travel
And one vineyard you don't even have to leave the city for...
By Darla Murray
•
Published Jul 29, 2024
Additional reporting by
Chelsea Candelario
&
Emma Singer
Rooftop Reds
The West Coast may get the lion’s share of the glory when it comes to America’s wine regions but guess what: the East Coast (especially the Tri-State Area) can more than hold its own when it comes to vino. In fact, New York State alone has a long history of wine production and is even home to America’s oldest winery. From Finger Lakes to Cape May to New Haven, there are plenty of gorgeous vineyards to see and outstanding wines to try just a stone's throw away from the city. So the next time you’re in the mood to tour and taste grapes of the fermented variety, forget the pricey trip to Napa and instead head to one of these 24 wineries and vineyards near NYC. Cheers!
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New York Wineries and Vineyards
Wolffer Estate
1. Wölffer Estate (Sagaponack, NY)
Wolffer Estate
- Why We Love It: cider, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages available, seasonal Yoga in the Vines events
- Distance from NYC: 3 hours and 10 minutes by car
- Reservation needed: Yes with a limit of eight guests when booking, which can be done on their website
- Location: 139 Sagg Rd., Sagaponack, NY
- Price: $$$$
Head over to the Hamptons to this 30-year estate where you can try wine, spirits and ciders. (I can personally attest to the fact that their rose cider is refreshing, delicious and downright gulpable.) They offer four unique experiences that feature the tasting room, a tour and so much more. For example, the Taste of the Season lets you try different wines with a few festive bites by their in-house chefs. A wine expert will guide you through the tasting while teaching you the ways their award-winning drinks have been made. And if you want to skip the tour and tasting, come by for Sunset Fridays and Saturdays where no reservations are needed. Just order a glass of wine, grab a bite and enjoy live music.
- Why We Love It: live music series; wide selection of reds, whites, rosé, sparkling and sangria
- Distance from NYC: About 1 hour and 15 minutes by car
- Reservation needed: No
- Location: 100 Brotherhood Plaza Dr., Washingtonville, NY
- Price: $$
I’d like to take a moment to thank visionary Jean Jaques, who bought land in 1810 and began planting grapes. By 1839, he had fermented the very first wine vintage in America. While many more wineries have popped up since, the Brotherhood is still a must for wine lovers. Check out their hand-excavated underground cellars, try out five of their popular wines and even enjoy live performances every weekend.
Photo courtesy of Standing Stone Vineyard
3. Standing Stone Wines (Hector, NY)
Standing Stone
- Why We Love It: overlooks Seneca Lake, known for Gewürztraminer variety, cultivates lesser-known varietals
- Distance from NYC: About 4 hours and 40 minutes by car
- Reservation needed: Yes; reservations can be made online here
- Location: 9934 Rte. 414, Hector, NY
- Price: $$
If you're in the Finger Lakes area (specifically Seneca Lake) for weekend getaway, head over to Standing Stone Wines. Reserve a table and try their extensive wine list while learning all about the production that dates back to the '70s. And while you're enjoying a nice glass, take in the gorgeous view of the vineyard that expands over 46 acres and overlooks the lake.
4. Hudson-Chatham Winery (Ghent, NY)
- Why We Love It: curated tasting experiences, good for groups, walk-ins welcome
- Distance from NYC: About 2 hours and 35 minutes by car
- Reservation needed: Yes; can be made online here or groups larger than nine can make advanced reservations by emailing reservations@hudsonchathamwinery.com
- Location: 1900 State Rte. 66, Ghent, NY
- Price: $$
This Hudson Valley mainstay’s list of accolades is too long to get into here, but trust us, you’ll love the wine as much as you love the sun-drenched tasting room. Since it was originally a dairy farm, don't be afraid to pair your wine with the in-house line of artisanal cheeses, jams and sauces, made in collaboration with local farmers. (Blood-orange cheese drizzle, where have you been all our lives?)
5. Bashakill Vineyards (Wurtsboro, NY)
- Why We Love It: live music, food and drinks on the weekend; walk-ins welcome (no reservations); adults-only; try three or six wines free for the price of a $12 souvenir glass
- Distance from NYC: 1 hour and 55 minutes by car
- Reservation needed: No
- Location: 1131 South Rd., Wurtsboro, NY
- Price: $
Looking for a fun thing to do this weekend? Visit Bashakill Vineyards. Whether you're there for the wine tasting (try three drinks for free and get a souvenir glass for $12) or the food (the seasonal and homemade dishes from the on-site chef are exceptional), or just looking to get away from the bustling city, here's a full experience worth exploring. Plus, it’s also dog-friendly so your doggo can enjoy the fun too.
6. Benmarl Winery (Marlboro, NY)
- Why We Love It: summer sangria festival, annual barrel tasting, takes reservations
- Distance from NYC: 1 hour and 50 minutes by car
Reservation needed: Yes; reservations can be made online here - Location: 156 Highland Avenue, Marlboro, NY
- Price: $$
Known as the oldest vineyard in America, Benmarl Winery continues to be a staple in Marlboro. Grab a tour, sip some of their wines and take in the views of their 37-acre state with an impressive shot of the Hudson River Valley. And if you're lucky, they just might be making some pizza in their wood fired oven (so call ahead to find out).
Millbrook Vineyards
7. Millbrook Vineyards & Winery (Millbrook, NY)
Millbrook Vineyards
- Why We Love It: Catskill Mountains views, loved by The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, walk-ins welcome, tours available, seasonal weekend food trucks
- Distance from NYC: 2 hour and 30 minutes by car
- Reservation needed: Yes (but walk-ins are allowed for wine tastings on a first come, first serve basis); reservations can be made online here
- Location: 26 Wing Rd, Millbrook, NY
- Price: $$
Owner John Dyson’s interest in wine started when he tried to impress a date with a jug of the stuff and enrolled in a wine course, but then grew to a full-fledged winery for everyone to enjoy. Since 1998, you can enjoy outdoor and indoor guided wine tastings, tours of 30 acres and relaxing in the picnic area (or terrace seating) overlooking the Catskills Mountains. Plus, if you're stopping by on Fridays, enjoy Friday Night Food Trucks, where you can enjoy local food, tap wine and fun lawn games for the whole family.
Rooftop Reds
8. Rooftop Reds (Brooklyn, NY)
Rooftop Reds
- Why We Love It: seasonal pizza and wine movie nights, rooftop views, offsite tastings available
- Distance from NYC: it's in NYC!
- Reservation needed: Yes; make reservations by calling 917-336-8211
- Location: 299 Sands St. Bldg. 275, Brooklyn, NY
- Price: $$
While we have a few notable wineries in the city, the so-called concrete jungle isn’t exactly conducive to a proper vineyard. Fortunately, the Rooftop Reds founders were up for the challenge, opening the world’s first commercially viable rooftop vineyard inside the Brooklyn Navy Yard (and trust us, the space has a lot to offer). Grab your friends and enjoy a glass while taking in the views of the bustling city, or for a more hands-on experience, join a wine tasting, participate in one of their nightly yoga classes or catch a movie overlooking the Empire State building.
9. Croteaux Vineyards (Southold, NY)
- Why We Love It: specializes in rosé, tasting garden, Condé Nast Traveler favorite
- Distance from NYC: 3 hours and 15 minutes by car
- Reservation needed: No
- Location: 1450 S. Harbor Rd., Southold, NY
- Price: $$
This Instagram-perfect vineyard, with its charming cobblestoned back patio and intricately designed bottles, can appropriately be summed up in a certain three-word hashtag:#roséallday. It’s the only vineyard in America dedicated exclusively to the pink stuff (and we're here for it). During the spring and summer, the tasting garden is particularly breathtaking as you're surrounded by a colorful and vibrant backdrop.
10. Bedell Cellars (Cutchogue, NY)
- Why We Love It: walk-ins welcome, great for groups up to 15 people, sustainable farming commitment, Wine Spectator calls it a “grand vin” of New York
- Distance from NYC: 3 hours by car
- Reservation needed: No
- Location: 36225 Main Rd., Cutchogue, NY
- Price: $$
Of all the wineries near NYC, this family-run spot, which owes its high-quality wines to sustainable farming methods and a small-batch process, is hard to beat. The entire experience wins high praise from PureWow’s Senior Food Editor, Katherine Gillen, who has visited on more than one occasion: “I love it because it's not too scene-y, so it's easy enough to walk in on a summer weekend. The back patio and vineyard views are pretty and serene,and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Oh, and the wine is excellent,” she says. While you won’t want to leave the sunny outdoor pavilion, you should carve out a moment to visit the restored barn where the owner’s contemporary art collection is on display. And if you're stopping by on a Sunday enjoy live music from local artists.
11. Warwick Valley Winery (Warwick, NY)
- Why We Love It: seasonal weekend live music, also offer ciders and spirits, on-site café with seasonal offerings
- Distance from NYC: 1 hour and 55 minutes by car
- Reservation needed: No
- Location: 114 Little York Rd, Warwick, NY
- Price: $
The Hudson Valley is home to many wineries near NYC and there are numerous vineyards to choose from…but nothing beats Warwick Valley Winery. They started out growing apples, and have grown to providing wines, spirits and ciders (including New York's Original Cider). While you're browsing through their impressive drink collection, enjoy food straight from local farmers (like oven-ready pizza). And you can experience the winery all year long with apple-picking in the fall and music festivals (including tribute concerts) in their outdoor stage in the summer.
Macari Vineyards/Conor Harrigan
12. Macari Vineyards (Mattituck, NY)
Macari Vineyards
- Why We Love It: wine bar, memberships available, seasonal events
- Distance from NYC: 2 hour and 40 minutes by car
- Reservation needed: Yes; reservations can be made online here
- Location: 150 Bergen Avenue, Mattituck, NY
- Price: $$$$
This family-owned vineyard is a Long Island gem. Pick one of the experiences they offer to learn all about their wines while exploring the 500-acre space. Check out the Summer Tasting, where you can sample three wines, a cheese selection and a personal charcuterie board for each guest.
New Jersey Wineries and Vineyards
Willow Creek Farm
13. Willow Creek Farm & Winery (West Cape May, NJ)
Willow Creek Farm
- Why We Love It: open year-round, full grill and charcuterie menu
- Distance from NYC: 3 hours by car
- Reservation needed: Yes; tasting tours can be booked online here
- Location: 160-168 Stevens St., West Cape May, NJ
- Price: $$$$
Cape May is already a hot spot for beaches, resorts and entertainment. It's no surprise they have a farm and one of the finest wineries near NYC to add to the list of fun things to do. Indulge in their group wine tasting (exploring five favorites), a tour via an electric cart to learn about the 50-acre farm or stop by Fire Pit Fridays for drinks, farm-fresh food and live music.
Old York Cellar
14. Old York Cellars (Ringoes, NJ)
Old York Cellar
- Why We Love It: wine and comedy shows, food pairing experiences, pet-friendly
- Distance from NYC: 1 hour and 15 minutes by car
- Reservation needed: Yes but limited to six guests when booking, which can be done online here
- Location: 80 York Rd., Ringoes, NJ
- Price: $$
Just an hour away from the city, Old York Cellars has all the activities you're looking for in a winery. Enjoy a nice glass of wine in a cabana or reserve your spot in the open acres with the family. If you're looking to enhance your wine tasting skills, add in the Wine, Charcuterie & Chocolate experience where you can pair award-winning wine with meats, cheeses and delicious chocolate truffles. Or, choose the Chef Jose's Wine and Tapas Experience where you try some wine and fresh Spanish tapas (because wine pairs well with more than just meat and cheese).
Beneduce Vineyards
15. Beneduce Vineyards (Pittstown, NJ)
Beneduce Vineyards
- Why We Love It: sustainably farmed, small-batch wines, family-friendly Sunday picnics with live music and food trucks
- Distance from NYC: 1 hour and 10 minutes by car
- Reservation needed: Open to walk-ins on a limited basis; reservations are recommended for weekend visits and can be made here
- Location: 1 Jeremiah Lane, Pittstown, NJ
- Price: $$
This NJ vineyard is where you'll find the finest wines in the state, but it’s really the events that have us trekking away from the Big Apple. Every weekend, join "Group Therapy" where there are live performances, local food trucks and fun lawn games. Whether you're relaxing on the lawn or want a peaceful moment with your wine at their crush pad, the whole fam can join a weekend of bliss.
Hawk Haven
16. Hawk Haven Vineyard (Rio Grande, NJ)
Hawk Haven
- Why We Love It: specialties include white Port-style wine, Méthode Champenoise Brut and Méthode Ancestrale sparkling wines; seasonal live music and food events
- Distance from NYC: 2 hours and 35 minutes by car
- Reservation needed: Yes. Can be made online here, or by emailing hello@hawkhavenvineyard.com
- Location: 600 South Railroad Avenue, Rio Grande, NJ
- Price: $$
There's always something fun happening at the Hawk Haven Vineyard. Since opening its doors in 2008, it has delivered a variety of wines and activities, plus a healthy dose of local pride. Daily you'll find an event for the wine lover, foodie or music aficionado. In particular, The Rootstock concert series bridges all those together every weekend with local musicians, ever-changing food trucks (and their priceless wines of course) and exclusively to adults only (so leave the kiddos at home). But if you're looking to mellow out, reserve a spot to learn all about the vineyard, wine selection and local farm.
17. Tomasello Winery
- Why We Love It: 10 locations throughout the state, opera galas, seasonal events
- Distance from NYC: 45 minutes by car
- Reservation needed: Not required, but recommended on weekends; can be made online or by phone by calling 1-800-666-9463
- Location: multiple locations
- Price: $$$
FYI, this is not your average winery. Yes, you can head to the Hammonton area to check out their vineyard but why limit yourself to one spot in the Garden State? If you’re interested in trying one of their 50+ wines, their tasting room is scattered across ten locations in the state. Once you head over to one, there you can choose from their signature (which has five samplings) or Riedel (which has eight samplings and a souvenir glass) tastings. How would it be to visit all ten, we wonder?
Laurita Winery/Facebook
18. Laurita Winery (New Egypt, NJ)
- Why We Love It: food truck season pass available, seasonal food and entertainment events
- Distance from NYC: 1 hour and 30 minutes by car
- Reservation needed: No
- Location: 85 Archertown Rd, New Egypt, NJ
- Price: $
Come for the wine (and their signature sangria) and stay for all the fun events happening on the weekends. On Fridays, stop by for Fridays at the Grove, order from Laurita's Eats (we’re fans of the turkey club or steak melt) and hang out for a while. Or show off your cornhole skills at a friendly competition game where you can win big prizes (like a $200 cash card). And if you're in a dancing mood, grab tickets to an ‘80s-themed dance party because why not?
Connecticut Wineries and Vineyards
19. Jones Family Farms & Winery (Shelton, CT)
- Why We Love It: light food menu, emphasis on seasonal ingredients, offers seven different vintages
- Distance from NYC: 1 hour and 55 minutes by car
- Reservation needed: No
- Location: 606 Walnut Tree Hill Rd., Shelton, CT
- Price: $
Grab your friends and head over to this Connecticut winery. Join a weekend wine tasting and you just might get live music while you're taking a sip. And once you're all done, continue your trip to the 400-acre farm where you can hand-pick strawberries and blueberries (or pumpkins in the fall).
White Silo Farms & Winery/Facebook
20. White Silo Farms & Winery (Sherman, CT)
- Why We Love It: small-batch wines, picnic baskets available, seasonal farm festivals
- Distance from NYC: 1 hour and 45 minutes by car
- Reservation needed: Yes (you can book online here)
- Location: 32 Rt. 37 East, Sherman, CT
- Price: $
There's no need to break the bank to enjoy high quality wine. The tasting room in White Silo Farms & Winery is only $14 per person and it includes four samplings (plus some sangria) and a souvenir glass. Then, take a tour and discover the dairy barn turned winery (where the wines are processed) and the breathtaking outdoor gardens. Plus, you don't want to miss out on all the activities they offer—from art exhibitions to yoga in the vineyard.
21. Bishop's Orchards Farm & Winery (Guilford, CT)
- Why We Love It: house-made fruit wines and hard ciders, seasonal events, family-friendly
- Distance from NYC: 2 hours and 20 minutes by car
- Reservation needed: No
- Location: 1355 Boston Rd., Guilford, CT
- Price: $$
The award-winning winery (with 440 awards) is a must-see spot in Guilford area. Why? For its wide selection of wine and hard ciders. You don't have to wait until the weekend to try a wine tasting (so, wine Wednesday anyone?). Take in a tour or finish off with a look at the Bishop's Orchards Farm. There you'll find a market, homemade ice cream and a chance to pick some blueberries and peaches.
22. Hopkin’s Vineyard (Warren, CT)
- Why We Love It: wine bar; specializes in dry, semi-sweet, sweet and sparkling wines; seasonal live music
- Distance from NYC: 2 hours and 10 minutes by car
- Reservation needed: No
- Location: 25 Hopkins Rd., Warren, CT
- Price: $$
For over 225 years, the Hopkin's family has turned this vineyard into a Connecticut staple. Explore all the wine selections (in the state's first established wine bar) and admire the 19th century aesthetic. When you're finished learning about ingredients and the best food pairings, make time to view Lake Waramaug in the background.
Paradise Hill
23. Paradise Hills Vineyard (Wallingford, CT)
Paradise Hills
- Why We Love It: book clubs, classes, live music
- Distance from NYC: 2 hours and 25 minutes by car
- Reservation needed: No
- Location: 15 Windswept Hill Rd, Wallingford, CT
- Price: $$
There’s plenty of wine tasting and fun to be had at Paradise Hills. Order a glass and take in the musical performances on the weekend. Plus, the outdoor patio provides a stunning look at the vineyard and the hills along the George Washington trail.
24. Jonathan Edwards Winery (North Stonington, CT)
- Why We Love It: winery tours, summer music concert series, seasonal food events
- Distance from NYC: 3 hours and 20 minutes by car
- Reservation needed: No
- Location: 74 Chester Maine Rd., N. Stonington, CT
- Price: $$
Step into the New Haven area for Jonathan Edwards Winery. The family-owned business offers wine tasting that includes five samplings daily, as well as seasonal guided tours. If you plan your visit right, you might even be treated to some of the very fun events they host, including festivals, concerts and more. Plus, the space alone (featuring stone patios, large barn doors and a front-row seat of the sunset) is enough to make the trip.
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Darla Murray
Freelance PureWow Editor
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Chelsea Candelario
Beauty and Cultures Editor
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