L.I. HOME
Summer is the season of many things on Long Island, but beyond our beaches and bays and the surf and sand, one of the quintessential ways to pass a sunny day is with a glass of Long Island rosé in hand. One of the true perks of calling Long Island home is the only-a-short-drive-away access to Long Island Wine Country. Now, with so some 60 vineyards and wineries to choose from, the question on everyone’s mind has to be, which ones will leave you in the pink?
Happily, the choice—or a few choices—have been made for you. And by you. By “you” we mean the locals across Nassau and Suffolk who voted the quintet of vineyards below as the best on Long Island in the Long Island Choice Awards. So come and raise a toast with some rosé, or whatever wine winds up in your glass, to summer.
WINNER Best Local Wine & WINNER Best Winery
Jamesport Vineyards
1216 Main Rd, NY-25, Jamesport
The Wine: 2020 East End Rosé
Tasting Notes: “100% Syrah with aromas of rose petal and red fruit. Dry, with notes of raspberry and watermelon.”
FINALISTS: BEST LOCAL WINE
Del Vino Vineyards
29 Norwood Rd, Northport
Try a Bottle of: Del Vino Rosé
Tasting Notes: “Dry, aromatic & refreshing wine with an extraordinary blend of Cabernet Franc, Syrah & Merlot.”
Sparkling Pointe
39750 County Rd 48, Southold
Try a Bottle of: 2019 Topaz IMPÉRIAL BRUT ROSÉ
Tasting Notes: “Named for the precious gemstone, Topaz Impérial shows a pale pink coral hue. Ripe strawberry, red cherry, and notes of rose petal on the nose and palate mingle elegantly with savory touches of biscotti. Peach, hibiscus, and orange are brightened by lemony acidity. It’s dry in style, yet fruity and lush with a lingering finish. Delicate and persistent, its fine bubbles compose a harmonious ballet.”
Duck Walk Vineyards
231 Montauk Hwy, Water Mill and 44535 Main Rd, Southold
Try a Bottle of: Windmill Blush
Tasting Notes: “Windmill Blush is the bottle to share with all your friends and the sweet memories enjoyed for years after.”
FINALISTS BEST WINERY
Pindar Vineyards
37645 NY-25, Peconic
Try a Bottle of: Summer Blush
Tasting Notes: “Our famous Blush Wine, imitated by many but never duplicated. This semi-dry Rosé is made with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, with a unique subtle strawberry flavor.”
Raphael
39390 NY-25, Peconic
Try a Bottle of: 2021 Rose of Pinot Noir
Tasting Notes: “Our Rose’ is made from grapes grown specifically for rose’, harvested early to retain their acidity and fermented dry. With aromas and fruit flavors of raspberry and Cherry, showing bright acidity, with a long dry finish.”
Check out all the Long Island Choice Award Winners and Finalists here.
