Buy Local

The Long Island Local Pledge

What’s better than experiencing the ‘local’ flavor when traveling to a destination?

When you visit Long Island’s Suffolk County, you’ll find lots of local-made goods and foods that are sure to interest your inner-epicurean.

While here, visit our farm stands where you’re sure to find the freshest produce; or explore a local Farmer’s Market to find some amazing local goods and get a taste of Long Island agriculture.

Wineries, Breweries and Spirits

Long Island Wine Country has grown from one vineyard in 1973 to over 3,000 acres of vines and over 50 producers of world-class wines.

Come explore wine country, where you can take a cellar tour, meet the winemaker, listen to music (and other regular events) and sample the latest vintages, all in the scenic splendor of Suffolk County’s east end.

Suffolk County’s ideal climate produces high quality wines in nearly every style. Although best known for its crisp, dry whites wines made from Sauvignon blanc, Chardonnay, Chenin blanc and Pinot Grigio, and complex, elegant red wines made from Merlot or Merlot-based blends, Long Island also produces fine traditional sparkling wines, white wines from Riesling and Gewurztraminer, rich, oaky Chardonnays, and an array of rosé wines made from Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Refosco, and Syrah. Fruity red wines are made from Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, spicy red wines from Blaufrankisch, Lagrein, Malbec, and Petit Verdot, and luscious dessert wines, according to the Long Island Wine Council.

If you’re looking to try an innovative local treat, contact Frosae frozen wine sorbet to find out where you can purchase sorbet made from Long Island wines.

Or if local beer is more your style, Long Island breweries have more than its share of local brews to keep your palate entertained. Some of the best known local brews include Blue Point, Southampton, Fire Island, Long Ireland, Greenport Harbor, Spider Bite and more. Many are served at local restaurants and some Long Island breweries have their own tasting rooms.

Or, how about a finding some local spirits made from Long Island potatoes at Long Island’s own LiV distillery. Want some chips with your beverage? Make sure to try the many varieties of Long Island’s own North Fork Potato Chips.

Local Seafood

Where better to get the freshest seafood than from Long Island’s Suffolk County. Surrounded by water, the region is known for its rich ocean bounty. From local stripers, flounder, bass and swordfish to locally harvested oysters and Peconic Bay scallops, you’ll find plenty of restaurants that serve the ‘catch-of-the-day,’ usually caught right off-shore.

Local Produce

A visit to Long Island’s farm stands brings with it a myriad of sweet flavors, scents and abundant variety.

In addition to fresh produce, enjoy homemade jams, honey and pies at local farm stands and markets. Many produce stands also offer pick your own peaches, strawberries, apples, pumpkins and other local fruits for a fresh taste of Long Island agriculture.

And Long Island has a variety of organic farms and produce stands, and some of the best apple orchards in New York State.

During the fall season, Long Island farms open their fields for pumpkin picking. Many also offer hayrides, cornfield mazes and other seasonal fun.

Local Livestock

Suffolk County is known for its rich Long Island agriculture scene and fresh produce, but local livestock is also served at area restaurants.

One of the best known local raised livestock is Long Island Duck, also known as Pekin Duck. Once raised in abundance in Suffolk County, this pure white fowl is now raised in one location and is considered a local delicacy.

And in Riverhead, a special project to raise bison provides area restaurants with delicious beefalo at North Quarter farm, the only bison ranch on Long Island. You can also see the farm on Reeves Ave. It is served locally at Tweed’s restaurant in Riverhead.

And other farmers in the area are working with new delicacies such as Charolais at McCall Vineyard. Charolais is a historic breed of cattle that originated in France and central Europe. Many chefs consider it as the finest beef. At McCall Ranch in Cutchogue, they are raising a pure bred herd using organic and natural practices to make this beef available to the community.

Find local bacon, eggs, goat cheese and more at area farm stands.

In addition to these local epicurean delights, a number of local producers make everything from potato chips (North Fork Potato Chips) to cookies (Tate’s Cookies) and an abundance of locally made honey and jams.
Whether you want to get a taste of freshness with Long Island agriculture or check out one of many Long Island breweries or wineries, it pays to buy local in Suffolk County.