Sound Wine of Long Island Sound

Yes, Long Island, New York!

That is, in the North Fork area—where fine Bordeaux can be found. This area is home to most of the island’s 3,000 acres of vineyards and 30 wineries. Most of the planted grapes are the Bordeaux varieties of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. These same grapes can be found in vineyards from in to California, yet rarely yielding the same result. What makes North Fork reds so Bordeaux-ish is the climate. Three bodies of Gulf Stream-influenced water surround the narrow North Fork peninsula. The Atlantic Ocean is to the south, Long Island Sound is to the north, and in the middle, splitting these two forks is Peconic Bay. All three create a moderate climate and an extended growing season that is over a month longer than other New York wine regions.

The view is often as breathtaking as the wine—so take time and drink both of them in!