Winter at the Wineries in the Hamptons and North Fork

By David Graver There’s a simple solution for anyone who has dreamed of touring one of the acclaimed vineyards across the Hamptons or the North Fork but been deterred by the potential swarm of summertime attendees: Visit during the winter. Although vines aren’t lush with grapes in the colder months, East End wineries continue to introduce alluring experiences that range from seasonal tastings to candlelight nights and enchanting decor. And with slower foot traffic, especially on weekdays, it’s easier to savor a glass of wine in a leisurely manner. View the Winter 2024 issue. Throughout the North Fork, award-winning wineries like Macari Vineyards and Rose Hill Vineyards use programming to entice winter guests. The former, which features a warmly designed, wood-beamed tasting room nestled on the edge of 500 acres of vines, hosts a cozy barrel cellar tasting experience led by a wine educator. For each season, Macari also transforms its luxuriant private tasting suite with thematic decor. The suite can be booked by larger groups interested in celebratory flights and pairings. Nearby, Rose Hill has a charming onsite bed-and- breakfast as well as a recently expanded indoor wine library. The winery hosts a winter event series each Sunday and partners with other local vendors for an educational (and flavorful) series of events. Activities range from winter flower arranging classes to indulgent weekend brunches. This year will also see small batch wine producer Corey Creek Tap Room , owned by the beloved Bedell Cellars , organize tastings accompanied by live music every Friday throughout the winter, known as Friday Night Flights. Rose Hill Vineyards Macari Vineyards (Photo: CARL TIMPONE) Wölffer Estate Celebrates second Annual Night of Lights (Photo: NEIL RASMUSBFA VINEYARDS) COZY OUTDOOR SEATING In addition to programming, destinations such as Macari introduce dedicated winter spaces like opulent heated tents, while North Fork neighbor Lenz Winery (and many others) installs transparent igloos complete with woolen blankets. In the Hamptons, local favorite Channing Daughters Winery outfits its patio with protective sides, heaters, and seasonal lighting. “It’s a magical and intimate spot to taste,” explains Allison Dubin, a winery partner and general manager. No Hamptons institution embraces the wintry months quite like Wölffer Estate . The vineyard marks its 35th anniversary in 2023—and its second annual winter wonderland experience at The Wine Stand in Sagaponack. The spectacular ticketed occasion includes ice-skating and mulled Wölffer wine. It’s kid-friendly and runs on the weekends during the entirety of December. Every Friday throughout the winter at its Sagaponack Tasting Room, Wölffer hosts candlelight dinners with live music and refreshed seasonal pairings. Although attendance doesn’t match that of the high season, even in the winter it’s best to book a winery tour or tasting in advance. After all, spots surrounding the firepit in the cabin at Mattebella Vineyards are limited— even when a light snowfall blankets the vines outside.