When I was recently invited to go on a winery tour on Long Island, NY, I don’t think I could have said yes fast enough. First off, I had never been to Long Island, so I was thrilled to be able to experience a whole new place. Secondly, I had never toured a winery before, so it sounded like it would be an unforgettable experience and I was excited to be a part of it. I met up with several other bloggers in New London, CT, which is where our day started.
Because Long Island is well, an island, we boarded the Cross Sound Ferry in New London to take us on the 16 mile journey across Long Island Sound to Orient Point, NY. For this trip, we took the JessicaW, which is a passenger only, high-speed ferry. Cross Sound Ferry operates both passenger only and auto ferries all year round.
The ferry ride took about 40-45 minutes from departure to arrival on Long Island. Once we arrived, we met up with the lovely Jo-Ann of Vintage Tours with Jo-Ann Perry. Jo-Ann provides guided winery tours of the North Fork of Long Island’s finest wineries.
Our first stop of the day was The Candyman, which is located at 22350 Main Road in Orient, NY. The Candyman is a small candy shop that specializes in homemade chocolates and candy.
As soon as I walked in the door, the smell of chocolate filled the air. It smelled like heaven on earth.
The Candyman shop was filled with seasonal candy, fudge, jelly beans, small gifts and so much more.
I was also able to go “behind the scenes” and watch how they made butter crunch chocolate. and talk with the owners about the history of the Candyman.
Did I mention that they sell chocolate covered oreos there? NOM!
Our next stop was the Kontokosta Winery, located at 823 North Road in Greenport, NY. As you can see, it’s absolutely charming.
Their tasting room is open Sunday through Thursday 11 am to 5 pm and Friday & Saturday 11 am to 6 pm.
I had a chance to taste some of their wines while I was there. I chose the Merlot and it was just amazing. I’m glad I grabbed a bottle to bring home with me.
With glasses of wine in hand, we went downstairs, which is where the wine is produced. We got to hear the history of the winery as well as the chance to check out all the equipment used in the process.
After the tour was over, I walked around the vineyard for a little bit before it was time to head over to our next stop.
The next stop on our tour was Jamesport Vineyards, which is located at 1216 Main Road in Jamesport, NY.
When we arrived, lunch waiting for us. A wonderful boxed lunch was provided by NoFo Lunchbox, located in Southold, NY. The boxed lunch is included as part of Jo-Ann’s tour.
I chose my sandwich in advance from the menu on the website. I went with the Margherita sandwich, which included pepperonata, fresh mozzarella and spinach. It was fantastic! The boxed lunch also came with an Orzo salad and a homemade chocolate chip cookie.
After lunch, we got a detailed tour of the winery from owner, Ron Goerler, Jr. We learned a lot about the actual process of growing the grapes and making wine.
After our tour, it was time for a tasting. I tasted 3 or 4 wines there and they were all delicious.
Next up, we headed to the Harbes Family Farm & Vineyard, which is located at 715 Sound Avenue in Matituck, NY. We were given a menu and were able to taste whatever we liked. I had their sparking chardonnay and it was SO good. It was, by far. my favorite tasting of the day.
After the group was finished with our tastings, we headed outside to the Barnyard Adventure, which included a petting zoo, Hedge maze, kids activities and SO much more.
The whole time I was there I kept saying how much I would like to bring my children there. They had so much to do there for the kiddos that we could literally spend an entire day there and not get bored. Here’s everything you need to know about Harbes Farm:
Information & Tickets
Country fun for everyone! Come visit the Baby Animals and enjoy a day of exploration and hands on learning.
- Open: Weekdays 11 am-5 pm/ Weekends & Holidays 9 am – 6 pm (last admission 5 pm)
- $7.95* Weekday General Admission (Monday – Friday, except holidays)
- $12.95* Weekend General Admission (Sat-Sun and Holidays) INCLUDES Corn Maze!
- $15.95* Weekend Barnyard Bundle (Sat-Sun and Holidays) INCLUDES Corn Maze & Singing Hayride!
- * Children 2 and under- FREE
- Pony Rides $5 ticket
- Singing Hayride $5 ticket (included in Barnyard Bundle)
- Pig Races (weekends)
- Barnyard Bounce
- Charlotte’s Web
- Goat Mountain
- The Three Little Pigs
- Secret Garden Hedge Maze
- Pedal Cart Track
- Chick Hatchery
- Honey Bee Observatory
- Bunnyville
- Corn Maze (Fall Only)
- And More!
Oh, and they have a farm stand out front.
The farm stand had tons of farm fresh fruits and veggies including tomatoes, broccoli, apples, lots of pumpkins & gourds and so much more.
They also have homemade apple cider donuts fresh off the conveyor belt (see below), hot apple, strawberry, mixed berry, blueberry and peach pies, homemade candy and caramel apples, and hot apple cider (in season).
Plus they have a Country Concession stand where you can get a roasted ear of Gourmet Super Sweet Corn, a fresh tomato mozzarella baguette, fresh squeezed lemonade, or a whole bunch of different specialty items from their Country Grill, which is open on the weekends.
I tried their Apple Cider Doughnuts and some Hot Apple Cider and both were out of this world. I really hope to get there with my kids next spring because I just know they’d love it.
From there, we headed over to the Catapano Dairy Farm, located at 33705 Middle Road in Peconic, NY. They specialize in hand crafted artisan cheese and a variety of soothing goat milk beauty products. Did you know that goat milk is a natural moisturizer containing over 50 nutrients?
We arrived just in time to see the goats getting milked.
After that, we walked over to their Cheese Shop where we were able to taste some of their wonderful cheeses.
Farm Fresh Chevre – delicate, soft and creamy
Herbed Chevre Roll – rolled in aromatic herbs
Feta Alfresco – mild tangy and easy to crumble
Fresh Whole Milk Ricotta – creamy and delicious
Gently Aged Gouda – traditional Gouda flavor
Goat Milk Yogurt – delicious and nutritious
Goat Milk Fudge – sinfully rich and smooth
All of the above (plus a lot more) are available for sale in the cheese shop.
Before we left, I snapped a few photos of some of the goats because they are so cute.
Next we headed to visit and go for a ride on the 100 year old carousel located in Mitchell Park, Greenport, NY.
Our final stop of the day was the East End Seaport Museum and Marine Foundation, located on 3rd Street in Greenport, NY.
There we got a demonstration of the Plum Island Lighthouse Fresnel Lens:
And the Little Gull Lighthouse Fresnel Lens:
The museum contained lots of historical nautical artifacts, which I found to be really interesting.
After an amazing day, we headed back to the ferry dock to catch the Cross Sound Ferry back to New Haven.
I can’t believe how much we were able to fit into our day. I had no idea that it would be as much fun as it was. After hearing about my day, I bet you want to spend the day touring Long Island wine country, too? Be sure to catch the Cross Sound Ferry at 2 Ferry St in New London, CT and give Jo-Ann a call at (631) 765-4689 to book your Vintage Winery Tour.
Here’s what’s included if you go and decide to do a Vintage Winery Tour with Jo-Ann Perry:
2014 Rates:
Saturdays & Sunday’s $99.00 pp
Weekdays $87.50 pp
Jo-Ann took care of all the driving and arrangements, so it was truly a stress-free experience. Her tours are perfect for individuals, couples, groups, corporate outings, special occasions.
If you want to spend more time on Long Island check out LIWeekends for even more fun suggestions of things to do and see!
I am so thankful that I got to spend such a fun day on Long Island and can’t wait to go back!
**The above was a sponsored press trip, but all opinions expressed here are strictly my own and were not influenced in any way**
Ok so jealous as this is truly only about 45 minutes east from me and so would have loved to have gotten to do this. Definitely, looked like a fun experience and maybe can get there someday soon myself 😉
Oh my this looked amazing! I am so jealous and would have loved to visit there myself. I’ve lived in NY for most of my life and have never been.
how neat to go to a vineyard with the grapes so ripe. We are headed on a tour in a few weeks
That looks like so much fun, I would love to do a winery tour sometime.
I love taking winery tours. I don’t go as often as I’d like, but they are so interesting!
Me too – whenever we travel I always like stopping at local wineries. Unique bottles of wine make excellent gifts.
I would love to go on an official tour. We went one in Napa once, but it was just by ourselves. After the first stop, my husband said that all the wines started to taste the same! I would love to have some fresh cheese, there really is nothing better than fresh wine and cheese!
What a trip! It’s a perfect day trip idea from the south shore. New Haven is only a 90 minute drive and then with a short ferry ride you could be there in just a couple of hours. It sure sounds like there’s a lot to see and do while you’re on the island. I really had no idea it was so close, but it’s something I want to look into doing when the weather gets nice again.
This looks like a gorgeous place. I don’t know if I’d bring the kids necessarily but it’s nice that they have something for everyone.
That sounds like a perfect date for me the Mrs. Also a fun outing for my whole family with something for everyone to enjoy.
What an amazing day. I would love something like that! I bet you had a great time.
This place looks amazing! I love learning how things are made, processed and eventually put on our plate or in our glass. Beautiful place also.
Awesome trip. I love visiting wineries. Love that there are things for the kids to enjoy also.
Even though I am not much of a wine drinker, I have always wanted to go on a winery tour! It looks like such a beautiful day and you got to experience so much! I can see why you had such a fabulous time!
It’s been a while since I’ve been on a winery tour, but I really love them. You’re making me want to go back and Long Island sounds fabulous for a visit!
Such a fun day – I love local wineries. What a fun tour – this is something I would totally enjoy.
This looks great I am going to suggest to the wifey for an anniversary weekend get away.
Amazing trips you did. Thank you for sharing all of them in this post 😀
It has always been my dream to visit a vineyard, this one is pretty amazing. Love all those photos.
I think you guys jammed more into your one day that we did in our two days! Loved reading about the other places that you had a chance to visit. I loved Harbes Family Farm too. The wine tasting wasn’t available when we went, but that sparkling Chardonnay sounds wonderful!
I love seeing all the places you get to go! I would love to take this tour sometime, it looked like such a fun day. All the places were amazing and I will definitely be adding it to my bucket list! Thanks so much for sharing it.
Chocolate and wine yes please! Looks like a beautiful visit.
Chocolate and anything sounds really good to me!
now this sounds like my kind of road trip!!
I bet many kids will stay at the Candy Man and enjoy their time there. It will also be a heaven on earth for me. All those goodies looked great!
I’ve always wanted to go on a winery tour! Sounds like you had a wonderful experience. I feel like the rates are very reasonable considering what is offered!
This sounds like a very fun day! I have never been to a winery but may have to give it a try in the future.
I’m not much of a wine drinker, but I wouldn’t mind visiting a winery someday, especially since my best friend insists on how fun they are to go to. 🙂
HilLesha
Winery tours are always such fun. I haven’t been in years but I want to go again there are tons of wineries near us. I looked like you had an awesome time on your trip and once again I am jealous.
I am assuming you got my Christmas gift while you were there. I will give you my new address for shipping! What a beautiful place to visit, I have always wanted to visit a winery.
How great that they have things for the kids to do there, too! Looks like a fun(and yummy) day!
That sounds amazing! How can you go wrong with wine and chocolate covered Oreos? The boxed lunches sound delish! And then you have the Barnyard Adventure….my kids would LOVE that!
That is absolutely amazing! I will totally book this if we are in the area! So much value for the money! We’ve toured several wineries and they’re always a big hit, but you were able to do SO much!
This is something I have always wanted to do. Might need to add it to my list of things to do soon!!
I love the pictures, those grapes look amazing! I like to tour wineries, and you’re right when you walk into a candy shop, that smell is so so so delicious!
i would have loved to visit the Candy Man. I like going on winery tours – they are a lot of fun. I haven’t been to Long Island yet, that’s on my list of places to visit in the future.
Awesome! It looks like you had a ton of fun on Long Island!
Wow that looks like a ton of fun! Loving the store displays, so pretty
I have always wanted to take a winery tour, seems like such fun. Loved your tour, you got to do so very much,
Hey you were in my neck of the woods! We were just at Harbes a few weeks ago and love it there!
That looks like the best day ever. You really covered the full spectrum of activities with this one.
Wow Robin, this sounds like an amazing experience. Lots to do and to see for different ages!
This sounds like a wonderful place to spend the day touring. I feel like you could spend a whole weekend there and still not cover all of the activities.
What a fun day. The candy store looks fantastic you can’t go wrong with chocolate covered Oreos. The winery tour sounds like a fun and interesting day.
Sounds like you had an awesome day! That candy shop though, I bet that was a blast!
Nothing better than a wine tour. Looks like a fabulous vineyard!! Cheers
That looks like so much fun! Your pictures of the wineries are beautiful. We have been on a few wine tours, but never in Long Island. We might have to make the trip. It’s not too far from us.
That looks and sounds fun! I’ve never been to one. I’d love to go.
It sounds like you had a wonderful day. What a fun time!
I got back a few weeks ago from a weekend trip (a 2 day honeymoon actually) and we went on a wine walk tour and omg it was delicious. I have to say we’re not huge drinkers, but getting those 4 one ounce glasses was… hooo wee. Looks like you had fun too lol
Sounds like a fantastic and full day of discovery!
I would love to visit. I have never been in that area either
Wow they have everything! I’d love to try goats milk fudge. It definitely needs to be added to my places to see bucket list.
What a great day. What could you ever do to top chocolate, wine, a farm, and a cruise – all in one day?
Vineyards are lovely. If only I liked wine.
Seriously, beautiful scenery! My son would fall in love with all of those animals!
Now this is my kind of tour! We make wine at home, so I’d love to visit a real winery one day!
I love touring wineries! If I could go again I would do so in a heartbeat!
A winery tour with a pit stop at an amazing candy shop and a pit stop for donuts and cider? Yes, please! That sounds like a great event!
I wish I were you for one. What an adventure indeed. I would so love to see any of these places. The Candy Man and the wineries would be the best ever. Thanks for the awesome pictures and descriptions.
Wow love the look of the shop with the hampers.
This looks like a great time. I love all the sites you were able to see.
What a beautiful setting! How lucky that you got to go on a tour like that.
Wow, I live in Brooklyn, so that’s pretty close. I didn’t even know this place existed lol. Now I want to go!
What a beautiful place.I honestly never knew that Long Island had such a beautiful Vintage Winery. Next time, I visit New York they are a must see! Thanks for all the pictures!
Oh wow. Looks like fun. I would love to check it out.
I wish to experience this once in my life. One in my bucket list for sure.
Oh wow what a wonderful looking place – amazing to see get to taste while you tour 😉 x
I just loved watching you post all these pictures to instagram! I am SO ready for wine. just a few more weeks and this baby will be out and the wine will be in. LOL
Wow, this sounds like an amazing day! I have always wanted to do a winery tour, we’ve done plenty of craft beer tours which is really fun. I got caught on the Margherita sandwich though, that sounded great. Peace, Debbie
Talk about a fun for-filled day. I don’t think I would have left the candy store. lol!
This kind of trip is right up my alley. Candy and wine? Umm, YUM! I love both and to get the chance to include both in a tasting would be the perfect day for me.
Wow, this looks like an awesome place to visit. There’s so much to do and see!
What a fun day! I’m not much of a wine drinker but I would have been all over that candy store!
What a fun day! We have a local winery that I still haven’t been to so I’m thinking the hubs and I need to plan a visit.
This would be such a fun day. I do not know a lot about wine. I would love to learn. I think my favorite part would be the candy shop.
My dream place!!!! Can’t wait to go there soon!!
Love the picture of the Jersey, she reminds me of the cow we used to have
Wow, this looks like such a fun and action packed day! I’d love to take a tour myself!
Each of these places seem so wonderful to visit! I have never taken a tour of any winery, but have always wanted to; I will put these destinations on my list for my next trip to NY.
This sounds like so much fun! I want one of those Apple Cider Doughnuts asap!!
I have never taken a winery tour; yet I love wine… thanks for sharing your experience with us. Sounds like you had a great time
I’ve only been on a couple of winery tours and they were a lot of fun. Looks like you had a ton of fun yourself 🙂
That looks like an awesome place to visit. Since I don’t drink, I would have never thought I’d like a winery. The farm and just the general atmosphere looks right up my alley!
I’ve been dying to witness the whole, fabulous win-making process!
That looks like a wonderful day! I don’t know what I’d love more – the gorgeous scenery, the wine or the chocolate-covered Oreos. 😉
That’s one interesting tour! I had no idea there were so many vintage locations in one small area!
I was not familiar with this one, but am close enough to head there! thanks!
I love going to Long Island. It’s the perfect little NY village.
Beautiful pictures! I would love to visit there some time
Oh my goodness, I would have jumped at the chance too. The last time I was on a winery tour, my husband and I decided we would really get into it and start going to more tastings and learning about wine… then I got pregnant with our son. We haven’t been back since. 🙁
You had me at wine and candy. I love to see the “how it’s made” stuff. I’m jealous.
Long Island is truly charming. The vineyards are amazing.
oh my this is one heck of a winery tour, the candy and the grapes got me hooked. So jealous right now I too would have jumped at the opportunity
I need to do a winery tour around here! Thanks for the inspiration!
This place looks really nice. Thanks for sharing.
I don’t think I had any experience with winery tour – it seems like an awesome experience to have – I wish I could have had one too, haha!
This sounds like the perfect Mommy Daddy getaway! I love learning about wine and all the different varieties. We were actually just debating our next vacation being to napa!
This looks like a fabulous place to go wine tasting. I’ve never been to Long Island, NY, but now I have a reason to add it to my list of places to visit. Thanks for sharing.
This looks so pretty! I love all of the windows. And the wine. 🙂
The wine tasting would be my favorite part the rich tastes of the vineyard and the aroma.
The Candyman behind the scenes is up my alley! Especially the butter crunch chocolate!
This place looks so great! My partner loves visiting Vineyards whenever we travel so he’d love it.
Those are gorgeous wineries! I’d have been in heaven.
Looks like you had a fabulous day! This is definitely something I’ve been wanting to do.
Looks like an amazing tour even though I am not a huge wine fan. That Candyman shop on the other hand, I could really get into that.
it’s a gorgeous place. I love how they made it a destination place with all the seasonal decor and amenities
Good for you. I love doing things like that – checking new places out and discover new things. I’ve never been to a winery before but I have tried wine tasting. But I must say, I am not a wine person. My husband is. 🙂
Wine, candy, chocolate covered oreos all in one spot? Why did you leave? Lol Looks like a fun time!
Oh my goodness, it looks like you had an amazing time! I don’t know which part I’d enjoy more – chocolate, wine or cheese!
What a fun and great looking winery. I bet it was a ton of fun!
I LOVE wineries! This place looks awesome! I have to visit there some day! I feel a trip coming on!
Everything looks so yummy and awesome! I love wineries. There are so many near where I live since I’m about an hour and 10 away from Napa Valley! 🙂
I’ve never been to Long Island! Such a beautiful place! We did a wine tour on our honeymoon in California.
What a great place, I would love to visit there one day!
That winery is gorgeous. I love a good wine tasting. Up in Traverse City, its all wine and cherry country. So gorgeous up there and there are 100s of wineries. They have some awesome tours. I went a few years ago. Can’t wait to go back.
That looks like lots of fun! The Barnyard adventure would be my favorite!
I would love to go there especially because I love wine …but I am so far away 🙁 sigh..
I love wine tours! Looks like a great tour to take 😉
What a tour! There couldn’t possibly be one more thing you could have done on that outing.
The Candy Man looks like it would be my highlight of the trip!! LOVE candy so much!!!
Sounds like a fun trip. I have always wanted to go to a winery too, I don’t live to far from Sonoma and Napa Valley where they make lots of wine.
I used to live on Long Island. Definitely a beautiful winery to visit!
I have never toured a winery before, but I really want to. It looks like you had a great time!
Yum! How fun!!! The wineries in Long Island are so beautiful. My husband and I took a self-guided tour one summer. How nice to go with a group and experience so many different vineyards 🙂
Wow, this looks like an amazing way to spend the day. I would really like to take this trip with my husband,
The Candy Man? I would be all over that store! Sounds like you had a great time!
This looks like my kind of day! I love everything about the winery and even cool that there was a place that made donuts.. Yum
What a fun adventure! You had me at the chocolate covered Oreos, but then you totally had me at the goat milk fudge – oh my!
OMG Seriously?! That sounds like an EPIC Day!! Glad we could come along via the blog 🙂
This sounds like an absolutely perfect day! Wine, cheese and chocolate?!? Yes, please!!
This was an amazing day. I loved every bit of it. Boy did we cover a lot of ground that day! So much fun.
I am so jealous of you right now! What an amazing tour! Every place looks amazing!
This looks like a great place to visit. I love trips that can also turn into romantic ones!
This looks like it was a great winery tour! I’ve always wanted to do something like this.
What a great place to visit. I love all the pictures you took, they made me feel like I was in the middle of the action.
I’v e always wanted to visit a winery. That is such a cool thing to do. Looks like you had a great time
That place looks amazing. I really miss being close to a winery. I use to live near Napa.
Wow that looks amazing! The building for the winery is gorgeous. I haven’t spent much time in Long Island but maybe I need to change that!
I like wine but the candy would have been my favorite everything looks so good in your pictures.
I LOVE going on Wine tours! We have some good ones down here in TN as well! It looks like you had a great time!
That’s a bit out of budget for me but it looks like you had so much fun! 🙂 I wish I could pay a visit someday, maybe once I get a job. 😉
This looks fantastic! I’d LOVE to go on this wine tour.
We used to go to Napa all the time, so we love wine tours! Nice to know there are some here on the East Coast we can get to. Look awesome too!!!
What a fantastic wine tour. I would so much love to have taken this tour – and stayed in a nearby hotel afterwards. I would have been no good to go any further. It would make for a great long weekend.
wooow…definitely a lot to see and it’s in the area ! Will definitely try it once I got much better with my health…TFS :)…
I’m not even a wine drinker but this post makes me want to drink it. Such a beautiful place to visit!
wow! everything looks lovely. should be quite an experience to partake in one of these winery tours!
I really want to go to this vintage winery and try it out. This looks so peaceful and a place I would enjoy a glass or two of some nice wine all the while walking the grounds.
I really want to try this it has everything I love the most wine and candy.
Oh my gosh I so want to visit! How fun!
I’m in love, looks beautiful. A wine tour is on my bucket list, I’ll bookmark this winery.
I want to go on this tour!!! I love every aspect from the farming to the wine!
I live in Greece so almost every household has homemade wine. My father -in- law makes wine every fall. It’s such a wonderful experience.
That sounds like an awesome day! I’d be totally into doing that!
I would love to visit that place someday!