Sample award-winning wines and take some bottles home as souvenirs when you visit one of two beautiful vineyards that have become Long Island institutions.
Spend a few hours tasting exquisite wines at Duck Walk Vineyards, a company that has earned a reputation as being one of the most important names in Long Island winemaking. In these gorgeous surroundings, sip Duck Walk Vineyards’ unmistakable signature drinks, such as blueberry port and pinot meunier. Wine experts will be on hand to explain the winemaking process and help you decide which bottles to buy.
Dr. Herodotus Damianos began making wine in the 1980s and founded Duck Walk Vineyards in 1994 along with his son, Alexander. Today the company produces about 35,000 cases of wine annually. The original vineyard is still located in a beautiful building in Water Mill, but a second vineyard has also been established. Choose between visiting the flagship branch, Duck Walk South, or the second one, Duck Walk North. Both are on Long Island and are key points on the island’s much-loved wine trail.
Duck Yard Vineyards cover roughly 140 acres (60 hectares), which are wonderfully picturesque. The vineyards have a high-end reputation and their lovely settings make them popular venues for lavish weddings and other events. Come here to get a taste of the high life that has made the Hamptons area so iconic.
Check the events calendar to see what is on at the vineyards’ two locations before you visit. Participate in a yoga class in an idyllic setting surrounded by grapevines, attend an outdoor concert or learn exactly which cheeses and wines go together at a special wine and cheese night. Another popular event is Pour & Pedal, a 13-mile (21-kilometer) cycling wine tour that sets off from Duck Walk Vineyards South and takes in some of Long Island’s most respected wineries.
Visit Duck Walk Vineyards any day of the week. Wine tastings usually end in the late afternoon. Buy some wine to enjoy in the lovely outdoor space or pick up a few bottles to take away as reminders of your visit.
