North Fork of Long Island AVA

Vineyards were first planted in the North Fork area in the 1820s, but those early efforts succumbed to disease. The modern era began in 1973 when Alex and Louisa Hargrave established the first commercial Vitis vinifera vineyard in Cutchogue, founding what is now known as Castello di Borghese Vineyards. The AVA was officially designated on October 10, 1986, following a petition by Richard Olsen-Harbich and Alan LeBlanc-Kinne on behalf of the Long Island Grape Growers Association. In 2001, it was formally recognized as a sub-AVA of the broader Long Island AVA.

• First commercial Vitis vinifera planting in 1973 by the Hargraves in Cutchogue
• AVA established October 10, 1986 by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms
• Sub-AVA of Long Island AVA, designated in 2001
• Earlier 1820s vineyard attempts failed due to disease

The North Fork extends from the Riverhead Town line to Orient Point, encompassing the townships of Riverhead, Shelter Island, and Southold in Suffolk County. Three bodies of water encircle it, moderating temperatures year-round and protecting vines from extreme cold. This maritime influence, combined with 2,400 to 2,800 hours of annual sunshine, creates a growing season up to one month longer than other New York wine regions. The area falls within USDA hardiness zones 7a and 7b, and is noticeably warmer and sunnier than the South Fork.

• Located entirely in Suffolk County on eastern Long Island
• Maritime climate moderated by Long Island Sound, Peconic Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean
• Extended growing season, up to one month longer than other New York regions
• Classified as USDA hardiness zones 7a and 7b

The soils of the North Fork were shaped by Wisconsin Age glaciers approximately 11,000 years ago. The dominant soil series are Riverhead and Haven, both classified as sandy loam with clay and gravel deposits scattered throughout. This glacial terroir drains freely, limiting vine vigor and concentrating flavors in the berry. The sandy composition also contributes to the saline, coastal character found in the region's white wines.

• Riverhead and Haven series sandy loam soils dominate
• Glacial deposits from the Wisconsin Age glaciers, approximately 11,000 years ago
• Rocky, sandy soils with clay and gravel deposits throughout
• Free-draining soils limit vine vigor and contribute to wine concentration

Bordeaux varieties define the North Fork's identity, with Merlot leading plantings, supported by Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. Among whites, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are most widely planted, though the region also cultivates Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Viognier, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Meunier. Wines tend toward balance and elegance rather than power, with fresh fruit, savory aromatics, good acidity, and lower alcohol levels in the 11 to 12.5% range. Sparkling Pointe and other producers have established the North Fork as a serious source of traditional-method sparkling wine. White wines often carry a distinctive saline quality that reflects the maritime setting.

• Merlot is the leading red variety, typically blended with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon
• Wines average 11 to 12.5% alcohol, lower than many comparable American regions
• Traditional-method sparkling wines are a notable regional specialty
• White wines frequently show a saline, coastal character

The North Fork is home to more than 40 wineries farming approximately 3,000 acres of planted vineyards across a total AVA area of 65,000 acres. More than 75% of Long Island's entire wine industry is concentrated here. Established names include Paumanok Vineyards, Bedell Cellars, Lenz Winery, Macari Vineyards, Palmer Vineyards, Raphael, Pindar Vineyards, Peconic Bay Vineyards, Kontokosta Winery, Harbes Vineyard, and Sparkling Pointe. Castello di Borghese, formerly Hargrave Winery, remains a historic anchor of the region.

• Over 40 wineries operating within the AVA
• Approximately 3,000 acres of planted vineyards out of 65,000 total AVA acres
• Castello di Borghese (formerly Hargrave Winery) is the region's founding estate
• Sparkling Pointe is a dedicated sparkling wine producer of national note