30-07-2025
6 Long Island-Produced Wines To Try, According To A Local Sommelier
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New York's Long Island wine region tends to be most associated with rosé and sparkling wine but there are plenty of other notable varieties produced here.
Long Island has three American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), including the Long Island AVA, North Fork AVA and the Hamptons AVA. Historically, the region's found success with Bordeaux varietals as the island's maritime climate mimics that of the region in southwestern France, but it's also found modern acclaim for its crisp whites, rosé and sparkling wine produced in the traditional method.
As a United States wine region that still offers price for value, local sommelier Vanessa Price shares her favorite Long Island bottles you should be trying (and collecting!) this summer, from Rosato to Petit Verdot.
This Hamptons-based winery produces some of the 'most interesting varietals that most people have never heard of,' according to Price. Including their Lagrein Rosato—a 'juicier, richer, inkier style' of pink wine. Native to South Tyrol in northern Italy, Lagrein is renowned for its cherry, currant and wild berry palate that showcase beautifully in a fruit forward, fuller body Rosato. 'Channing Daughters makes an entire series of Rosato wines from various lesser-known grapes that are perfectly suited for the style,' shares Price. She adds that its 'crisp acidity and broad structure' make it great not just for summer sipping sans food, but also for pairing with summer fare like the tomato salad with fennel pollen on the menu at Mavericks Montauk where Price pours it by the glass. Wölffer Estate 'The Grapes of Roth' Merlot
If you've only heard of one Long Island-produced label, it's likely Wölffer Estate—'one of the first wineries to make Long Island wine famous with their Summer In A Bottle rosé,' explains Price. While Price enjoys a summertime rosé, she chooses to highlight the estate's 'The Grapes of Roth' Merlot, made from some of the oldest vines on their property which results in 'the true potential of what Long Island Merlot can be,' says Price. 'It's on the splurgier side of Hampton's wine pricing, but I dare you to find me something better to pair with your summer steaks.'
Over in the North Fork AVA, Price refers to the Palmer Vineyards' Albariño as one of 'the most iconic wines' from the region. 'Made in small quantities and often quick to sell out each season, this is one of my favorite white wines made out east,' says Price, describing the wine as fresh, round, salty and juicy in all the right ways. 'The sea brine element that shines through from North Fork terroir also makes it perfect for a shrimp cocktail on our outdoor patio at Mavericks. The tang of the cocktail sauce goes hand in hand with the bright acid on this easy wine.' Bedell Cellars 'Musée'
This Bordeaux blend showcases how ageable Long Island wine can be, which is part of the winery's ethos of making wine for serious wine drinkers. 'It's definitely capable of making any Napa Cabernet or Bordeaux drinker happy while supporting local viticulture that is right in our backyard,' says Price. 'This is something that I would have with our 42-ounce porterhouse from Double R Ranch. Big wine and big meat; sometimes it's just that deliciously simple.' Paumanok 'Apollo Drive' Petit Verdot
For another shining example of a wine that is one of an ageable Long Island wine, Price points to this second generation winery of which she currently lists their 2014 Petit Verdot on the Mavericks' menu. 'Being able to have over a decade's worth of age without breaking the bank on dinner is always a nice feeling,' says Price. 'The richness of the body, the power and texture of the wine and the brooding, dark fruit notes, make this an excellent choice for any of our steaks, particularly the Wagyu we serve from Snake River Farms.' Paumanok is also a winery for the adventurous as it is for the classics, advises Price, as they have a minimalist intervention portfolio that are akin to natural wines for something really 'interesting and fun.' Sparkling Pointe Brut Rosé
'No summer wine program is complete without some bubbles,' says Price. The rosé made from Sparkling Pointe, on the eastern edge of the North Fork, is one of Price's 'favorite sleeper wines' on Long Island. 'Their quality of wine gives Champagne a run for its money at a fraction of the price,' she advises. The particular sparkler is juicy, delicious and a perfect pairing for tuna tartare. 'These wines provide serious value if you are a bubblehead,' adds Price.
