I’m not too sure at this point whether or not summer actually happened. It’s mid-December. How did we get here!? The patio is empty, the awning has been put away. Crowds are winding down in the tasting room, and many of our low-key wine club members/locals are finally coming out of hiding (hi guys!). You might even catch a glimpse of me standing still for more than two seconds. For all of us in the industry, the winter is for catching up. It’s for taking a breath and taking care of ourselves so that we’re recharged and ready to start the on-season all over again come spring. With that being said, I’m dedicating this post to cozy winter spots – places on the North Fork that demand you take a time out.

North Fork Roasting Company (55795 Main Rd., Southold)

If you’ve had a cup of coffee on the North Fork, it’s most likely from North Fork Roasting Company. Located right on the Main Road in Southold, it’s the perfect pit stop before heading out to Greenport for the day. The coffee is roasted in-house, and the pastries are baked on-site as well. So yes, the place smells amazing all the time. Whether it’s catching up with a friend or having a quiet morning to yourself with a copy of our local newspaper, grab a seat on a couch near the fireplace and chill for a bit. They’re open Monday-Saturday from 7am-5pm and Sundays from 7am-3pm.

American Beech (300 Main St., Greenport)

I’ve definitely mentioned this before, but just to review: I live in Greenport. And us Greenporters have become incredibly spoiled in terms of our dining options. American Beech is a five-suite hotel and restaurant located right in Stirling Square. Their outside seating area includes an outdoor bar (only utilized during the warmer months) as well as an outdoor fireplace. On a mild day, best seat in the house is the comfy outdoor furniture surrounding said fireplace. In terms of the menu, the truffle parmesan fingerling fries should be ordered upon sitting down. Don’t think, just do. American Beech is open Wednesday and Thursday from 5-10pm, Friday and Saturday from 5-11pm, and Sundays from 5-10pm.

The Halyard (58775 County Rd. 48, Greenport)

For those of you that are familiar with the North Fork, you will of course know The Soundview in Greenport. Within the past year, the hotel and restaurant has been under new ownership and undergone quite a renovation. The final product – a beautiful, revamped, stylish restaurant overlooking the Long Island sound. Literally the water comes within feet of the building. For my co-workers and me, it’s now our usual Saturday evening routine to stop at The Halyard’s Piano Bar for a cocktail. The piano bar boasts a cozy, old-school vibe with wood-paneled walls and dim lighting and turns out delicious, interesting cocktails that will warm your soul PLUS wine on tap from sister label, Bridge Lane (sorry not sorry for the plug). The restaurant is open Sunday-Thursday from 11:30am-3pm and 5:30-9pm, and Fridays & Saturdays from 11:30am-3pm and 5:30-10pm.

So this winter, if you’re wondering where I could possibly be on my day off, you should probably just refer to this post. Even though many think of the North Fork as a summer destination, cozy winter spots aren’t hard to come by on the North Fork. And who doesn’t love a seat next to a fireplace with a cocktail in hand? I hope you all enjoy the holidays, stay warm, and drink responsibly!

Jul Fedele

Tasting Room Captain