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

Thinking about escaping the city’s hustle for a relaxing day among vineyards? This guided tour from Manhattan offers a chance to explore Long Island’s North Fork wine country without the hassle of driving. It’s a smart option for wine lovers who want expert guidance, a taste of local food, and beautiful scenery—all in a well-organized, comfortable package.

What we really love about this experience is how seamlessly it combines wine education with genuine fun. Your certified sommelier guide isn’t just knowledgeable—they’re friendly and eager to share stories behind each glass. Plus, the included artisan lunch with locally sourced ingredients elevates the visit beyond just tastings.

A possible drawback? With a busy schedule, some might find the winery visits a bit rushed, especially if you’re keen to linger over every sip.

This tour suits travelers who value convenience, appreciate good wine, and want a taste of the North Fork without the stress of planning logistics. It’s ideal for those celebrating a special occasion, solo explorers, or groups seeking a memorable, educational day out from NYC.

This experience made our article of We Rank New York City’s 15 Top Wine Tours.

Key Points

• Comfortable Transportation: An air-conditioned vehicle with a restroom makes the journey pleasant.
• Expert Guidance: A certified sommelier enhances your understanding and enjoyment of each wine.
• Two Diverse Wineries: Expect to visit two award-winning vineyards, each offering 4-5 wines.
• Local Food & Bites: A thoughtfully curated artisan lunch complements your tastings.
• Convenience & Time: The tour runs approximately 9 hours, leaving you back in the city by late afternoon.
• Limited Group Size: With a maximum of 48 travelers, there’s room for personalized attention and lively conversations.

Discover the Long Island Vineyard Experience

This full-day tour packs in a lot—visiting two distinguished wineries, tasting a selection of 8-10 wines, and enjoying a locally sourced lunch. It’s designed for travelers who want to get a taste of Long Island’s wine scene without the fuss of driving or organizing logistics themselves.

The Itinerary in Detail

Start at NYC: You’ll meet at 140 E 41st Street at 9:00 am, ready for a leisurely drive out to Long Island. The 1.5-hour ride is not just about getting there—it’s a chance to relax, chat with fellow wine enthusiasts, and enjoy the scenery. The bus is air-conditioned and equipped with a restroom, which many reviewers appreciate—especially on a full-day trip.

Pellegrini Vineyards: Your first stop, Pellegrini, offers a warm introduction to North Fork wines. You’ll spend about 90 minutes here, tasting 4-5 wines in a setting that’s both informative and inviting. Guests mention that the tasting room appears somewhat sterile and only has one female restroom, which might be a minor inconvenience for some. Still, the wines and the guide’s insights make up for it. One reviewer describes Pellegrini as a “very different style of wine,” giving you a glimpse of the vineyard’s unique offerings.

RGNY: Next, you’ll visit RGNY, another top-rated winery with a distinct ambiance. Here, you’ll enjoy another 90 minutes sampling 4-5 wines. Guests often highlight the variety and quality of wines, noting that RGNY’s property is stunning and the tasting experience enjoyable. The variety of styles at both wineries ensures you get a broad taste of Long Island’s winemaking diversity.

Lunch & Relaxation: Between the tasting sessions, you’ll savor a locally sourced artisan lunch. Expect sandwiches made with fresh ingredients, potato chips, and bottled water. Several reviews mention that the lunch is simple but satisfying, and it gives a nice break to reflect on the wines tasted so far.

Return to NYC: By around 5:30 pm, you’ll be back in Manhattan, ending a day full of new tastes, scenic views, and wine knowledge.

Why It Works for Travelers

What makes this tour appealing is how well it balances education, enjoyment, and convenience. The presence of a certified sommelier means you’re not just tasting wines—you’re learning about them. You’ll hear stories about local winemaking, which adds depth to each sip. Guests have noted that guides like Sam were friendly, informative, and made the experience more engaging.

The stunning vineyard settings and the chance to sample award-winning wines ensure this isn’t just a drinking trip but a genuine glimpse into Long Island’s wine production. Plus, the locally sourced lunch aligns well with the farm-to-table ethos many travelers appreciate today.

However, some reviews point out the limited information provided about wines at Pellegrini, and the basic food at the second winery. These are minor, especially considering the overall value and experience, but worth noting if you’re expecting a gourmet food and wine education experience.

What’s Included & Practical Considerations

Included in the $159 price:

• Visiting two award-winning wineries with tastings of 8-10 wines total
• An artisan lunch of sandwiches and local snacks
• A private certified sommelier guide who shares stories and insights
• Comfortable, air-conditioned transportation with a restroom
• A total of roughly 9 hours from start to finish, with around 3 hours at each winery

Additional info:
The tour departs at 9:00 am and ends back at the starting point. It’s strictly for guests aged 21 and over, so no children. The maximum group size is 48, keeping the experience lively but not crowded.

Value for money:
Considering the transportation, tastings, lunch, and guided expertise, at $159 per person, this tour offers good value—especially given the quality of wineries and the convenience of not driving.

Authentic Feedback: What Travelers Say

Many reviews echo themes of friendly guides, stunning scenery, and good wine quality. Guests mention that Sam, the guide, made the experience especially enjoyable with his knowledge and friendly demeanor. One reviewer gushed, “I met some amazing people,” highlighting the social aspect.

Others appreciate the relaxing ride and ease of logistics, emphasizing that it’s a “fun quick same-day weekend getaway.” However, some note the bus’s age and the limited information about the wines at Pellegrini, which slightly dampen their experience but are not deal-breakers overall.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This guided day trip is perfect for those who want a convenient, educational, and social introduction to Long Island wines. It’s suited for first-timers or seasoned wine enthusiasts alike, especially if you prefer a relaxed, guided experience over self-driving. It’s also a great choice for celebrating special occasions or just a fun day out with friends.

If you’re looking for a luxurious gourmet experience or extensive wine education, this might feel a little simple. But if your goal is to enjoy good wines, learn from knowledgeable guides, and see beautiful vineyards—all without the hassle—this tour delivers on all fronts.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes air-conditioned transportation from a central NYC meeting point, with a restroom onboard.

How long is the drive to Long Island?
The trip from NYC to the vineyards takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Can I bring children?
No, the tour is only for guests aged 21 and over.

How many wineries do we visit?
You will visit two wineries, each with a tasting session lasting about 90 minutes.

What is included in the lunch?
A simple, locally sourced sandwich lunch with potato chips and bottled water, designed to complement the wine tastings.

What wines will I taste?
You can expect to taste 4-5 wines at each winery, with a total of 8-10 wines sampled during the day.

Is the guide knowledgeable?
Absolutely. Guest reviews frequently mention the guides, especially Sam, as friendly, informative, and passionate about wine.

What about group size?
The tour is capped at 48 travelers, balancing social interaction with comfort.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

Final Thoughts

This Long Island wine tour from NYC offers a well-rounded, enjoyable experience for those eager to taste some of Long Island’s best wines without the stress of planning. The combination of expert-guided tastings, scenic vineyards, and a locally sourced lunch makes it a solid value at $159. It’s ideal for travelers who want a straightforward, friendly, and educational wine adventure.

While it’s not a gourmet culinary tour, it hits the sweet spot for most wine lovers: quality wines, engaging storytelling, and a chance to relax and take in gorgeous vineyard views. If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to discover Long Island’s winemaking charm, this trip is worth considering.

Enjoy your wine journey—cheers to good tastes and great company!