Long Island Wineries Are a Girl’s Best Friend
Three of my favorite wineries on the North Fork are Pugliese, Roanoke and Jamesport. Each is unique and after visiting, I’m left with a wonderful memory and a feeling of contentment.
Pugliese Vineyards in Cutchogue, has a layout offering patrons several different vistas while enjoying their wines. You have a choice to sit on the lawn, deck, near a pond, or under the pergola. What’s even more interesting is what they offer inside the tasting room. Besides the cheese platter, which compliments any of their fabulous and award-winning wines, are one-of-a-kind hand painted glasses. You can have a message hand-painted on one of your favorite wine bottles.
Whenever I go to Pugliese, It feels as though I’m visiting family. The atmosphere is welcoming, and the winemakers have a subtle way of connecting with you. The wine I choose when I visit Pugliese Vineyards is the Chardonnay Gold 2010. It doesn’t overpower your palate and it pairs well with almost any meal.
The second North Fork vineyard I love to go to is Roanoke. Located on Sound Avenue in Riverhead, Roanoke Vineyards is a cozy, intimate place. It’s smaller than Pugliese, but it offers a wonderful feeling of warmth. Coupled with its natural surroundings, Roanoke Vineyards offers a convenient patio surrounded by privacy shrubs and a nice lawn where you can sit in one of their many lawn chairs. I prefer the lawn because—as an animal lover—every time I visit Roanoke Vineyards, I get to see a rabbit enjoying the lawn as well
What makes this vineyard special is their high-quality, limited-edition wines. You can only purchase their wines at the vineyard or online. My favorite is their Cabernet Sauvignon. A complimentary bread and cheese platter is brought to you as you take in the beautiful, serene setting. This is a place where you can relax and not feel rushed. Each time I visit Roanoke Vineyards, I’m transported to another land.
Last, but not least, is Jamesport Vineyards. There are several reasons I love going to Jamesport Vineyards. Their wines encompass the way of life on the North Fork. My favorite is from their East End collection called Cinq. With so many intermingling flavors, Cinq can be paired with any type of meal.
As you pass through the tasting room to the outdoor area, you will be greeted by Luca, a French bulldog. Luca is easygoing and friendly, a fine representative of Jamesport Vineyards. Then, you come upon a huge lawn with tables and chairs strategically placed for optimal comfort. You have the choice to sit in the sun or under a big tent while enjoying their local musicians. A big plus at Jamesport Vineyard is that they allow pets. They understand that our pets are a part of our families. Another reason why I love Jamesport Vineyards is their food choices. On the weekends, they offer a raw bar with oysters and clams, cheese boards, and a brick oven that makes delicious pizzas. If you aren’t a wine drinker, Jamesport Vineyard also offers beer. There’s nothing you can’t get while enjoying your day there.
If you are looking for scenic views, a cozy intimate atmosphere, or an upbeat friendly arena, I would choose Pugliese, Roanoke and Jamesport Vineyards. Each vineyard will leave you with the feeling that you just took a vacation.
Pugliese Vineyards, 34515 Main Rd, Cutchogue, 631-734-4057 pugliesevineyards.com; Roanoke Vineyards, 3543 Sound Ave., Riverhead, 631-727-4161, Roanoke vineyards.com; Jamesport Vineyards, 1216 Main Rd Jamesport, 631-722-5256, jamesportwines.com