Macari Vineyards

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When we hear “wine country,” California comes to mind. But did you know the oldest operating winery in America is in New York? Despite being 330 miles (north to south) and 283 miles (east to west), there are 11 AVAs in New York. While California accounts for over 80% production in U.S., New York is making waves with its world-class Bordeaux blends. And if you love cool-climate grapes and family-run wineries, you’ll find them here in the Empire State. #newyorkwines #longislandnewyork #northforkwinetrail

Just a few hours outside of New York City and an easy getaway from city life lies Long Island. Long Island has three AVAs: Long Island, North Fork and South Fork. After a few days in the South Fork (the Hamptons), we drove to North Fork (Mattituck) for wine tasting! If you’ve never tasted NY wines, here’s what to expect:

• Lower alcohol content 
• High acidity level
• Red wines are fruitier and more herbaceous 
• Cabernet Franc tends to be spicier and peppery.

Our first stop: Macari family! The winery started in 1995 by patriarch, Joseph Macari, Sr. who actually started making wines in his family’s basement in Queens, NY. Today, the family runs a 500-acre vineyard with the grapes grown through a composting program, which includes herds of cattle. During our visit to the winery, Gabriella (Joe Macari Sr’s granddaughter) gave us a private tour of the farm, overlooking a stretch of Long Island. The biodiversity of the Macari family farm yields some of the finest fruit on the East Coast. 

We love “Alexander,” their Bordeaux blend from produced from 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 20% Malbec, 8% Petit Verdot, this blend is truly exceptional quality that rivals many Napa blends— it’s layered with dark fruit complemented by fine-grained tannins followed by a smooth lingering finish. This 2021 vintage is ready to drink now, but can age through 2040– definitely a wine to keep in cellar! We brought several bottles back. Added bonus to the tasting experience? Their rosé-themed private tasting suite!

Happy Labor Day! Labor Day became a national holiday on June 28, 1894, but the first unofficial Labor Day took place in New York City on September 5, 1882 when 10,000+ New Yorkers marched in protest of poor working conditions. This was during the heyday of the Industrial Revolution where it was not uncommon for employees to work 80+ hours a week.

So what does the ‘No White After Labor Day’ rule have to do with the holiday? The rule can be traced back to the Gilded Age. Streets in the late 1800s were made of dirt and if you wore white, you can be assured to be covered in dirt! Those who had enough wealth to leave town for the summer wore white through the season and wearing white was seen as a symbol of leisure/ affluence. The elite would escape the sweltering city heat (Manhattan) by vacationing in the Hamptons. While there, they would don their brightest and lightest garments, which often included white clothing. #laborday #americanhistory #newyorkwinecountry #thehamptons #longislandnewyork

If you are visiting Long Island, the South Fork of the island is where the Hamptons are. Personally, I prefer the North Fork, which offers a more chilled vibe environment. If I were to compare it to California wine country, Napa is similar to South Fork and Sonoma to North Fork. 

The North Fork features 60+ vineyards AND charming B&Bs! Behind me is the bed and breakfast we stayed at. It’s unlike any other B&Bs because it’s also a winery. At @rosehillvineyards you truly get the wine country experience:  farmhouse, vineyard views, barrel and tasting room. Even better, their biodynamic wines taste amazing!Did I mentioned complimentary breakfast, wine tasting and bikes if you’re a guest at their Farmhouse Inn?!  Outside of the wineries I shared previously, here are my top spots to bookmark if you are visiting North Fork:

• Croteaux Vineyards: one of the most beautiful wineries with a rosé-only real-life secret garden.  
• Lenz Winery: one of the region’s oldest wineries and dog friendly.
• The Halyard: restaurant with charming waterfront views located in Greenport. 
• Sep/Oct is the perfect months to visit just in time for harvest, before the weather gets cold, less crowds.