North Fork, New York
Picnicking on Long Island.

From the March 24, 2003 Issue of New York

The North Fork of Long Island might not be Napa yet, but with 22 wineries and counting, it’s getting there. The fine-dining scene’s another story. (Don’t expect to discover the East Coast answer to the French Laundry.) But there’s good grub to be had if you hunt and gather like a local, then eat picnic-style on the bucolic grounds of a local vineyard—freshly purchased estate-grown bottle in hand. Stock up at the holy trinity of farm stands—Wickham’s for stone fruit, Sang Lee for Asian greens and soybeans, and Briermere for fruit pies that literally stop traffic. Swing by John Ross’s Rotisserie and Smokehouse of Southold for a finger-licking takeout feast of succulent chicken and honey-slathered Crescent Farm duck. There’s also the well-stocked Village Cheese Shop in Mattituck and Salamander’s, the Greenport go-to for fried chicken and doughnuts. Bedell, Castello di Borghese, Macari, and Pellegrini are all picnic-worthy wineries.
— ROBIN RAISFELD




Details
Bedell (631-734-7537; bedellcellars.com ); Macari (631-298-0100; macariwines.com); Pellegrini (631-734-4111; pellegrinivineyards.com). Spend the night at the Greenporter, a stylish rehabbed motel (with pool) in Greenport (631-477-0066; rooms from $215).

 
Related Stories on New York Metro
North Fork, New York (April 24, 1999)


Related Websites
North Fork's Official Site - Community and winery guides.

 
Photograph: Evan Sklar