Frequently Asked Questions about Long Island Wineries

• What is the difference between a winery and a vineyard? Vineyards refer to the land where grape vines are planted, and wineries refer to the place where the grapes are made into wine. More often than not you will find a winery at a vineyard, so as a visitor - you can enjoy both aspects of the wine making process!


• What's so special about Long Island wineries?
  New York is the 3rd largest wine growing region in America and Long Island is considered the premier area in the state for wines - producing over 500,000 cases of wine annually. Also, the climate of Long Island emulates the climates of France's wine country, which gives you an idea of the high quality of wines that are produced in this region.


• How many people visit Long Island's wineries?
  Today more than one-million people visit the 30+ wineries on Long Island, taking advantage of their tours, tastings, and event hosting per year!


• How far in advance would you recommend making reservations at a winery?
  This largely depends upon the purpose and size of your party. If you are making reservations for a special event such as a wedding, you should start your planning process at least one year in advance, especially since not all wineries host large parties or weddings.


• How many wineries/vineyards are open to the public?
  According to the Long Island Wine Council, there are 37 wineries located on Long Island. All but two of them are open to the public. Two are only available via appointments, and one will be open soon. There are 29 wineries located on the North Fork; 3 on the South Fork; 2 elsewhere in Suffolk County; and one in Brooklyn.


• Which wineries host weddings or large parties?
  About 26 wineries are available to weddings or other large parties. Check out LongIslandWineries.com's easy to use winery finder to find out which winery best suits your needs.


• Are buses, limos or vans allowed to enter the vineyards?
  Not all the vineyards allow buses, limos or vans, but many of them do. If they do, they may charge an added "coach fee" to your winery experience. Additionally, all wineries require advance reservations with buses or limos. You should check with your winery of choice beforehand to make sure you are aware of all of the requirements.


• What sort of events would be suitable to hold at wineries?
  Wineries are unique, beautiful venues that offer guests a wonderful Long Island experience. Wineries are a great place to celebrate any number of events, including weddings, picnics, corporate outings, girls' day out, general social events, birthday parties, bachelor or bachelorette parties, or bridal showers. To find out which winery would best suit your special event needs, check out our sister site at www.LongIslandCateringHalls.com.


• Do you need to make reservations to visit a winery?
  You do not need to necessarily make a reservation to visit a winery (unless it is one of the two wineries in Long Island that requires appointments). This is especially true for smaller parties.


• What sort of events would be suitable to hold at wineries?
  Wineries are unique, beautiful venues that offer guests a wonderful Long Island experience. Wineries are a great place to celebrate any number of events, including weddings, picnics, corporate outings, girls' day out, general social events, birthday parties, bachelor or bachelorette parties, or bridal showers.


• Can you visit more than one winery in a day?
  Absolutely. Many wineries, especially those located on the North Fork are really not too far from one another - thus the term, "Long Island Wine Country". That's why you may see a lot of Long Island Winery Tour buses at any given winery on any given day. These tours usually take their guests to multiple wineries in one tour. You can have a similar experience by going independently. Just pick and choose which wineries seem most appealing to you by searching our database and create a day at the wineries you'll never forget.


• When is the ideal time of year to visit a Long Island Winery?
  The Long Island wineries are a perfect, romantic destination year-round. However the best time to visit Long Island Wine Country is during springtime (around May), and autumn (September to mid-October). Of course, most visitors visit during the summertime simply because it's a nice activity to do on a hot summer day.


• What else is there do to in Long Island's wine region besides wine-tasting?
  Long Island's wine region is famous and popular for many different activities other than wine-tasting. Check out the numerous farm stands, antique shops, boutiques, restaurants, bed and breakfasts, nature hikes, parks, beaches and so much more. You'll never grow bored in Long Island's wine region.


• Where are some good places to stay while visiting Long Island Wine Country?
  There are hotel, motel and bed and breakfast galore in Long Island Wine Country. To find the best place for you to stay at, check out our sister site at www.LongIslandHotels.com.