The best wineries near New York where you can drink a glass and enjoy nature

Most people think of California when it comes to US wine travel. But east of New York state, you will find several wineries that can compete with California, shares CN Traveler.

For a day trip or a long weekend of great wine in the Empire State, we travel to three regions: Finger Lakes, Hudson River and Long Island. They are all American Vineyards (AVAS) with a unique microclimate ideal for Riesling and Cabernet Franc. Here you will find excellent boutique hotels, restaurants overlooking the lake, where there is something to do besides the tasting room.

Hudson Valley

Benmarl Winery

Winery Benmarl located one and a half hours north of the city, among the lush green hills of Marlborough, next to the Hudson River. The oldest vineyard in America is located here, as well as one of the oldest vines in the country, Baco Noir, a French-American hybrid grape variety. “As for the local wines, they are unique in the region,” says Tristen Guild, manager and buyer of the Kingston Wine Co. liquor store.

Like many other producers in New York, Benmarl has a wonderful Cabernet Franc and a refreshing Baco Noir rosé with blueberry and strawberry notes. Pizza "Margherita" from their wood-fired oven will also appeal to many.

They are open 7 days a week by appointment only. So don't forget to book a table in advance. Stay across the Hudson at a hotel round house in Beacon and check out the newly opened cocktail bar wonder bar, which serves Pimm's Cup drink, dubbed the "Permanent Gardener".

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Rose Hill Farm

Historic farm Rose Hill Farm perfect for getting to know the quintessential Hudson Valley. The farm, among other things, produces the most innovative line of ciders and fruit wines in the valley. They are mainly produced without the addition of sulfur and yeast. In addition, a series of wonderful natural grape wines made from fruit is also produced here. Try a variety of drinks such as the 2019 Sundrops, a pét nat style sparkling wine made from shiro farm plums, or the 2019 Lulie pét nat, made from Merlot and Cayuga grapes.

After a day of fruit picking and wine tasting at the farm, drive thirty minutes north to the picturesque Hudson for an overnight stay at a family hotel Wm Farmers and Son or a newly opened hotel Maker. A little further down the road you will find natural wines as well as fine snacks and drinks in a cozy Lawrence park.

Note: Rose Hill Farm does not take orders and operates mainly on weekends, but they do make exceptions depending on their fruit ripening schedule.

Long Island

Shinn Estate Vineyards

Hotel Shinn Estate Vineyards offers a relaxing wine break on Long Island's North Fork, just two hours from New York City. Diners can look forward to a combination of luxury and comfort with a state-of-the-art tasting room and patio overlooking the bucolic vineyards.

Wines can be ordered in bottles or in specially selected glasses. Try medium-strength red wines such as their tannic blend Cabernet Franc and Red Field. Or Riesling and Pinot Blanc for something lighter. Joe Monaco, local resident who maintains the page @Greenportnorthfork on Instagram, offers to sit at tables near the slender rows of vineyards.

nearby restaurant Love Lane Kitchen is another popular spot with delicious food, a vibrant atmosphere and plenty of Long Island wines.

Kontokosta Winery

Two and a half hours from the city is one of the most picturesque wineries in New York. Kontokosta offers the best view on the east coast with a panorama of majestic Long Island Sound.

The wines of Kontokosta, from rosé to Riesling, are distinguished by quality and refinement. Their 2014 Viognier, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon vintages are award-winning. Don't forget about them during the tasting.

The winery sells cheese, cold cuts and other small snacks, but there are a few local eateries nearby that you can stop by after lunch. Restaurant Halyard at the hotel sound view a must for waterfront lovers. Here, sample simple dishes such as scallops from Shinnecock served with risotto. Cocktail lovers should check out the main cocktail bar Death and Company's residencyworking at the hotel until October.

Just 10 minutes down the road is another East End establishment, North Fork Table & Inn. It recently reopened with a wine list curated by sommelier Amy Racine.

finger lakes

Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard

This winery was among the pioneers of viticulture and winemaking in the Finger Lakes. She helped put the region on the map with her Riesling. Book a tasting to savor their expertly crafted wines, be sure to try the Pinot Noir as well as the sparkling Blanc de Noir. In the summer, outdoor picnic tables overlooking the vineyards are a must, but on cooler days, the winery can also sit indoors.

Thomas Pastuszak, wine director The Nomad and founder Terrassen Cellars, offers to end your visit with a visit to the nearby wine bar and bistro supernatural lake. There is live music playing outdoors right on Lake Cayuga.

Red Newt Cellars

Red Newt Cellars popular with travelers due to the hospitable staff, as well as a fine selection of wines and dishes. Come sample a combination of white and red wines on the outdoor terrace overlooking the farm. Then dine on local cheeses and meats at the on-site bistro.

With access to some of the finest vineyards on Seneca Lake, their trademark Rieslings are simply excellent. But indulge in Bordeaux blends of Cabernet and Pinot Noir to appreciate the region's diversity.

Stop at a restaurant along the way Dano's, which serves delicious Austrian cuisine and local wines. This is a great place for lunch or dinner with stunning sunsets over the Riesling vineyards. Goulash and schnitzels are in high demand and sell out quickly, so be sure to order them when you get there.