Instead of jet-setting this past weekend, I explored close to home. I went out to the vineyards on Long Island and had a very relaxing and enjoyable day of tasting wines. The majority of vineyards are located on the North Fork of the island, not too far from the Hamptons. They produce great wines and are an ideal alternative for daytrips from the Hamptons or an escape from the bustling city. I went with friends from the Island who have their daytrips out to the vineyard down to an exact science. We started our drive from New Hyde Park (about 15 miles from Manhattan). The drive took an hour and 15 minutes before we reached our first stop, Briermere’s Farm and Bakery. Briermere’s is a family bakery located in an old home off the side of the road with a line out the door nearly every day of the week. The few folks I told I was going to the bakery all requested pies — apple crisp being the number one request. We bought the pies and some delicious rolls (a snack for the car ride!) and headed to the first vineyard. Ten minutes after leaving the bakery we pulled in to Macari’s Vineyard and tasted their early wine, a 2007 Chardonnay. I purchased a bottle, along with some of their reds. At this particular vineyard, we all agreed the whites far outdid the reds this year. We proceeded to two more wineries before stopping for a late lunch at the Country Kitchen in Jamesport. Coming down from our early afternoon buzz, we continued on to our fourth, fifth and sixth wineries. The last were the favorites of the day. The Tasting Room was a rustic building offering tastings from a variety of wineries, and Ospreys Dominion is known for its port. After making our last purchases, we enjoyed a peaceful ride back to the city. As you can imagine, after a day of tasting wine, most of us took a long nap! Luckily, we had a wonderful designated driver. I recommend this daytrip for any wine lover or for anyone in need of a break from the city. You will discover a beautiful part of New York State. I highly recommend making a day out of it. If you don’t have a designated driver, think of it as a great excuse to hire a limo and celebrate a special day or have a fun day out! -Alex Young, vice president and associate publisher