The state of New York contains some of the oldest vineyards in the country. New York vineyards were first planted in Ulster County in the year 1677-- 100 years before people started planting vines in California. The climate and growing conditions of New York produce ideal grapes for winemaking. Over 100 New York wineries can be found in every part of the state, with the most in the regions of Long Island, Finger Lakes, the Hudson River Valley, and Lake Erie. Self guided wine tasting New York tours have become increasingly popular through the years. Driving through the countryside and visiting New York vineyards is a great way to learn about the history of New York as well as sampling some delicious wine.

The first Long Island winery in New York was established in 1973. Today, Long Island boasts 60 vineyards, ranging from small two and a half acre plots to large vineyards that take up 500 acres. One notable winery in New York is the Ackerly Pond Vineyards, located in the town of Peconic in Long Island. This winery in New York produces a variety of white wines, rose wines, and red wines. Visitors can have a chance to sample wines for free in their tasting room, which is open Saturdays and Sundays from noon until 5:00 p.m.

The Finger Lakes region of upstate New York has many great opportunities for wine tasting New York style. Most New York wineries have some type of tasting room where you can sample wines or take a tour of the vineyards. The Casa Larga Vineyards is located just outside of Rochester. For $5, visitors can tour the winemaking facilites to get a first hand look at how wine is made. The tour visits the vineyard, the fermentation tanks, the oak barrel room, and the assembly line where the wines are bottled. A souvenir Casa Larga glass can be purchased on the tour for $2. Tours are available on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. from March through memorial day. From memorial day through Thanksgiving, tours are available at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, and 4:00 p.m.

For wine tasting New York Casa Larga Vineyards is an excellent choice. For $4, guest can taste 5 wines and learn the basics of wine making. For $5, guests can have a sample of an award winning ice wine, which is one of just a few ice wines produced in New York. The tasting room is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 to 6:00 and on Sundays from noon until 6:00. The winery in New York is closed for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter.

You won’t want to miss New York vineyards in the Hudson River Vally. Adair vineyards in New Paltz is located in a 300 year old barn that has been designated a historical landmark. The winery in New York hosts free tastings from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. April 1st to Dec. 31st.

After visiting New York vineyards, you may want to stay at a relaxing bed and breakfast in the wine country. The beautiful Wine Country Cabins, on the shoreline of Seneca Lake, is great option. The inkeepers of this New York hotel provide breakfast and go out of their way to make you feel comfortable in your own secluded log cabin. Some of the things to do during a stay in the Wine Country Cabins are go canoeing on the large lake, explore the quaint town of Lodi, and of course, visit New York wineries. The cabins are available on weekends from mid April to June, seven days a week in July and August, and on weekends from September to mid November. Rates are $160 a night for a cabin that sleeps two.