To go on a North Fork wine tour by car service, it’s best to hire a private chauffeur and luxury car for the day. This allows you to customize your itinerary based on preferences - whether it’s focusing on specific grape varietals or ensuring visits to sought-after wineries. The ride from NYC takes roughly 90 minutes to 2 hours depending on traffic conditions and exactly where along the North Fork you’ll be going. Services typically require bookings with a 4 hour minimum but most customers book 5-7 hours total for a more leisurely experience. That leaves enough time for stops at 3-5 vineyards for tastings plus lunch somewhere scenic - most services include recommendations but are also happy to accommodate requests. Just note that tasting fees are usually paid separately at each winery.
The day should be enjoyed to the fullest - meaning without worrying about getting behind the wheel after indulging in tastings all day. Hiring a driver ensures you can focus on enjoying the day worry-free while being safely transported between stops along the tour. Also since the area’s 50-plus vineyards are spread out across 30 miles of farmland, it makes more sense to have someone navigate between wineries. Drivers often know the best routes, restaurants and hidden wineries for a personalized tour. You don’t need to worry about everyone getting together from different points in New York, figuring out logistics, or dealing with parking at the vineyards.
Rates for hiring a driver and car for the day depend on the duration of the tour and the vehicle type. One operator charges $285 for a 4 hour tour in a sedan for up to 3 guests, $325 for 5 hours, and $450 for 7 hours. Upgrading to a larger SUV that can fit up to 6 guests adds $80 to $135. For pickup from NYC there is an additional $200 for the sedan and $300 for the SUV. From Nassau pickup costs $100 and $150 respectively. As a guide, a Limousine company on Long Island charges between $600-$1300, not including gratuity and tasting fees, for a full day out on the North Fork. Keep in mind it requires a 5-6 hour minimum for their tours, which usually covers visits to 3-4 wineries.
North Fork Wineries
On top of the car, remember that tastings typically run $15-$30 per person at each vineyard. With over 50 wineries to choose from, it helps to select a few in advance to make the most of your day. You might check out Bedell Cellars, where merlot blends are their specialty in a renovated barn setting with modern art on the walls. Or try Macari, which has a biodynamic focus and Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay to sample. Sparkling Pointe offers some effervescent fun with their sparkling wines made using the methode champenoise and a tasting room styled with Venetian-inspired decor. At Kontokosta, wind turbines turn in the breeze as you sip Cabernet Franc or Sauvignon Blanc on a bluff overlooking Long Island Sound. Family-owned Paumanok is known for its Chenin Blanc while Pindar is one of the largest, with over 20 varieties like the Winter White.
Each winery has its own group rules. For groups of 15 or fewer, advance reservations aren’t required at Bedell Cellars; it’s a good spot to drop in with a medium-sized group. Larger groups should email to book. Macari Vineyards recommends reservations, and requires them for groups of 6 or more. You can make changes to the reservation up to 5 days in advance. There’s a strict no parking policy for limos and buses at Terra Vite, and drop offs are only allowed from 11 AM to 12:30 PM. Late groups risk being turned away. Groups of 6 to 12 people must pay a minimum of $40 per person for a 90 minute stay, and the venue adds a 20% gratuity for parties of 6 or more.
Choosing a Safe and Professional Vehicle
A tragic accident took the lives of four women in July 2015 when a pickup truck T-boned their limo while it attempted a U-turn in Cutchogue. That incident underscores the importance of choosing a safe and professional vehicle. In Suffolk County, it’s the law that hired cars and limos have to be registered with the Suffolk County Taxi & Limousine Commission. So if you hire a driver, make sure they have their For-Hire Driver License. For peace of mind, run your eye over the stretch limo before hopping in. It should have a diamond NYSDOT sticker on the right side of the front windshield showing an inspection in the past six months. The driver must also display their Commercial Driver’s License with a P endorsement if the limo holds 9 or more people, driver included. By law, the company should carry at least $1.5 million liability per event. Also check the age of the limousine if it’s a stretch style. New York State has a law phasing out stretch limos after 10 years or 350,000 miles on the road. And be sure the vehicle has a seat belt for every rear passenger seat, as required by law.
In New York State, only passengers in for-hire vehicles with ten or more passenger seats and a DOT permit can legally have open containers. So sadly, no open bottles in a sedan or SUV.
Lunch on a Wine Tour
For lunch on a wine tour, vineyards themselves often have cheese and charcuterie or light bites available. For a full meal, you can ask your driver for suggestions. Options include Noah’s, North Fork Table & Inn, or Touch of Venice, all just minutes away from many wineries. As for what to wear, no need to be formal - most tasting rooms on the North Fork encourage a laidback vibe, so casual and comfy are key. Layer up since wineries often offer both indoor and outdoor spaces for sampling. Bring shades and a hat to shield your eyes from the sun, and sturdy shoes to navigate any gravel paths between vineyards.
You can visit the North Fork wineries any time of year. They operate year-round, with seasonal events like vineyard concerts in summer, harvest festivals in autumn, and fireside tastings in winter. Whenever you go, do note that one operator allows free cancellation up to six hours before your scheduled pickup. So if you need to change plans on short notice, that can work in your favor.
