Long Island wineries offering end-of-summer activities
Holbrook resident David Pesce, left engaged in a game of Jenga with Susan Pesce, of Holbrook and Shara Bruno, Tampa, FL while hanging at Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard in Calverton Saturday July 30, 2022. Credit: Newsday/J. Conrad Williams Jr.
Don't let a summer go by without taking a trip out east to a Long Island winery, where there’s always action happening. Here are four locations, each with different activities, to hit up this weekend.
SUNSET FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS
Guests sip wine at Wölffer Estate Vineyard in Sagaponack. Credit: Randee Daddona
Chill out and enjoy a summer sunset among the vines at Wölffer Estate Vineyard in Sagaponack.
“We feature different live bands every Friday and Saturday,” says customer service representative Eliza Fiore. “People set up their own beach chairs and blankets as they sip our wine.”
Try Summer in a Bottle, the vineyard’s signature rosé, which is medium bodied and fruit flavored. Pair the wine with a charcuterie board or a selection of cheeses from the bar menu to complete the evening.
WHEN | WHERE 4 p.m. to sunset Aug. 26 and 27, Sept. 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, 30-Oct. 1, Wölffer Estate Vineyard’s Wine Stand, 3312 Montauk Highway, Sagaponack
COST Free admission
INFO 631-537-5106, wolffer.com
EXERCISE CLASSES
Stroller Strong Mamas will hold an exercise class at Terra Vite North Fork Winery & Vineyard in Jamesport. Credit: Rachel Goodale
Get active and take on a “Bootcamp in the Vines” with your kids under the direction of Stroller Strong Mamas at Terra Vite Winery & Vineyard in Jamesport.
“People bring their own weights and yoga mat, then we hold a cardio and strength training class,” says founder-instructor Rachel Goodale. “Don’t let the name fool you — it’s for everybody — moms, dads, aunts, uncles or babysitters. Kids, from six weeks to 16, jump in and hang out with us.”
Participants get discounted wine on the way out as well as a 15% off coupon for a visit within the week of their class.
For more of an adult exercise experience, try Yoga in the Vines with Solnste at Terra Vite.
“Instructor Ina Visich leads 18-20 people through an hourlong Zen experience around our gazebo,” says vineyard owner Jacqui Goodale. “After the class, each guest gets a complimentary wine tasting of rosé as well as 15% off their tabs.”
WHEN | WHERE 9 a.m. Aug. 27, Stroller Strong Mamas; 10 a.m., Aug. 28, Sept. 4, 11, 18 and 25; Yoga in the Vines; Terra Vite Winery & Vineyard, 250 Manor Lane, Jamesport
COST Stroller Strong Mamas: $10 per class, Yoga: $22 per class
INFO 631-722-3416, terravitevineyard.com
BACKYARD HANGOUT
Ryan and Rob Freeze performing at Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard in Calverton Saturday, July 30, 2022. Credit: Newsday/J. Conrad Williams Jr.
Get a group together and head to The Backyard at Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard in Baiting Hollow where parties of 10 or more can celebrate the season.
“It’s a semiprivate area with a separate bar and live music plus cornhole and giant Jenga lawn games,” says general manager Steven Kelly. “One section of five tables is even located next to the vines with its own patio.”
Baiting Hollow Pizza food truck is on the property serving individual pizzas, large Bavarian pretzels, pulled pork, brats, cheeseburger sliders and their famous merlot meatballs.
For those who don’t want to rent a party table, stop in at the beer garden where guests can enjoy craft beers from Twin Fork Brewery in Riverhead.
WHEN | WHERE 1 to 6 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard, 2114 Sound Ave., Baiting Hollow
COST $250 per table (10-20), $500 per table (21-50), beer garden admission is free
INFO 631-369-0100, baitinghollowfarmvineyard.com
WINE TOURS
Wine educator Matthew Howes works the tasting room at Pindar Vineyards in Peconic. Credit: Gordon M. Grant
Take a 40-minute tour of Pindar Vineyards in Peconic to see the inner workings behind the wine.
“The tour shows where the wine is made. People can see all the equipment and the vineyards,” says tasting room manager Rose Faiella. “It ends in the retail shop with a five-wine tasting.”
Reservations are recommended because the tour is limited to 25 people.
WHEN | WHERE Noon and 2:30 p.m., Aug. 27 and 28, Sept. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 24-25; Pindar Vineyards, 37645 Main Road (Route 25), Peconic
COST $35 per person (must be 21 or over)
INFO 631-734-6200, pindar.net
David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.
