wine tours east coast

Matador Original Series

Where to find the most amazing east coast wineries.

W hile tasting rooms in such well-known wine spots as Napa Valley seem to be packed every weekend of the year, across the continent vintners along the Eastern seaboard are quietly producing excellent wines that are garnering ever more attention.

Wineries from Canada to Virginia are producing standout whites, sparkling wines, and a few notable reds in picturesque rural locations. Add in nearby wonders like the Blue Ridge Mountains and Niagara Falls, and it’s time to start planning your outings. Here’s where to go to find the best wineries on the East Coast.

1. Charlottesville, Virginia

Photo: Andriy Blokhin /Shutterstock

The Monticello Wine Trail is about more than the historic home of Thomas Jefferson. Granted, it was Jefferson who envisioned Central Virginia as an American wine region to rival Europe’s, and the vineyards around his estate have vines that date back to the 1700s. But you’d be remiss to not spend time cruising through the Blue Ridge Mountains, taking in the bright colors and blue skies on winding roads along the four wine loops that make up the appellation.

Though Virginia has made its name putting out high-quality whites literally for centuries, recently it’s begun to forge an identity by producing Viognier, a grape largely ignored by the rest of America. You’ll find a great one at the historic Jefferson Vineyards , but if you want to venture out a little from Charlottesville, Veritas Vineyards ’ Viognier is also fantastic and conveniently located near the entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Charlottesville itself is one of the best college towns in America to spend a weekend, a place where colonial architecture and deep green lawns dominate the landscape. And if you’re tired of wine, the city is also known for its breweries, so you can sip something different at spots like Three Notch’d , South Street , and Hardywood Brewery .

2. Finger Lakes, New York

Photo: Richard A. McGuirk /Shutterstock

Any time between April and December is a fantastic time to visit the wine region that’s gaining a reputation as having the best wineries on the East Coast. If you had to choose a time of year to visit, though, we’d recommend the fall — when the rolling hills and deep gorges that surround the Finger Lakes are most vibrant, covered in bright reds, oranges, and yellow.

The three primary wine trails to follow here are each based around one of the lakes: Cayuga, which has 16 wineries; Keuka, with eight wineries; and Seneca, which has 36. Though we wouldn’t advise trying to hit all of them — or even a quarter of them — make sure you block off time to hit the Bloomer Creek and Shaw vineyards while you’re there. Rieslings and Gewurztraminers are the specialties of the region, but even if you’re not big on sweet wine, the setting makes the trip worthwhile.

Throughout the countryside, you’ll find romantic B&Bs and stately old homes for rent. Or if you’re feeling hearty, the region has plenty of lakeside camping and hilltop cabins. For those looking to stay somewhere with a few more amenities, the nearby town of Ithaca gives you a cozy, cool college-town vibe.

3. Niagara Falls, Ontario

Photo: ckchiu /Shutterstock

Once you’ve taken your requisite selfie next to Niagara Falls , head out towards Toronto to Niagara-on-the-Lake, where over 50 wineries dot the countryside. The trees along the banks of the Niagara River make for stunning photographs — whether dressed in fall colors or spring blossoms — and the drive through the old farmhouses and estates creates an equally scenic journey.

This region offers some of the more unique wine-tasting experiences in North America. Monastery Cellars , for example, lets you taste wine in a Gothic stone 1890s monastery, full of stained glass and epic statues. Lundy Manor , the region’s lone estate winery, will have you sipping inside a sprawling mansion set across acres of leafy vineyards. And the Peller Estates has its own igloo-like bar where you’ll taste ice wines in sub-freezing temperatures at a bar made of ice.

Niagara also has a beer trail if you’d like to try some of the other liquid offerings. Or get out on the river with whirlpool and jet-boat tours. With the favorable exchange rate, Niagara Falls might be the best value for a northeast wine tour.

4. Newport, Rhode Island

Photo: Jaanajrv /Shutterstock

The marinas and mansions of the Newport coast evoke the Gilded Age of old New England. Inland, you’ll find a handful of wineries making unexpectedly fantastic wines. Coastal New England isn’t a place one would naturally think to grow high-quality grapes, but the warm waters of the Gulfstream and the temperate winds off Narragansett Bay make for a microclimate that lends itself to an extended growing season and some unique flavors.

Newport Vineyards Great White is a blend of grapes that takes on an almost-melon flavor and is but one of many offerings that don’t taste like wine found anywhere else. You’ll find the same at Greenvale Vineyards just up the road in Portsmouth, where the estate along the Sakonnet River boasts live jazz and colorful waterfront sunsets, brilliantly complemented by the smooth cab franc and bright Rosecliff Pinot Gris.

5. Long Island, New York

Photo: James Kirkikis /Shutterstock

Few people expect New York’s quintessential bedroom community to be one of the best wine regions in the US , but spend a weekend in Long Island , and you’ll find not only fantastic wines but also remarkable pastoral scenery that’s enviably close to New York City.

If you want to see it with fall colors, know that in Long Island the leaves turn a little later than the rest of the Northeast. In late October, the leaves are turning but temperatures generally aren’t brutally cold yet, and a scenic drive up Route 25A will be a colorful blur of trees leading to scenic wineries. From spring to fall, we suggest spending a full weekend , during which you can tour country wineries like Harmony Vineyards with views out to Long Island Sound or Duck Walk Vineyards , where leafy trees surround a grand, green-roofed manor house.

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3-Day Coastal Winery & Vineyard Getaway

Spend three days touring some amazing vineyards, tasting delicious wines, and exploring quaint towns and charming destinations.

Along the picturesque North Carolina coast , vineyards are growing various red and white grapes – including the famed scuppernong muscadine grape – and wineries are making award-winning wines to taste and take home. Several of the destinations also have gift shops, wine accessories, cafés and overnight accommodations to make for a vibrant three-day trip.

Day 1: Outer Banks & Oriental

Begin your coastal wine exploration on the Outer Banks with a stop at Sanctuary Vineyards in Jarvisburg. Located on a seaside farm, its 10 acres of syrah, tempranillo, viognier, norton and muscadine grapes are nestled within hundreds of acres of farmland and wildlife. Check its Instagram to see if a food truck is on-site, and get there in time for lunch and enjoy a tasting.

Drive along the Outer Banks and then head west through the charming town of Manteo as you venture to Vineyards on the Scuppernong . The Scuppernong River region produces the native scuppernong muscadine grape, which is considered to be one of the healthiest grapes grown and makes for a delicious fruity wine. Stop by its quaint tasting room, then stroll through galleries and eateries afterward.

Next, head into Oriental, known as the “Sailing Capital of North Carolina,” and check in at the Oriental Marina & Inn . Situated on the town harbor, the inn features one-, two- and three-bedroom suites, all with water views. Walk next door to Toucan Grill & Fresh Bar and feast on a seafood dinner while watching the boats come and go. Afterward, enjoy live music on the patio or stroll along the harbor.

Day 2: Central Coast

After breakfast and coffee at The Bean on the harbor, spend the morning exploring the riverfront town of New Bern . Visit Tryon Palace and the North Carolina History Center , wander through the spectacular gardens, historic homes and quaint shops of downtown, or stop by the Birthplace of Pepsi  before continuing your tour of the coastal wineries.

Next, head to Swansboro , the “Friendly City by the Sea,” for lunch at Yana’s Restaurant , with its 1950s diner interior and tasty burgers.

Heading northwest, stop by Huffman Vineyards for a taste of dry whites and reds, as well as its large selection of fruit wines. Try these in the tasting room or on the outdoor patio and chat with the winemakers.

For your next stop, it’s only a short drive to the Country Squire Restaurant, Inn and Winery  in Warsaw. Check in to your room overlooking the vineyard and settle in for a relaxing evening of wine and food. Take in the gardens, grounds and charming gazebo as you head to the Tartan Wine Tasting Room & Gift Shop. Taste the various wines or have a pre-dinner glass while you explore the gift items there. Then enjoy a sumptuous dinner in the dining room of a steak cooked to perfection, or poultry, pork or seafood entrées.

Day 3: Wilmington & Ocean Isle Beach

Get an early start this morning and drive to Rose Hill to see the world’s largest frying pan . Sheltered under a gazebo, the pan is 15 feet in diameter, weighs two tons and can cook 365 chickens at a time.

Next, head to Duplin Winery , the North Carolina coast’s oldest winery. Dating back to the 1970s, Duplin Winery has a tank capacity of more than 1.8 million gallons and is one of the largest wineries on the East Coast. Its award-winning wines include Magnolia, a favorite summertime wine, and Hatteras Red, which pairs perfectly with North Carolina barbecue. Take a tour, taste the many sweet and dry wines, and purchase a bottle to take home.

From there, head into Wilmington and Noni Bacca Winery . Choose from about 50 different international wines, including Italian-style reds, premium whites, thirst-quenching fruit wines and decadent dessert wines.

If all of the tastings have created an appetite, you’ll love The George on the Riverwalk in downtown Wilmington. Featuring Southern coastal cuisine, it serves lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch.

From there, follow along the coast to Ocean Isle Beach and Silver Coast Winery . Situated by lush woods and only 15 minutes from the beach, Silver Coast Winery offers tours of its production facility, wine tastings of traditional European-styled wines, a gift shop and an eclectic art gallery featuring local artisans. If you want to spend more time in Ocean Isle Beach, make plans to visit  Jinks Creek Waterfront Grille , where the outdoor dining options feature a spacious patio, tiki bar and gazebo, all with amazing views.

For the last stop on the trail, Tabor City and Grapefull Sisters Vineyard awaits. Tour the vineyards, taste some of the muscadine wines, sit on the serene deck, bask in the charm and toast to your wonderful wine weekend.

Winery schedules vary seasonally, so it’s a good idea to call ahead to confirm hours. Please drink responsibly. Designate a driver.

Cele and Lynn Seldon

Cele and Lynn Seldon miss the sunsets and walks on the beach in Oak Island, where they basked in the North Carolina sunshine for 15 years.

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