This holiday season, give the gift of Long Island Wine Country.
The North Fork wine trail is packed from April through October. But when the weather outside gets frightful, leaving the house doesn’t sound so delightful. Then again, neither does cabin fever. Three Long Island wineries have uncorked the perfect solution: Inns. Think the same cozy, intimate vibes as home but with a vineyard view (and wine). Forget walking in a winter wonderland this season. Relax in a wine wonderland at these three Long Island wineries with inns.
While there, saunter into the tasting room, which resembles an Italian cafe. • Photo courtesy of Diliberto Winery
This winery has a one-bedroom apartment that blends elegance, comfort and modern amenities—alongside the Dilibertos’ blended Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The 650-square-foot space has a large open living room with chairs and a couch, making it the perfect spot to savor a bottle. There’s also a queen-sized bed, bath/shower, TV and wi-fi. Cathedral ceilings give the apartment an elegant finish.
Photo courtesy of Shinn Estate
Located off the beaten paths of Sound Avenue and the Main Road, Shinn Estate feels like an escape even if you’re visiting for just a tasting. Add in its zen den-style tasting room—wooden placards reading “serene” and “tranquility” are part of the decor—and it’s no wonder why people would want to linger. And they can—at the onsite Farmhouse Inn. The bed & breakfast, which has four rooms, offers guests a chance to have morning coffee on the patio with a side of vineyard views. The rooms, complete with 49-inch flat screen TVs, complimentary robes and slippers and plush mattresses atop queen-sized beds, make it tempting to stay put—but venture down for another tasting: Shinn’s 2016 Coalescence, a refreshing blend of Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc, is worth it.
3. Sannino Bella Vita Vineyard
Photo courtesy of Sannino Bella Vita Vineyard
Escape to Italy without leaving Long Island. The bed & breakfast at this Cutchogue vineyard has a decidedly Tuscan feel. There are two rooms, a suite and a villa. Each has a terrace with woven tables and chairs, perfect for sipping a glass of wine with that special someone on an unseasonably warm afternoon. Inside, guests are surrounded by wine country-themed decor like wine barrel tables and wooden accents. A stay comes with a complimentary wine tasting and cheese platter.
