North Fork: Wine Country

The North Shore of Long Island transforms into the vast farmlands of the North Fork, one of the largest and most preserved agricultural regions in New York State and home of Long Island’s award-winning wine country.

The North Fork, or as the locals call it “NOFO,” features more than 60 vineyards and dozens of breweries and craft distilleries. Visitors will discover charming roadside cottages and B&Bs nestled throughout the East End region. And with more than 100 active farms and farm stands, fall harvest and leaf peeping season are celebrated spectacles that locals yearn for throughout the year.

Stop by Briermere Farms for their famous pies, pop in for a pint at Greenport Harbor Brewery, sip renowned wine at Palmer Vineyards or Lenz Winery, enjoy a luscious lobster roll on the waterfront at Claudio’s and immerse yourself in culture and local maritime history at various museums. Experience fields of bloom at Lavender by the Bay with 80,000 lavender plants and picturesque sunflower fields at farms across the region.

Wine, Craft Beverages & Agriculture

The country roads of the North Fork are lined with farm stands, quaint downtowns, charming B&Bs and waterfront properties. Known as Long Island’s Wine Country, there are over 60 vineyards, breweries and distilleries using locally grown ingredients.

Harvest season provides offerings from land and sea including favorites such as Oysters and Peconic Bay Scallops. Find locally sourced produce and seafood at farmers and fish markets as well as local restaurants. Experience fields of bloom at Lavender by the Bay with 80,000 lavender plants and picturesque sunflower fields at the North Fork Potato Chip farm. Head to Harbes Family Farm for pumpkin and apple picking paired with seasonal activities. Experience the maritime culture while exploring the rocky shores of the Long Island Sound and Peconic Bay or heading out on a fishing charter.

Shelter Island connects to the North Fork via the North Ferry in Greenport. Arrive in the North Fork car-free using the Long Island Rail Road, fly into Long Island MacArthur Airport or hop aboard the Cross Sound Ferry as a walk-on or with your vehicle from New London, Connecticut.

Visit Long Island Wine Country on Suffolk County’s North Fork and you’ll find more than three dozen wineries open to the public for tastings and tours. Many of these North Fork vineyards feature regular entertainment, ranging from food pairings and musical guests to cellar tours and cabaret nights. You’ll also find a distillery and local breweries, many of which serve local cuisine.

Although it was recently named one of the ‘Top Ten Wine Regions in the World’ by Wine Enthusiast magazine, there are many more things to do on the North Fork than visit great wineries. The North Fork is one of the main ‘foodie’ destinations in Suffolk County, where local chefs at top-rated restaurants take advantage of locally grown produce and farm-raised livestock to grace their tables. And of course, a fresh restaurant meal in Suffolk County wouldn’t be complete without the local seafood that’s caught daily, including fish, clams, oysters, scallops and more. Embark on an Epicurean Adventure in Suffolk County, New York.

You’ll also find small villages, antique shops and historic sites, including a Native American archeological site and an historic observatory with regular Saturday evening viewings. You can explore nearby islands with a ferry from the North Fork as well.

On the west end, Riverhead boasts major hotels, a huge outlet mall, an aquarium, an historic theatre, a brewery and more. Heading east Greenport has a local brewery, historic carousel, harbor front shopping, dining and other great activities and events for family friendly fun.

Or travel to the furthest point east on the North Fork where you can book fishing charters or walk through the beautiful Orient Beach State Park.

Explore the many things to do on the North Fork using our Interactive Suffolk County Map and find travel deals on our Coupons page.

Local North Fork Resources

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