The New Vintages Of North Fork And Hamptons Rosés Are Out

Spring is here-ish! On eastern Long Island, the climbing thermometer can only mean one thing: The new vintages of rosé are out. Let’s hope the warm weather is close behind. Not all of our local wineries have released their most recent vintages, but here are some who have. So stock up and drink pink—it’s the best way to get yourself in the New York Summer State of Mind.

The 2017 vintage was good to Wölffer. Currently available for purchase online are their 2017 Summer in a Bottle ($25) and Estate Rosé ($18). The Summer in a Bottle is made from a blend of Merlot, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Riesling, which produces a rich, food-friendly wine. The Estate showcases Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and small amounts of Riesling and Gewürztraminer. This wine is a perfect everyday sipper. Open year round, the winery is a spectacular place to enjoy those first glasses of rosé, and there’s ample indoor seating for those not ready to brave the elements. Wines are also available for purchase at the winery.

Wölffer Estate Vineyard, 139 Sagg Road, Sagaponack, 631-537-5106.

This South Fork-based winery traditionally releases a slew of rosés each spring. This year, the 2017 release includes the Rosato di Cabernet Franc ($22), Rosato di Cabernet Sauvignon ($22), Rosato di Merlot ($22), Rosato di Refosco ($22), and Rosato di Syrah ($22). The color palette ranges from onionskin to deep fuchsia. These varietal-specific rosés allow drinkers to choose their own style (rich and full, lean and crisp, and everything in between). The winery is open daily and year round from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., so you can stop in to taste your favorite rosé before committing to a whole bottle. The Bridgehampton winery, which is part of the Peconic Land Trust, boasts an impressive sculpture collection that tasters can experience during their visit. Wines are available at the winery and online.

Channing Daughters Winery, 1927 Scuttle Hole Road, Bridgehampton, 631-537-7224.

The wines at Bridge Lane are produced by Lieb Cellars on the North Fork. The winery is named for the farm road—Bridge Lane—adjacent to Lieb’s vineyards. Grapes are sustainably grown and the wines are priced to sell. The label produces keg wine and canned wine, in addition to wine in bottles, appealing to a younger crowd. And their 2017, hot off the presses, is available now. The Cabernet Franc-based pink wine has notes of strawberry, watermelon, and guava, and comes in 750-milliliter bottles ($20) as well as 375-milliliter cans (sold in four-packs for $34). Wine is available for purchase online and at the Mattituck tasting room. You can also find the Bridge Lane line at Lieb Cellars, which is an intimate, cozy space that features live music and snacks.

Bridge Lane Tasting Room, 35 Cox Neck Road, Mattituck, 631-298-1942.

This rosé-only winery has their 2017 lineup ready to go. This season, there are nine available rosés from Croteaux (six still and three sparkling). The entry-level Merlot 181, Merlot 314, and Merlot 3 go for $20 apiece, where as the more complex Sauvage, Chloe, and particularly dark pink Jolie are $25 each. Sparklers—Cuvée Merlot, Chloe, and Jolie—are each $29. The utterly charming Southold tasting barn will open with the warmer weather, but for right now, you can purchase this season’s newly released rosé by calling the winery or reaching out to them online. Once the season gets going, you won’t want to miss this Provençal-styled winery for a glass of the good stuff, where you can spend a lazy afternoon in a courtyard flanked by every shade of pink.

Croteaux Vineyards, 1450 South Harbor Road, Southold, 631-765-6099.

If spring ever really does arrive, you can expect a longer list of rosé releases from your favorite Long Island wineries. And while it may feel like the weather is taking a permanent vacation from vacation, really summer is just around the corner. So, in the meantime, find your favorite available pink and savor these final days before the crowds arrive.