A daytrip to North Fork wine country can be a romantic getaway for two or an immersive wine tasting shared with friends. But for those who want to further enhance the experience, it’s now possible to visit local wineries and soak up the atmosphere not just for a day, but for an entire weekend.
A handful of local wineries are now offering luxurious overnight accommodations, which often come with complimentary tastings and high-end amenities. As an added bonus, guests can also interact with owners, winemakers, and staff and get the inside scoop on restaurants, beaches, and other local attractions, for an experience that far exceeds the usual.
At Jamesport Vineyards, one of the oldest North Fork wineries, overnight guests stay in the Milford T. Benjamin House, a meticulously restored 1800s farmhouse. Its two private guest rooms share a living room with cozy seating, a formal dining room, and a backyard, providing many comfortable options for unwinding between tastings and other outings. It sits just steps from the tasting room and a new on-site restaurant, NOFO Pizza, which is now offering wood-fired pizzas and sharable bites.
“You have a personal touch that you don’t have when you check-in at a hotel,” said owner Ron Goerler Jr. “Guests have access to the staff. That is so much different than a regular tasting.”
Sannino Vineyard Bed & Breakfast, located on quiet Alvahs Lane in Cutchogue, overlooks the vineyard and a new tasting room. Run by Anthony and Lisa Sannino, it offers guests a romantic and luxurious Tuscan ambiance. With no common areas, privacy is assured. Both rooms — a suite and the villa — have private entrances and dining areas, where a farm-fresh breakfast is brought to you in the morning. In addition, the owners can provide valuable insight into the North Fork wine region.
“People want a vineyard experience,” Lisa Sannino said. “They love that the winery owners are on premises and that they can speak with us. We want to provide an interactive experience and guests are happy to have that connection.”
Shinn Estate Vineyards in Mattituck offers rustic chic accommodations in a restored 1880s farmhouse nestled amid 22 acres of grapevines on idyllic Oregon Road. The four suites all have private baths and sweeping vineyard views. Guests are encouraged to spend time out in the vines and to ask as many questions as they please about the winemaking process, and the North Fork.
“You can drink your morning coffee in the vines or sip our merlot next to the merlot grapes,” said co-manager Chelsea Frankel. “What better way to experience the North Fork?”
Sannino Vineyard
Amenities:
• King-size bed
• Private balcony overlooking the vineyard
• Private marble bathroom with rain-head or body jets
• Bathrobes
• Southold Town beach passes, towels and chairs
• Free Wi-Fi
• Self check-in
• Keurig and Nespresso machines
• 42-inch flat-screen TV
Package specials: Sannino offers several perks and discounted packages with your stay.
• Complimentary wine tasting and cheese platter at the winery.
• VIP wine-blending class ($225/per couple) includes light deli-style lunch and your own custom red blend.
• Winery tour ($100/person) includes trips to other local wineries. The tour is approximately four hours.
• One-hour in-room couple’s massage ($325/per couple). Be sure to book in advance.
Rules of thumb: A two-night minimum stay is required on weekends, with a three-night minimum on holiday weekends. No pets and no guests under age 16. Check-in time is 4 p.m.; checkout is 11 a.m.
Book: Reservations may be made online at sanninovineyard.com or by calling 631-734-8282, ext. 4.
Shinn Estate Vineyards
Amenities:
• Flat-screen TV with cable
• Hairdryer
• In-room climate control with air conditioning and heat
• Iron and ironing board
• Bathrobes and slippers
• Bath amenities from The Beekman Hotel
• Home-baked chocolate chip cookies
• Free Wi-Fi
• Bicycles available for rent
• Board games in the tasting room
• Keurig for tea and coffee
• Daily housekeeping
Package specials: In addition to breakfast, a complimentary amenities package includes happy hour with wine and cheese, a glass of wine upon arrival and a complimentary wine tasting. There is also complimentary access to vineyard tours when available.
Rules of thumb: No pets and no guests under age 16. Check-in time is between 3 and 5 p.m.; checkout is 11 a.m.
Book: Reservations may be made online at shinnestatevineyards.com or by calling 631-804-0367.
Jamesport Vineyards
Amenities:
• Queen-size bed
• Free Wi-Fi
• 52-inch flat-screen TV
• In-room temperature control
• Bluetooth alarm clock/charging station
• Fridge
• Keyless entry
Package specials: Jamesport Vineyards offers several perks and discounted packages with your stay.
• Complimentary wine tasting at the winery.
• For an additional fee, a special bottle of wine, bouquet of flowers or chocolates can be placed in the room prior to check-in.
Rules of thumb: A two-night minimum stay is required on weekends from May through December, with a three-night minimum on holiday weekends. Check-in time is between 3 and 5 p.m.; checkout is 11 a.m. The guest rooms are designed to accommodate two guests, ages 21 and up.
Book: Reservations may be made at jamesportwines.com or by calling 631-722-5256.
This story first appeared in 2019 Wine Press.
