Long Island Wine and Food Day Trip with Sommelier host from NYC

Discover Long Island’s Award-Winning Wineries with a Certified Sommelier

This Long Island Wine and Food Day Trip from New York City offers a convenient way to explore some of the region’s best wineries without the hassle of driving. Priced at $159 per person and lasting approximately 9 hours, this tour includes visits to two renowned wineries, with tastings of 4-5 wines at each location. The trip is designed for wine lovers who appreciate expert guidance, local cuisine, and a relaxed group atmosphere.

Departure takes place at 140 E 41st St, NYC, with the tour beginning promptly at 9:00 am. The tour features air-conditioned transportation, a private certified sommelier guide, and locally sourced artisan fare, making it a comprehensive and enjoyable way to experience Long Island’s wine country. Notably, this tour is most popular with bookings made about a month in advance, and it caters to adults age 21 and over.

Key Points

• Expert guidance from a certified sommelier enhances every tasting
• Visit two award-winning wineries, each with 90+ minutes to explore
• Includes a locally sourced lunch with sandwiches, chips, and bottled water
• Convenient transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
• No driving required, ideal for relaxing and fully enjoying the wines
• Tours typically booked 27 days in advance, emphasizing popularity

Long Island Wine and Food Tour Itinerary: Wineries and Tastings

The tour includes stops at Pellegrini Vineyards and RGNY, both celebrated for their distinct styles and quality. Each winery visit lasts approximately 90 minutes, allowing ample time to taste 4-5 wines and hear stories about the winemaking process from your certified sommelier guide.

Pellegrini Vineyards offers a welcoming atmosphere where guests taste wines in a setting that highlights the elegance of Long Island wines. The tasting features between 4 to 5 wines, providing a good variety of styles to enjoy. The winery is part of the rotation, ensuring a new experience each time.

Next, the group heads to RGNY, known for its impressive property and beautiful surroundings. Here, the tasting again includes 4-5 wines, with an emphasis on the different stylistic approaches to winemaking and the region’s unique terroir. Both wineries are praised for their quality, even if some reviews note that the cost and wine quality at RGNY could be viewed as moderate by some guests.

From the Meeting Point to the Vineyards

The tour departs from midtown Manhattan at 9:00 am, with a 1.5-hour drive to the North Fork of Long Island. The air-conditioned bus provides a restroom, which many find convenient for the journey. The group size is capped at 48 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience and manageable group dynamic.

The pickup point at 140 E 41st St is centrally located for easy access from Manhattan hotels and transportation hubs. The return trip concludes back at the same starting point, with estimated arrival before 6:00 pm, depending on traffic and stops.

Savor Locally Sourced Artisan Food and Light Bites

The lunch included with the tour features sandwiches made from locally sourced ingredients, accompanied by potato chips and bottled water. The focus on local fare complements the wine tastings and adds a flavorful element to the day. Some reviews mention that the food offerings are basic, so guests seeking a more substantial meal might consider bringing extra snacks.

The artisan lunch enhances the overall experience by providing a relaxing break amid wine tastings, while the local ingredients reflect the farm-to-table ethos of Long Island’s culinary scene.

The Role of the Certified Sommelier Guide

The guidance from the certified sommelier is a highlight for many participants. The guide shares stories about the wine regions, details about winemaking techniques, and tips for appreciating different styles. Many reviews praise the guide for being friendly, knowledgeable, and engaging.

This personalized insight helps guests understand the nuances of each wine and enhances their tasting experience. The guide’s ability to balance education with a relaxed atmosphere is frequently mentioned as a key strength.

The Group Size and Atmosphere

With a maximum of 48 travelers, the tour maintains an intimate yet lively atmosphere. This size allows for group interactions and personalized attention from the guide. The comfortable bus and relaxed schedule contribute to a stress-free day, suitable for both novice and seasoned wine enthusiasts.

Guests often mention enjoying the social aspect of the tour, meeting fellow wine lovers, and sharing their impressions of the wines. The friendly and informative guides foster a welcoming environment.

Practical Tips for Participants

Guests should note that all participants must be 21 or older, and no children are permitted on this tour. The bus is noted to have a horrible restroom according to some reviews, so bringing personal supplies might be prudent. Since the tour includes ample tastings, moderation and responsible drinking are advised.

While the transportation is generally comfortable, some reviews mention the bus’s age and lack of working seat belts, which could be a minor concern for very safety-conscious travelers. The tour’s timing allows for a full day of wine exploration, with return to NYC around 5:30 pm.

Comparing the Experience to Other Tours

This Long Island Wine and Food Day Trip offers a comprehensive experience that combines wine tastings, local cuisine, and expert guidance in a single package. Its 9-hour duration and inclusion of two wineries make it a value-rich option compared to shorter or less inclusive tours.

Many reviews highlight the friendly guide and the stunning winery settings as standout features. Some mention that food options are limited, so bringing extra snacks could enhance the day. The moderate price point makes it accessible for most travelers seeking a day of wine exploration.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour Most?

This tour is ideal for adults who appreciate wine and want to learn more through guided tastings. It suits first-time visitors to Long Island’s wine country, as well as experienced wine lovers interested in discovering regional styles. The relaxed pace, local food, and expert guide make it perfect for group travelers who enjoy a social and educational experience.

It’s less suitable for those seeking luxurious fine dining or intense winery tours, given the basic food offering and some reviews mentioning the bus’s condition. Still, for a day trip from NYC that balances fun, education, and scenery, this experience delivers well.

Long Island Wine and Food Day Trip: Worth the Price?

At $159 per person, the tour provides value for money with tastings at two award-winning wineries, locally sourced lunch, and a knowledgeable guide. The 9-hour duration ensures plenty of time to enjoy the vineyards and scenery without feeling rushed.

While some reviews note minor issues like limited food or the bus’s age, the overall consensus is that the experience is enjoyable and informative. It remains a popular choice, with most bookings happening around 27 days in advance, reflecting its appeal.

Final Thoughts on the Long Island Wine and Food Day Trip

This full-day tour from NYC offers a relaxed, educational, and delicious introduction to Long Island’s wine country. The expert guidance from a certified sommelier enriches each tasting, and the visits to two distinguished wineries showcase the region’s diversity.

The locally sourced lunch complements the wine tastings, while the comfortable transportation makes the experience accessible and convenient. The tour provides good value for those eager to explore Long Island’s wines without the stress of driving or arranging their own logistics.

This experience appeals most to wine enthusiasts, food lovers, and group travelers looking for a day of fun, learning, and scenic views just a short trip from Manhattan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the air-conditioned bus is included for both the journey to and from Long Island’s vineyards.

Are food and drinks included?
The tour includes a locally sourced lunch of sandwiches, chips, and bottled water. Tastings of 4-5 wines at each winery are included, but additional beverages or food are not.

How long is the total tour?
Approximately 9 hours, starting at 9:00 am and returning to Manhattan before 6:00 pm.

What wineries are visited?
Stops are made at Pellegrini Vineyards and RGNY, both celebrated for their wines and scenic settings.

Is the tour suitable for all wine levels?
Yes, the guide’s explanations and tastings are accessible for both beginners and experienced wine lovers.

Are children allowed?
No, guests must be 21 or older to participate.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made about 27 days ahead, so early reservations are recommended.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothing, personal identification for age verification, and possibly extra snacks if desired, given some reviews mention limited food options.

Are there any accessibility concerns?
Some concerns about the bus’s age and seat belts have been noted, so travelers with specific needs should inquire beforehand.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour’s start time for a full refund.

Is the tour a good value?
Considering the tastings, lunch, guide, and transportation, most guests find the $159 price to be reasonable for a full day’s experience exploring Long Island’s wineries.