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

A Taste of Long Island’s Wine Country Without the Hassle

If you’re craving a day away from the city’s hustle, this Long Island Wine and Food Day Trip offers a hassle-free escape to the North Fork of Long Island. For $159 per person, you’ll spend about 9 hours exploring two renowned wineries, tasting 4-5 wines at each, and enjoying a locally sourced lunch—all with a certified sommelier guiding the way. Starting bright and early from Midtown Manhattan, you’ll avoid the stress of driving and instead relax in an air-conditioned vehicle, soaking in the scenic views along the way.

What we love about this experience is how smoothly everything flows: from comfortable transportation with a restroom onboard to the expert commentary from your guide, Sam, or Steve, both praised for their friendly, knowledgeable approach. Plus, the chance to sample a variety of wines and learn about them directly from a pro makes this more than just a tasting tour—it’s an educational journey wrapped in a relaxed daytrip setting.

However, it’s worth noting that some reviews mention the bus’s age and the limited food options, so packing a little extra snacks might be wise. This tour is perfect for wine lovers, curious travelers, or anyone looking to add a touch of elegance and education to their NYC weekend. If you appreciate beautiful vineyard views, a good mix of wines, and engaging guides, this trip will suit you well.

Key Points

Convenient and Hassle-Free: Transportation from NYC is included, with a comfortable vehicle that has a restroom.
Educational and Engaging: Guided by a certified sommelier, you’ll learn about the wines in a friendly, approachable way.
Quality Wineries: Visits to two award-winning vineyards with diverse wine styles and stunning settings.
Tastings and Food: Sample 4-5 wines at each location, complemented by a locally sourced lunch of sandwiches and light bites.
Balanced Pace: Long enough at each winery to truly enjoy the experience, but not so long as to drag.
Good Value: For $159, you get two in-depth tastings, transportation, lunch, and expert guidance—making it a solid deal for wine enthusiasts.

An In-Depth Look at the Long Island Wine and Food Day Trip

Starting Point and Transportation

Departing from 140 E 41st St in Manhattan at 9:00 am sharp, this tour makes your escape to Long Island straightforward and stress-free. The air-conditioned van, which comfortably fits up to 48 travelers, features a restroom—though some reviews suggest the bus could benefit from upgrades. The roughly 1.5-hour drive is quite scenic, giving you a taste of the North Fork’s lush countryside before you arrive at the first stop.

For many travelers, the convenience of being transported without worrying about traffic or parking is one of the biggest perks. Plus, your guide—often praised for their friendliness and knowledge—sets the tone for a relaxed, informative day.

First Stop: Pellegrini Vineyards

Your first visit is to Pellegrini Vineyards, where you’ll spend approximately 90 minutes tasting 4-5 wines. This winery is in the rotation, so it might change from time to time, but generally, it’s a place known for its quality offerings. Expect to try a variety of styles, and as one reviewer notes, the tasting experience is quite comprehensive.

The tasting room at Pellegrini might feel a bit formal or sterile, according to some reviews, but the wines themselves are often appreciated for their craftsmanship. The staff’s introduction might be somewhat limited, but your guide steps in to fill in the gaps, ensuring you get a full appreciation of what’s in your glass.

Second Stop: RGNY

After a leisurely lunch, you’ll head to RGNY, also spending around 90 minutes here. This winery is celebrated for its diverse wines and beautiful setting. Visitors frequently remark on the varied styles of wine—from crisp whites to bold reds—which makes it a well-rounded tasting experience.

The ambiance at RGNY tends to be more inviting, with a vibrant, friendly atmosphere. One guest called it “great” for its scenic property and friendly staff, which adds to the overall enjoyment of the day. Expect to taste 4-5 wines here as well, with your guide sharing stories about the winemaking process and the vineyard’s history.

Locally Sourced Lunch and Light Bites

A highlight for many is the included lunch—simple, but thoughtfully prepared with locally sourced ingredients. The sandwiches, potato chips, and bottled water provide a refreshing break and help cleanse your palate between tastings. Several reviews mention the quality of the food as a pleasant surprise, though some wish for more substantial fare.

Afternoon Wrap-Up and Return

The tour wraps up with a relaxed drive back to Manhattan, arriving around 5:30 pm. Throughout the day, the blend of education, scenic views, and good company makes for a memorable experience. Travelers often leave feeling more knowledgeable about wine and relaxed from a day spent in beautiful settings.

Keen to taste more of New York City? We've looked into these other food and drink experiences

What We Think About the Experience

Value for Money

At $159, this tour packs in relatively long visits, expert guidance, transportation, and lunch, which many find to be a good deal. Considering the wineries are award-winning and the tastings are generous, it’s a reasonable price for a full day of entertainment and learning. Some reviews highlight the expert, friendly service from your guide—a key difference that adds value.

The Guides Make a Difference

Many reviews praise the guides, especially Sam and Steve, for their knowledge and approachable style. This personalized touch helps make the experience engaging rather than just a series of tastings. In particular, some guests mention that their guides went beyond just pouring wine—they shared stories, answered questions, and made everyone feel at ease.

Wineries and Tastings

The two wineries visited are well-chosen for their quality and scenic appeal. Pellegrini offers a more traditional, possibly sterile, tasting environment, but the wines are appreciated for their craftsmanship. RGNY, on the other hand, is more lively and diverse, often leaving visitors eager to return. The opportunity to taste 4-5 wines at each, with explanations from your guide, offers a well-rounded picture of Long Island wines.

The Food

While the included lunch is appreciated, some guests feel it could be more substantial or varied. The sandwiches and chips are simple, but the locally sourced ingredients add a special touch. Bringing extra snacks or drinks might be wise if you have specific dietary needs or prefer a heartier meal.

Transportation and Comfort

The air-conditioned bus is generally comfortable, but some reviews mention its age and limited restroom facilities. The driver’s professionalism and courteous manner are consistently praised, which helps smooth out those minor inconveniences. If you’re sensitive to bus comfort or have mobility issues, it’s worth considering these factors.

Pacing and Group Size

The roughly 9-hour schedule includes plenty of time for each activity, so you won’t feel rushed. The group size maxing out at 48 travelers allows for a lively but manageable environment. Many reviews note the social aspect—meeting fellow wine lovers and making new friends—which can enhance the experience.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour suits wine lovers eager to learn about Long Island’s wine scene without the hassle of driving. If you enjoy scenic vineyard visits, variety in tastings, and engaging guides, you’ll find this experience rewarding. It’s also well-suited for first-time visitors or those celebrating special occasions, such as birthdays or weekend getaways, given its mix of education and leisure.

Travelers who appreciate a balanced itinerary—with enough time at each vineyard to enjoy the wines and scenery—will find this tour hits the mark. If you’re okay with a somewhat basic lunch and don’t mind the bus’s age, the overall value makes it a compelling choice.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes a round-trip, air-conditioned vehicle from Manhattan, making your journey smooth and relaxing, with a restroom onboard.

How long is the drive to Long Island?
The trip from NYC to the North Fork takes about 1.5 hours, offering scenic views and a comfortable start to your day.

Are the tastings extensive?
Yes, you will visit two wineries, each with approximately 90-minute tastings of 4-5 wines. This gives plenty of time to savor and learn about each wine.

Can I bring snacks or extra food?
While the included lunch is simple, some guests choose to bring additional snacks, especially if they have specific dietary preferences or want more substantial options.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 48 travelers, creating a lively yet manageable environment. Smaller groups might get more personalized attention from guides.

Is this tour suitable for wine novices?
Absolutely. The guide, often praised for being friendly and knowledgeable, provides explanations suitable for beginners and seasoned wine enthusiasts alike.