September is a month most often met with denial and resistance on the North Fork. Many lament the end of summer as the crisp autumn air creeps in, giving way to the days of flannels and hearty reds. As most of my co-workers will tell you – I do not mourn summer. I am constantly overheated and the proud owner of many a blazer, so naturally I welcome autumn with open arms and a sigh of relief. While summer appears to bring the masses, it is a shock to most people that Fall is the North Fork’s main event. The pilgrimage to pumpkin mecca is not for the faint of heart. Now, that’s not to say that it’s a journey unworthy of your time. You must be strategic if you want a stress-free day of corn mazes and cider, so my advice? Visit the following places – during the week. You’ll thank me later.

Breeze Hill Farm and Preserve (31215 County Rd. 48, Peconic)

Two words – cider doughnuts. If you’re a person with two functioning nostrils, you will not be able to withstand the urge to buy a dozen or two…or five. The North Fork has its fair share of these fluffy treasures, but as of late it’s Breeze Hill Farm’s cider doughnuts that have stolen my heart and diet. It is both a gift and a curse that this establishment is roughly four minutes away from our tasting room. I, as well as every Lieb staff member, highly advise that you swing by Breeze Hill Farm after a fall afternoon on our patio.

Krupski Farms (38030 Route 25, Peconic)

There are some traditions on the North Fork that, as a local, hold nothing but nostalgia. Right around October, an eastbound drive down Route 25 is met with an eerie, yet adorable, display. Krupski’s illuminates a painted image of a massive jack-o-lantern on the side of a barn that sits on the property. It’s a sight familiar to all North Forkers and is a sign to residents that pumpkin season has officially commenced. Krupski’s is the perfect place to stop along the wine trail for some pumpkin picking and if you have some time on your hands – a walk through their haunted corn maze. When vineyard hopping, keep your eyes peeled for the jack-o-lantern and stop in.

Lieb Cellars (13050 Oregon Rd., Cutchogue)

I know, I know. Lieb again, how dare I. It’s impossible though for me to leave us out ESPECIALLY when it comes to fall activities, as we provide one of my favorites. Friday Night Music is back on October 7th, and I must say – I’m pretty pumped. From 6-9pm, come have a glass and listen to live music. The patio will be ready to go with the coveted fire-pits lit, paired with that autumn chill that I love so much. Robin Sidor and The Second Hands will be kicking off the series, and artists such as Points East and Jon Divello will be joining us every Friday night through April. We’ll be taking reservations this season for seating, so if you want to reserve a spot contact yours truly via email at jul@liebcellars.com.

Like I said, fall is usually met with resistance. My advice is to embrace the pumpkin spice and plan a day of fall activities. The North Fork has an abundance of options when it comes to autumn, and before you know it we’ll all be complaining about snow, so enjoy it while you can!

Jul Fedele

Tasting Room Captain