The Essential Guide To Wine Tasting In The Hamptons

Forbes

12-04-2025

The Hamptons' wineries offer a mix of well-established estates and newer producers, drawing visitors with cool-climate wines and coastal scenery.
The Hamptons is not usually the first place that comes to mind for New York wine country. Yes, New York is the third largest wine producing state nationwide after California and Washington. But the Finger Lakes upstate and the North Fork are more established wine regions with much larger vineyards and wider distribution.
But the Hamptons has its own small but growing wine country, producing crisp sauvignon blancs, bright chardonnays and Bordeaux-style blends.
Avoiding peak times makes for a better tasting experience. Summer weekends bring crowds, and some wineries cater to large groups with a more social atmosphere. Smaller vineyards book up quickly, especially those offering guided tastings. Visiting on a weekday or in the off-season allows for a quieter setting and more access to winemakers.
Where to stay also matters if you're not just planning a day trip from the city. Many inns and boutique hotels sit close to top wineries, making it easier to visit multiple locations without long drives. Staying overnight allows for a more relaxed pace, whether that means a late-afternoon tasting without a rush to leave or an early visit before others arrive. Some properties even offer special tasting packages. That said, they book up quickly during the spring and summer.
A well-planned itinerary makes for a smoother trip. Choosing wineries based on atmosphere, timing visits to avoid loud and boisterous crowds and booking accommodations nearby all help in making the most of a Hamptons wine tour.
Appreciating the scenery and tasting wine at a vineyard in the Hamptons, Long Island, New York.
There are multiple ways to get to the Hamptons. Driving is the most flexible, allowing for easy access between towns, the beach and the wineries (with a designated driver). Uber and local taxi services are also an option. The region has plenty of EV charging stations, making it convenient for electric vehicle owners. Traffic can be heavy, especially on summer weekends, so planning travel outside peak hours helps avoid long delays.
For those who prefer not to drive, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) runs from Penn Station in Manhattan and Atlantic Terminal in Brooklyn to several stops in the Hamptons, including East Hampton and Bridgehampton, both near top wineries. Trains operate year-round, with more frequent service during peak season.
Bus services like the Hampton Jitney and the Hampton Luxury Liner provide another option. These coaches run daily between Manhattan and the Hamptons, with multiple pickup and drop-off points. They offer a more comfortable ride than the train, with onboard amenities like Wi-Fi and refreshments. Some stops are within easy reach of wineries, while others may require a short taxi or rideshare trip.
For those who really want to arrive in style—or really want to beat the traffic and can afford to do so—you can book a helicopter seat on Blade or charter an individual helicopter or seaplane altogether.
A vineyard in the Hamptons during the summer season.
Gurney's Montauk Resort
Gurney's Montauk Resort: Open year-round, Gurney's Montauk offers a range of oceanfront dining options, from lighter, ingredient-focused dishes to locally sourced seasonal fare. During colder months, guests can book heated igloos overlooking the water. And during the summer, The Beach Club provides access to a private, 2,000-foot stretch of sand for a full day by the shore. The Dune Lounge, open exclusively to resort guests, serves as both a dining and recreation space with ocean views, connecting to a firepit.
Marram Montauk
Marram Montauk: Open seasonally from late spring through early fall, Marram offers a secluded escape at the edge of Long Island, where rolling sand dunes meet the Atlantic. This laid-back property (think luxury motel) embraces a more rustic, minimalist aesthetic, with screen-free rooms designed for slow mornings, mid-afternoon breaks and unplugged evenings. Without TVs to distract, the focus shifts to the essentials—rest, relaxation and the rhythm of the ocean. (That said, there is still high-speed Wi-Fi on the property.) From late May to mid-October, guests can also enjoy Mostrador Marram, an outdoor café serving refined breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as a full service outdoor bar with an extensive wine list, naturally including a selection from Long Island.
The Roundtree, Amagansett
The Roundtree, Amagansett: At The Roundtree, wine is more than an afterthought—it's part of the welcome. Guests are greeted with a bottle upon arrival, setting the tone for a stay that's both luxurious and laid-back. In the summer, the experience extends to the beach, where the hotel will drive you to the shore and set up chairs and an umbrella, complete with a chilled bottle of rosé. Squarely located on the main road in Amagansett, this boutique retreat offers year-round comforts, but its wine program makes it especially appealing for those looking to unwind with a well-paired glass in hand.
Channing Daughters Winery
Channing Daughters Winery: Channing Daughters in Bridgehampton produces wines from more than two dozen grape varieties, including sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, ribolla gialla, merlot, cabernet franc and syrah. The winery offers seated tastings year-round, with reservations encouraged, especially for groups larger than six. Walk-ins are welcome when space allows. The outdoor patio hosts tastings and wine service, with limited indoor seating available on colder days. Larger groups can book a guided stand-up tasting from May through October. While the sculpture garden is closed to the public, some works are visible from the road.
Duck Walk Vineyards: Duck Walk Vineyards spans 140 acres and produces a range of wines, including pinot grigio, riesling, cabernet sauvignon and its well-known blueberry port. The winery offers wine by the glass or bottle on its patio, with live music on weekends from May through October, weather permitting. Guests can also try its vidal ice wine, made from grapes frozen on the vine. Best of all, it's pet-friendly—just make sure your furry friends are leashed at all times while on the property.
Wölffer Estate Vineyard
Wölffer Estate Vineyard: If you are going to visit one winery in the Hamptons—maybe even all of Long Island—make it this one. Wölffer Estate Vineyard is best known for its rosé, Summer in a Bottle, a Hamptons staple that sells out each year. More recently, its non-alcoholic Spring in a Bottle has gained popularity, becoming the winery's second best-selling product overall. The winery also produces some premium cabernet franc, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc, all made using sustainable farming practices.
The tasting room, open year-round, offers seated experiences with curated wine flights and small bites in a rustic-modern space overlooking the vineyards. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons. While walk-ins are accepted, larger groups must book in advance. During summer weekends, the Wölffer Wine Stand provides a more relaxed setting. Located along Montauk Highway, it serves as a casual stop for wine and cider to-go or by the glass, with sweeping vineyard views and sunsets that draw a crowd.