North Fork of Long Island AVA
| Wine region | |
| Type | American Viticultural Area |
|---|---|
| Year established | 1986[1] |
| Country | United States |
| Part of | New York, Long Island AVA |
| Other regions in New York, Long Island AVA | The Hamptons, Long Island AVA |
| Growing season | 195–201 days[1] |
| Climate region | Region II[2] |
| Heat units | 2,531–2,932 GDD[2] |
| Precipitation (annual average) | 44 in (1,100 mm)[2] |
| Soil conditions | Haven-Riverhead sandy loams[2] |
| Total area | 101,440 acres (158.5 sq mi)[1] |
| Size of planted vineyards | 3,000 acres (1,200 ha)[3] |
| Grapes produced | Albarino, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Chardonnay Musque, Gamay Beaujolais, Gewurztraminer, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Pinot blanc, Pinot Meunier, Pinot noir, Riesling, Sangiovese, Sauvignon blanc, Semillon, Syrah, Viognier[3] |
| No. of wineries | 40[3] |
North Fork of Long Island is an American Viticultural Area located in eastern Suffolk County, New York. It was established on October 10, 1986, by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Treasury after reviewing the petition submitted by Richard Olsen-Harbich, Winemaker of The Bridgehampton Winery, and Alan LeBlanc-Kinne, Winemaster of Pindar Vineyards, on behalf of the Long Island Grape Growers Association, proposing the viticultural area encompassing North Fork of Long Island and the townships of Riverhead, Shelter Island, and Southold to be known as "North Fork of Long Island."[2]
North Fork of Long Island is home to over 40 wineries and 3,000 acres (1,200 ha) of planted vineyards. The local climate is heavily influenced by the presence of Long Island Sound, Peconic Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean. The maritime influences of these bodies of water help to moderate temperature fluctuations and extend the growing season up to a month longer than other regions in New York. The most planted grape varieties in the region are Merlot, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc.[3] The hardiness zones are 7a and 7b.[4]
The largest contiguous planting of Pinot Blanc in the United States is on the North Fork of Long Island AVA at Suhru & Lieb Vineyards on Oregon Road in Cutchogue. The vineyard is 54 acres (22 ha) and includes the Pinot Blanc vineyard purchased by Mark Lieb in 1999.[5]
References
- ^ a b c "North Fork of Long Island Viticultural Area" (27 CFR 9 [T.D. ATF-240 Re: Notice No. 585] Final Rule). Federal Register. 50 (95). Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Treasury: 36396–36398. October 10, 1986. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
- ^ a b c d e Olsen-Harbich, Richard (December 30, 1983). "THE NORTH FORK OF LONG ISLAND: Reasons For A Viticultural Appellation". TTB.gov. Bridgehampton Winery. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
- ^ a b c d "North Fork of Long Island (AVA): Appellation Profile". Appellation America. 2009. Archived from the original on February 21, 2024.
- ^ "North Fork of Long Island – American Viticultural Area (AVA)". Plantmaps.com. United States Department of Agriculture. 2021. Archived from the original on December 9, 2023. Retrieved August 29, 2025.
- ^ "A Closer Look: Pinot Blanc". Suhru & Lieb Vineyards. August 15, 2024. Retrieved January 29, 2025.