NYC is both concrete jungle and urban wine country. You’ll definitely want to explore these cool city wineries below. Many may not be aware that New York ranks third in the largest US wine producers behind California and Washington. In fact, New York claims the oldest continuously operated winery, Brotherhood Winery, which opened in 1839 in Washingtonville, NY.
Wine Production is New York began in the 17th century thanks to Huguenot planting in the Hudson River Valley. And the state has four main growing regions: Lake Erie, Finger Lakes, Hudson River Valley, and Long Island.
Drink up Buttercup, below are four New York City wineries central to NYC. Don’t forget to check-out our article on 7 wine shops in NYC with the largest selection of imports (yasss).
What’s the Difference Between a Winery and a Vineyard?
Low key, it’s okay if you do not know offhand the difference between a winery and a vineyard.
So, a vineyard is a plantation that grows the grapes intended to produce wine, whereas a winery refers to a licensed property to produce wine. Also, a vineyard can have a winery on site or it can sell its product to outside buyers.
We like the one you can drink at (winery). (Cool, glad that’s cleared up.) Interestingly, New York is currently home to 458 licensed wineries and of those 361 are farm wineries. What is a farm winery you might ask? Like a fine wine, a thought to mull over some other time. Now, here are the New York City wineries we are dying for you to try.
City Winery
Their new home will be on Pier 27 and will re-open January 31, 2020. City Winery was created by CEO and founder Michael Dorf who is also the brain child of The Knitting Factory. This New York City winery has locations in Atlanta, Chicago, Boston, Nashville, Philadelphia, and DC. It combines Dorf’s two passions: wine and music.
You can check their calendar for their live music events, along with other food and wine events. This venue is a full functioning winery. The grapes are imported from around the world. Their room of French oak barrels offers wine tastings with some of the finest of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Pinot Noir. And their menu includes house wines with a selection of over 400 wines around the world. They produce 100,000 bottles every year (wow). Prices are reasonable and you get to enjoy fine wine, food, and entertainment in a ambiance fashionable to host weddings.
Rooftop Reds
299 Sands St building 275, Brooklyn
Ever read Betty’s Smith’s novel A Tree Grows in Brooklyn ? As it turns out, in Brooklyn we have trees and grape grow on vines. At Rooftop Reds , you will find a rooftop urban vineyard at The Brooklyn Navy Yard ( super dope). The winery hosts six wines made locally from New York’s Finger Lakes. And there is more here to love than just the wine tasting. Rooftop Reds offers rooftop yoga, cornhole, summer BBQs, wine and movie nights, pop-ups, and more. It’s a unique rooftop and wine bar experience . What self respecting New York City winery on a rooftop does not have hammocks? It does require a reservation, so call ahead.
The Red Hook Winery
175 Van Dyke St, Brooklyn
The Red Hook Winery has their vineyard on Pier 41 and aims to produce the best wine from the best terrains of the state from North Fork of Long Island to the Finger Lakes. The tasting room boasts of having killer views of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. Their wine tasting is $18.00 a person and includes and includes tasting of 4 out of a list of 12 Red Hook wines. The barrel tasting is $35.00 a person and for 45 minutes you can sip 4 Red Hook wines and sample 2 barrels. After drinking, you can grab a sub from the famous sandwich shop Defonte’s, which has been in operation since 1922.
Brooklyn Winery
213 N 8th St, Brooklyn
Was the plethora of hipster flannel and turn-up music at Union Pool never quiet your thing? Consider heading out with your gang to Brooklyn Winery. It’s a triple threat: winery, wine bar, and wedding venue. They have a sweet happy hour with a glass of wine for $7.00 and cocktail food ranging at $3.00 Tuesday through Friday from 5-8PM. Monday its all night Happy Hour (hello). They have wine tasting 101 classes, along with a wine and cheese pairing class and a wine and chocolate pairing class. All the classes range $35.00-$45.00. Pretty reasonable for a New York City winery.
Hudson River Valley Wineries
Upstate New York is gorgeous country with some great wineries. There are many great venues to visit. Here are four passing recommendations for the regions. Benmarl Winery is well rated and is America’s oldest vineyard. The Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery is family friendly and has $5.00 wine tastings and seasonal apple-picking! Torne Valley Vineyard is Martha Stewart approved so enough said. Shawangunk Wine Trail is a wine tasting trail with 15 wineries. Perfect outing for friends.
Long Island Wineries
And here are three recommendations for your Long Island excursion. Shinn Estate Vineyards and Farmhouse is one of the best of North Fork and it has a quaint hotel. Wölffer Estate Vineyard and Channing Daughters Winery are also well rated by wine aficionados.
