Springtime on the North Fork

Karen Holly Berliner

The North Fork of Long Island is one of the largest and best preserved agricultural regions in New York State and home of this region’s award-winning wine country. Nicknamed “NOFO,” the north fork features more than 60 vineyards and an array of breweries and craft distilleries. Travel here, and expect to find charming roadside cottages and B&Bs peppered throughout. Stop by the renowned Briermere Farms, famous for their scrumptious pies; perhaps enjoy a beer and a light bite at Greenport Harbor Brewery or sip a glass of wine or two at Lenz Winery.

While visiting, enjoy the fragrant springtime fields at Lavender by the Bay with 80,000 lavender plants and vibrant sunflowers at the sprawling farms across the region. Also, for your dining pleasure, expect seasonal treasures from the sea including Oysters, Peconic Bay Scallops and more. The North Fork is one of the main ‘foodie’ destinations in Long Island where local chefs at top-notch restaurants use locally grown produce and farm-raised livestock to create spectacular dishes and fare.

Make sure to travel to the furthest point east on the North Fork where you can book fishing charters or stroll through Orient Beach State Park via the waters of the Peconic Bay and the Long Island Sound.

Not to be missed!

Rose Hill Vineyards

With a philosophy which states that “growing grapes for great wine is a blend of science, art, and folk wisdom”, you have to figure that a grand treat is in store and a treat it sure is.

Set in a 125-year-old barn, this winery space is filled with natural light and is constructed in a way that allows for proper fruit handling. The cellar, where the wines are aged, is in the barn, itself constructed from reclaimed, ancient heartwood pine. The cellar roof supports solar panels and wind turbine, so produces all of the energy used for the winery, cellar, vineyard and farmhouse inn.

Spend the night at their glorious and intimate B & B, located on 22 acres of pure vineyard. Carefully restored with great detail, this historic farmhouse offers 4 guest bedrooms, a full country breakfast, a complimentary wine tasting and tasty charcuterie to savor.

Welcome glass of wine 90 miles from NYC in the heart of the north fork.

Relax outside on the patio overlooking the vineyards, or sip and chat in their library. For a true indulgence, try a wine flight such as their Sparkling Flight and celebrate the spring; 2021 Croteaux Sparkling ‘Chloe’, 2021 Croteaux Sparkling Cuvée, 2021 Brut Rosé 2021 and  Croteaux Sparkling ‘Jolie’

Cheers!

https://rosehill-vineyards.com/rose-hill-vineyards 

The Blue Duck Cafés

These family owned and operated bakery cafés offer the whole package, with a wholesale production facility that delivers their artisan breads and more from Montauk to NYC as well. The bakery component offers delicious pastries and cakes, as well as their own signature line of artisan breads, all products made by scratch using top notch ingredients. Enjoy a scrumptious danish, croissant or turnover or order a custom cake, expertly decorated by their in house talented cake designers or buy a seasonal pie or two.

Their artisan breads are created by hand in the centuries-old tradition of European bakers.

Stop into the bakery café offering meals throughout the day, including an assortment of sandwiches using their artisan bread, fresh salads, and delicious soups. Make it a memorable meal by adding dessert, coffee, tea, cappuccino, latte, tea and more.

https://blueduckbakerycafe.com/ 

The Harvest Inn

This B & B is located right on the North Fork Wine Trail. The award-winning inn is surrounded by vineyards, fields, beaches, and eateries. Their 3 course breakfasts are prepared with organic and local ingredients when accessible, with an authentic farm-to-table menu.

Their meticulous and well-appointed guestrooms are spacious, with a beautiful décor and resplendent with luxury yet comfortable amenities.

The Harvest Inn B&B is suitable for single or double occupancy, with a comfortable queen size bed and a private en-suite bathroom.

All of the rooms offer luxurious linens, plush robes, and lavish Beekman 1802 bath amenities.

https://www.theharvestinnnofo.com/

The North Fork Shack

Owners Samy Sabil and Ryan Flatley, formerly of the North Fork Table and Inn of Southold in the region, have been satisfying the most discerning of palates from the East End of Long Island to Manhattan, Miami, and Los Angeles offering Creative Courses Catering. With take out and catering menus ever changing seasonally, there is always something new to be tasted and relished. From luncheons, dinner parties al fresco, cocktail parties and local charity benefits to private events such as weddings overlooking the Long Island Sound, all bases are covered with finesse. Try their creative course experience, offering familiar dishes created with fresh and local ingredients, yet adding unexpected flavors to enhance and refresh.

As for the take out menu here, expect inventive spins on such staples as cod croquettes and pulled lamb, fragrant and melt in your mouth delicious. The Thai Coconut Curry Bowl here will guarantee your return.

http://www.thenorthforkshack.com/