are allowed

Kontokosta

Kontokosta is the only vineyard on the North Fork that boasts waterfront views. Located just outside of Greenport, this vineyard offers unparalleled views of the Long Island Sound. You really can’t find a better setting to kick back in an Adirondack chair and sip your wine!

Things to know:

• Open Daily for Tastings, Sun – Fri 11 AM -5 PM, Saturday 11 AM -6 PM
• Reservations and pre-payment are required
• Bottle service only, no tastings or wine by the glass
• Visitors must be 21 years or older and pets are not allowed

Wölffer Estate (On the South Fork, in Sagaponack)

One last winery and vineyard I want to include is the Wölffer Estate, located on the South Fork of Long Island, in Sagaponack. I’m including it because the brand has certainly made a name for itself with its various rosés, (Hello, Summer in a Bottle!) but also because it’s such a picturesque vineyard with a gorgeous tasting room and outdoor patio.

Wölffer also has an additional seating area at their Wine Stand (a 5-minute drive from the main vineyard). The best time to go is early evening so you can watch the sky turn cotton candy pink as the sun sets over the vineyards.

Things to know:

• Open Daily 11 AM – 7 PM
• Reservations are required
• Party size limited to 8 people
• Food is required with your wine order
• Children are permitted but pets are not allowed

Are You Ready to Visit the North Fork Vineyards?

So, what do you think? Are you ready to spend a day or weekend exploring the vineyards and wineries on the North Fork?

If it’s a trip you’ve been contemplating, I hope this post has given you the tips you need to make a decision.

We had such a great time in August we plan to go back for a day trip this fall. Who knows, maybe I’ll see you out there!

Cheers!