North Fork Wineries & Long Island Vineyards

In recent years, the North Fork of Eastern Long Island, New York has become famous for its vineyards and wineries. (FYI, a vineyard grows the grapes; a winery produces the wines). Like the wines, no two wineries are the same. Each has its own unique flavor and personality. The wineries listed here welcome weddings and events. I have visited each of them and in the descriptions below, I share with you my impressions. Please be sure to go to the individual websites for specific information. Remember that weekends are very busy, particularly in the summer and during harvest season which is mid September to the end of October. While I encourage you to visit the wineries at these times, I strongly urge you to set up appointments to discuss your wedding plans either mid week or during the off season weekends. The staff at all the wineries truly wants to assist you in your wedding plans, but it's tough when the tasting room is filled with people! Some wineries have indoor facilities; at others you will need to have a tent erected. Tent weddings are very popular on the East End and they are gorgeous. Most of the wineries do not have in-house caterers, but there are many fine local caterers who do events at the vineyards all of the time. Rest assured that whichever vineyard you choose, you will have a wedding to remember for the rest of your life.

Grand Cru Classes
3985 Sound Avenue
Mattituck, NY 11952
(631) 298-1231
www.GrandCruClasses.com

Drinking wine may be a pastime; tasting wine may be a delight; but distinguishing wine is a soul satisfying experience. Wine is, after all, an art form! To get the full benefit of its complexities and nuances, you need some education. An exciting new opportunity is now being presented by Grand Cru Classes. Offering three series of programs Wine Discovery Series, Great Grape Series, and Beyond the Basics, Grand Cru Classes urges us to "learn more about wine, one glass at a time." Embracing the entire process of wine production, the "classes with glasses" are held at local wineries and provide hands on opportunities. Private group classes can be arranged and I can't imagine anything more fun for a bachelorette party, a pre or post winery wedding event, a corporate outing, or just a way to entertain friends. Long Island Wine Country was begging for this sort of program and Grand Cru Classes has answered the call of neophytes and seasoned wine drinkers with experience, knowledge and whimsy! Visit the website for detailed information.

Bedell Cellars
36225 Main Road (Route 25)
Cutchogue, NY 11935
(631) 734-7537 Ext. 32
www.BedellCellars.com
Kim@bedellcellars.com

It was worth the wait for the completion of this winery's renovation as it is now one of the premiere locations for weddings and events on the East End.  It is absolutely glorious.  The designer must be a genius as she has managed to incorporate historical elements with the beauty of nature and balance of structure in such away as to almost erase the lines.  All two hundred guests that can be accommodated in the pavilion will have an unparalleled experience.  The pavilion has a mahogany deck, high angled ceiling with incredible lighting, a huge bar, and is designed to allow elegant and easy service.  The adjoining tasting room designed by Vincent Wolfe is where SoHo meets NoFo (North Fork.).  Wedding ceremonies may be performed in the orchard which has a wisteria laden long arbor entry or on the west lawn.  Bedell Cellars has an in house event director, Kim MacKinnon, who guides clients easily and professionally in planning their special event.  This winery's commitment to excellence now extends not only to Bedell Cellars, but also its sister property, Corey Creek.

Corey Creek Vinyards
45470 Main Road (Route 25)
Southold, NY 11971
(631) 734-7537 Ext. 32
www.CoreyCreek.com
Kim@BedellCellars.com

Corey Creek is the sister property to Bedell Cellars and offers lovely views across the vineyards from its tasting room and deck area.  Corey Creek is authentically North Fork and remains a perfect site for all those special occasions.  Keep in mind that a tent would be required for events of 50 people or more and 150 guests is the maximum.  Ceremonies are also possible here.

Pellegrini Vineyards
23005 Main Road (Route 25)
Cutchogue, NY 11935
(631) 734-4111
www.PellegriniVineyards.com

I have seen two wedding held here. One was classically lovely, with emphasis on the word "class." The other was a Renaissance wedding in which the bridal party and guests came in costume from that period. Pellegrini was the perfect setting for each. The winery/tasting room is built around a center open courtyard. The size conforms to tent sizing so that the roof can be covered. The courtyard opens into the tasting room and has a wide covered hallway that provides views and access to the vineyards. There is also a wide pathway through the vines leading towards a white gazebo. This is, of course, a wonderful spot to take photographs! I personally know much of the staff at Pellegrini, some since they were children. They are all super people who will work to ensure you have the perfect vineyard wedding.