NYC: Long Island Sommelier-Guided Wine Tasting Tour

Planning a day trip from New York City to explore Long Island’s wine country? This sommelier-led tour might just be what you’re looking for. It promises visits to two renowned wineries, private tastings, a delicious artisanal lunch, and expert commentary — all within a comfortable, air-conditioned bus. We’ve looked into what this experience offers to help you decide if it matches your wine ambitions and travel style.

What we like most? First, the personalized guidance from an experienced sommelier makes the tastings feel more insightful and engaging. Second, the beautiful setting — the vineyards and farm markets — really highlight why Long Island’s wine scene is gaining recognition. One thing to consider is the limited number of wineries visited during the day, which might leave some wanting more variety. But overall, this tour seems well-suited for those who enjoy intimate, informative wine experiences, especially if you want to avoid the hassle of planning individual visits.

Key Points

• Expert-led experience: Guided by a knowledgeable sommelier, offering deeper insights into winemaking.
• Luxury comfort: Travel in a well-equipped, air-conditioned coach with amenities like USB outlets and a lavatory.
• In-depth visits: Spend at least 1.5 hours at each winery with private tastings of four wines total.
• Authentic access: Meet winemakers, walk vineyards, and learn about wine production behind the scenes.
• Tasty pairing: Enjoy a locally sourced artisan lunch designed to complement the wines.
• Convenient logistics: Pick-up and drop-off in Midtown Manhattan make the trip seamless.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Full Experience: What to Expect

This tour offers a thoughtfully curated day in Long Island’s North Fork wine country, perfect for those who want a balance of education, relaxation, and quality wines. It kicks off with a comfortable morning pickup from Midtown Manhattan, with a luxury coach that’s suited for a laid-back journey. The bus is well-equipped, with USB outlets and a restroom, so long rides aren’t a hassle.

The Wineries and Tastings

You’ll visit two distinguished wineries, each offering a private tasting session lasting around 1.5 hours. This length of time is more than enough to sample and appreciate each wine without feeling rushed. The focus is on award-winning wines and behind-the-scenes access, including walking through vineyards and chatting with winemakers.

One highlight, per reviews, is the Sparkling Pointe visit, where the sommelier provided detailed info about sparkling wine production, and the fermentation area was visible through glass walls. We loved the way this added an educational element that made the tasting more meaningful.

Tasting and Food

Each tasting includes about four wines, giving a solid overview of what each winery produces. The wines are paired with light bites—a nice touch that elevates the experience and helps you better understand pairing concepts. Reviewers have appreciated the generous pours, often noting that the tastings felt more substantial than in typical vineyard visits.

Meeting the Winemakers & Exploring the Vineyards

One of the biggest draws is the chance to meet with winemakers and walk through the vineyards. This behind-the-scenes access isn’t always guaranteed in larger tours, and it really adds a personal touch to your day. Guests have remarked on how friendly and knowledgeable the guides are, making it easy to ask questions and learn beyond the usual.

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Farm Market & Additional Stops

The tour also makes a stop at a famous farm market, where you can browse fresh produce, baked goods, and local treats. For many, this is a highlight — a chance to pick up some souvenirs and enjoy the local flavor.

How Valuable Is the Price?

At $159 per person, the tour is priced to reflect a premium experience. It includes transportation, private tastings, a gourmet lunch, and time to explore at your own pace. Considering the private nature of tastings and access to winemakers, this feels like a reasonable deal for wine enthusiasts who appreciate guided education combined with leisure.

The Reviews Say It All

Guests have generally given high praise, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 23 reviews. Common compliments include the friendly, knowledgeable guides (“Steve was great — friendly and very informative”) and the beautiful vineyards. Many reviewers appreciated the larger-than-average pours and the well-organized schedule.

Some suggestions for improvement include increasing the variety of wines tasted, as one guest noted. Others felt that visiting more than two wineries would be even better, but most agree that the current setup offers good value and quality.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you enjoy wine and want an easy, well-organized day trip without the hassle of planning, this tour fits the bill. It’s especially good for those who want insightful guidance, a bit of education, and a relaxed pace. It’s not ideal if you’re looking for an all-day winery crawl or more extensive vineyard visits — the focus is on quality and depth over quantity.

What’s Not Ideal?

If you’re expecting a huge variety of wines or multiple stops, this tour might feel a bit limited. Also, for those who want more off-the-beaten-path wineries or experimental varieties, this tour’s focus on two well-known spots could be a slight downside.

Weather-wise, the tour is held indoors during cold or rainy days so that won’t spoil your experience, but sunny days mean you might also get beautiful vineyard views, which are always a plus.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This Long Island wine tour is a solid pick for wine lovers who appreciate depth and expert guidance. It’s ideal if you want to learn more about winemaking, meet the people behind the bottles, and enjoy a leisurely day in scenic surroundings. The luxury transportation and included lunch add to the overall relaxed feel, making it suitable for first-timers or seasoned wine fans alike.

If you’re traveling with a partner, friends, or even a small group of wine-curious travelers, this experience rewards those looking for a balanced mix of education and leisure. It’s especially good if your goal is not just tasting but understanding the craft behind the wines.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 9 hours, typically in the morning, including transportation, winery visits, lunch, and the farm market stop.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the bus is air-conditioned, with USB outlets and a bathroom, making the long ride pleasant.

Can I buy wine at the wineries?
Yes, you’ll enjoy exclusive discounts on wine purchases at each winery, so it’s worth bringing some extra luggage space if you find something you love.

What should I bring?
Just your ID or passport to verify you’re over 21. Some guests bring a hat or sunglasses for the vineyard walk, but the tour takes place indoors if weather is bad.

Is this suitable for someone with dietary restrictions?
The included artisan lunch is locally sourced and designed to pair with the wines, but if you have specific restrictions, it’s best to check with the tour provider beforehand.

How many wineries do we visit?
The tour visits two wineries, with a private tasting at each, plus a stop at a farm market for extra browsing.

What if it rains?
The tour is held indoors during cold or rainy weather, so your experience remains unaffected regardless of the forecast.

In all, this tour offers a thoughtful, enjoyable way to explore Long Island’s wine scene without the stress of planning. It’s perfect for those who value expert insights, well-paced visits, and a relaxing day in scenic surroundings. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a casual sipper, you’ll come away with a richer understanding—and perhaps a new favorite bottle.

You can check availability for your dates here: