The North Fork of Long Island AVA, affectionately known as NOFO, is located at the far eastern end of Long Island, NY. There are two "forks" at the end of Long Island - a North Fork and a South Fork. The North Fork has the wineries and the South Fork has the Hamptons - the vacation spot for the rich and famous.
NOFO is only a 90 minute drive from Manhattan. Its shores touch The Atlantic Ocean, Long Island Sound and Peconic Bay. This maritime climate helps moderate temperature fluctuations and extends the growing season.
NOFO has 38 wineries and over 3,000 acres of vineyards. The most planted grape varieties are Merlot, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc. It is a very diverse wine region, with many other varietals planted including Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Gewürztraminer and Sparkling Wine to name a few.
When planning a tour of the wineries, I always prepare a "winetinerary" in advance to plot my course. I group the wineries into geographic areas, and then start my tasting tour with the winery furthest away from where I am staying.
For example, if I am planning to visit six specific wineries in a day, and the furthest winery is 20 miles away, I will go there first and work my way back to the B&B where I am staying. This way I don't have to travel multiple miles back after visiting multiple wineries. Of course, it's always a good idea to have a designated driver too.
Click Here for Map of NOFO Wineries. It's always a good idea to call the wineries before you visit, to confirm the days and hours they are open. Some require reservations.
Wine Man's "Top Case" of 12 North Fork Wineries:
- Bedell (www.bedellcellars.com)
- Corey Creek (www.coreycreek.com)
- Jamesport (www.jamesportwines.com)
- Lenz (www.lenzwine.com)
- McCall (www.mccallwines.com)
- One Woman (www.onewomanwines.com)
- Palmer (www.palmervineyards.com)
- Paumanok (www.paumanok.com)
- Sherwood House (www.sherwoodhousevineyards.com)
- Shinn (www.shinnestatevineyards.com)
- Sparkling Pointe (www.sparklingpointe.com/home)
- Waters Crest (www.waterscrestwinery.com)
There are many great restaurants in NOFO. Being located right on the ocean guarantees the freshest fish. The restaurants also feature locally grown biodynamic and organic produce, along with award winning North Fork artisanal cheese. I strongly recommend making reservations well in advance of your trip.
Wine Man's Top 5 North Fork Restaurants:
- Claudio's Restaurant and Clam Bar (www.claudios.com)
- Frisky Oyster (www.thefriskyoyster.com)
- Jedediah Hawkins (www.jedediahhawkinsinn.com)
- Noah's (www.chefnoahs.com)
- North Fork Table (www.northforktableandinn.com)
There are many B&Bs, Hotels and Inns. Every time I visit the North Fork, I stay at the Blue Iris Bed and Breakfast (www.blueirisbedandbreakfast.com). Click the North Fork Trip Advisor to help make your selection on where to stay.
Enjoy your trip to The North Fork Wine Country and let me know how it was!
Cheers!!
Wine Man
The Willamette Valley is world famous for its Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir grows best in cooler climates. That is why you won't find much Pinot Noir in the warmer Napa Valley. At 5,200 square miles, Willamette Valley is the largest AVA (American Viticultural Area) in Oregon, and contains most of the state's wineries -- over 200! It is located in the Northwest corner of the Oregon, between Portland and Eugene.
Willamette is pronounced “Will-AM-it” as in "dammit." Listen how it is pronounced.
When planning a tour of the wineries, I always prepare a "winetinerary" in advance to plot my course. I group the wineries into geographic areas, and then start my tasting tour with the winery furthest away from where I am staying.
For example, if I am planning to visit six specific wineries in a day, and the furthest winery is 20 miles away, I will go there first and work my way back to the B&B where I am staying. This way I don't have to travel multiple miles back after visiting multiple wineries. Of course, it's always a good idea to have a designated driver too.
Map of the Willamette Valley Wineries.
It's a good idea to call the wineries before you visit, to confirm the days and hours they are open. Some require reservations.
Wine Man's Top 10 Wineries in the Willamette Valley for Pinot Noir:
1- Adelsheim Vineyards (www.adelsheim.com)
2- Archery Summit (www.archerysummit.com)
4- Beaux Frères (www.beauxfreres.com)
5- Belle Pente (www.bellepente.com)
6- Bergström (www.bergstromwines.com)
7- Domaine Drouhin (www.domainedrouhin.com)
8- The Four Graces (www.thefourgraces.com)
9- Lemelson Vineyards (www.lemelsonvineyards.com)
10- Willa Kenzie Estate (www.willakenzie.com)
Willamette Valley has great restaurants. Many people from Portland will travel to dine here. The chefs source most of their ingredients locally - from farm to table.
Wine Man's Top 5 Restaurants in the Willamette Valley:
1- Dundee Bistro (www.dundeebistro.com)
2- The Joel Palmer House (www.joelpalmerhouse.com)
3- Nick's Italian Cafe (www.nicksitaliancafe.com)
4- The Painted Lady (www.thepaintedladyrestaurant.com)
5- Tina's (www.tinasdundee.com)
There are many B&Bs, Hotels and Inns. Every time I visit the Willamette Valley I stay at the Wine Country Farm B&B (www.winecountryfarm.com). Click the Willamette Valley tripadvisor to help make your selection.
Enjoy your visit to the Willamette Valley and let me know how it was!
Cheers!
Wine Man
