Winemaking is an art that reflects a deep love for the land and traditions. It is a natural process requiring minimal human intervention, with Mother Nature providing everything needed to create wine. New York State’s commercial wine industry dates back to the 1800s. In 1839, the Brotherhood Winery was founded in the Hudson Valley, becoming the oldest continuously operating winery in the United States. Winemaking is an economic engine, contributing over $6.65 billion annually to the state’s revenue. Every year, the number of wineries in New York continues to grow. Here’s a selection of the best wineries located in Queens and its surrounding areas. Read more at queens.name.
Addictive Boutique Winery
In 2013, wine enthusiast Francisco Diaz founded Addictive Boutique Winery in the East Elmhurst neighborhood of Queens. This winery-shop offers visitors unique wines from around the globe. Skilled staff help customers find the perfect bottle for any occasion. The venue hosts wine tastings and sommelier courses. Be sure to notice the chandelier made from recycled bottles during your visit.
Wine is made through the fermentation of grape juice. In this chemical reaction, yeast converts grape sugar into alcohol. Winemaking is a true art, as there are countless grape varieties and different types of yeast. The process begins with harvesting, after which grapes are transported to the winery for crushing and destemming to prevent bitterness. Fermentation typically takes place in stainless steel tanks, oak barrels, or concrete vats and can last from days to weeks. Temperature and duration influence the final taste. After fermentation, solids are separated from the liquid using a wine press. The wine is then aged in tanks, barrels, or bottles, with aging periods ranging from months to years.
Insieme Wines & Tasting Room
Located in Oceanside, Nassau County, Insieme Wines & Tasting Room offers guests an exclusive wine experience. Whether purchasing finely crafted wines, reserving a seat in their charming tasting room, or hosting a private event, visitors can immerse themselves in winemaking traditions. This full-cycle winery provides personalized tastings for events such as corporate meetings, special celebrations, or romantic dates. With stylish decor, luxurious lighting, and spacious seating, guests feel welcomed and comfortable. Tastings are tailored to customer preferences, offering everything from robust reds to crisp whites, complemented by gourmet meats, flatbreads, and other delicious snacks.
Rooftop Reds
In Brooklyn, Rooftop Reds is the world’s first commercially viable urban rooftop vineyard, established in spring 2016. This innovative winery grows its grapes atop a city building using a specialized planting system called Rooflite Deep Planters & Containers. The grapes are harvested at peak ripeness to ensure a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Each year, the rooftop vineyard produces 20–25 cases of wine. Visitors can enjoy these wines at the bar while taking in stunning views of Manhattan. Rooftop Reds also offers wines sourced from other vineyards near Keuka Lake in the Finger Lakes region. Events such as tastings and educational sessions are frequently hosted here, with the venue also available for private celebrations.
The Red Hook Winery
Located in Brooklyn, The Red Hook Winery was founded in 2008 by Mark Snyder with the mission of showcasing wines made from the finest vineyards in New York State. The winery collaborates with farmers from regions like North Fork on Long Island and the Finger Lakes. From the tasting room, visitors can enjoy views of the Verrazzano Bridge and the sparkling East River.
Mark Snyder, born and raised in Brooklyn’s Gerritsen Beach, discovered his passion for winemaking during a visit to California’s Napa Valley, where he met winemaker Robert Foley. Inspired, Snyder founded The Red Hook Winery with Foley as a consulting winemaker. Together with colleagues, they craft unique wines reflecting New York’s climate, geology, and viticulture.
A Rich Winemaking History
American winemaking dates back to the 1560s, when French Huguenots planted some of the first vineyards in Florida. The industry truly flourished in California, where in 1830, Frenchman Jean-Louis Vignes opened a vineyard for commercial use. By the mid-19th century, approximately 100,000 European vine cuttings had been imported, and Napa Valley boasted around 150 winemakers by the century’s end. California soon established a reputation for producing wine for domestic and European markets, cementing its place in wine history.