During June, beach weather can be hard to come by.  Finding ourselves out east on an overcast day, a group of friends got together to go wine tasting in the East Ends North Fork.  While the south fork has a winery or two, the north has it beat hands down.

Step 1: Call Ali at All Hampton Taxi (631)-287-2121, tell him you read about him on TheEastEnd.net

Step 2: Bring a bottle of wine.  The trip from Southampton to the North Fork is about 45 minutes so you should have something to keep you occupied.

Step 3:  Head to Rt 25, it is lined with wineries in easy driving distance

Step 4: Go Tasting

Winery: Corey Creek
Webiste: http://www.bedellcellars.com/cc_tastingroom.htm
Address: Main Rd., Rte. 25, Southold
Phone: (631) 765-4168
Notes: The young staff was very helpful and accommodating to our already tipsy state.  They seemed glad we were having a good time and happy to oblige.  Their deck overlooking the vineyard is great. Tastings, or “flights” were $12.

Winery: Clovis
Website: http://www.clovispointwines.com/
Address: 1935 Main Rd., Jamesport
Phone: 631-722-4222
Notes: The slightly elevated location provides a breathtaking view of a rolling vineyard from the back patio.  A classical guitarist provided the background music and was a nice touch to the atmosphere.  The young lady that served us was extremely knowledgeable, but on the abrasive side as we were snapped at to pay attention.  Of the vineyards we visited I felt the least comfortable kicking back and having fun, which I believe was intentional as they were catering to an older crowd.

Winery: Laurel Lake Vineyards
Website: http://www.llwines.com/aboutus.htm
Address: 3165 Main Road, Rte 25 Laurel
Phone: (631) 298-1420
Notes: By far the most lively of the vineyards.  A large space opens onto a covered deck crowded with boisterous parties enjoying the summer. The addition of a Moscato sparkling wine for $20 made this vineyard stand out above the others.  The wine was on the sweet side and quickly lost its carbonation, but for $20 a bottle it was a nice finish to the day.  

We took our bottles around the side of the tasting room and down to the vineyard where 5 Adirondack chairs faced the rows of grapes.   As we sat enjoying the wine, the view, and the sun, a 90’s cover band kicked in playing one hit wonders on the deck.  In the middle of Oasis’s Wonderwall, two of the girls in our party suddenly jumped up, threw off their dresses and took off down the vineyard topless. This seems like a perfectly appropriate response to drinking sparkling wine in a beautiful vineyard on a summer afternoon, but the owner felt differently.  He angrily stormed down and threatened to call the police if we didn’t leave.  He claimed that this was a “family” place, which is strange claim since serving wine to minors is illegal.  However, we obliged his request, putting a damper on what would have made this vineyard the clear winner on our tour.  Hopefully as the summer days roll on, the owner will lighten up a little as revelers enjoy his vineyard.  If you make it here, let us know how you fare.