There is only one vineyard throughout the entire United States that is dedicated exclusively to the production of rosés. North Fork inhabitants are fortunate enough to revel in the fact that this distinction is situated just a short drive away, and yet this brief commute will teleport visitors to the charming setting of a French-style garden.
Croteaux Vineyards first planted their vines in 2003. Located on the properties of two former historical family farms in Southold, the rows of grapevines occupy 10.5 out of the 14 acres. An 1800s carriage barn is now the site of Croteaux’s indoor tasting area and boutique. Behind the counter, a display of rows of bottles depicts the rosy spectrum of a rainbow. The boutique also offers a selection of summery apparel items, including chic scarves, breezy sarongs and straw totes. Starting this season, a French market truck will be on the premises on Saturdays and Sundays for additional shopping pleasure.
The most delightful draw for visitors lies beyond the doors of the rustic structure. The tasting garden evokes all of the charms, beauty and relaxation of a courtyard garden in the south of France. Pebble gravel coats the floor, and lush and colorful flora surrounds groups of umbrella-shaded tables with chairs of brightly hued metallic scrollwork. An open and airy side lounge, from which a classic country swing suspends in the entrance, offers additional seating on cushioned banquettes. Dangling from the beams around the lounge’s boundary are wind chimes, fashioned from wine bottles that serenade sippers with a soft melody of musical notes.
Croteaux produces six different rosé wines and three rosé sparkling wines. Tasting flights are available for sampling all nine of these creations that range in hue from the palest pink of a ballerina’s slipper to the golden pink of a twilight sky to the vivid fuchsia of summer blooms. A menu of Mediterranean-inspired edibles is available to accompany a bottle of wine for a blissful al fresco lunch surrounded by the harmony of nature and French joie de vie. The wines are dry, crisp and fruity, and they elegantly reflect the celebrations of warm summer days in the relaxed style of Provence, the very region that reigns the world in rosé production.
Croteaux Vineyards is open seasonally, beginning in March. Rosé is a seasonal wine that is produced and released quickly. The cycle begins with the autumn harvest of the vineyard’s merlot, sauvignon blanc and cabernet franc grapes, which are hand picked and sorted. The resulting wines are released in March, four months after their production process is complete. Once the season’s stock has sold out, which typically occurs in August or September, the vineyard closes its doors until the next spring’s releases, and the cycle begins again.
Croteaux Vineyards is located at 1450 South Harbor Road in Southold. For hours of operation and directions, visit www.croteaux.com.
Croteaux Vineyards first planted their vines in 2003. Located on the properties of two former historical family farms in Southold, the rows of grapevines occupy 10.5 out of the 14 acres. An 1800s carriage barn is now the site of Croteaux’s indoor tasting area and boutique. Behind the counter, a display of rows of bottles depicts the rosy spectrum of a rainbow. The boutique also offers a selection of summery apparel items, including chic scarves, breezy sarongs and straw totes. Starting this season, a French market truck will be on the premises on Saturdays and Sundays for additional shopping pleasure.
The most delightful draw for visitors lies beyond the doors of the rustic structure. The tasting garden evokes all of the charms, beauty and relaxation of a courtyard garden in the south of France. Pebble gravel coats the floor, and lush and colorful flora surrounds groups of umbrella-shaded tables with chairs of brightly hued metallic scrollwork. An open and airy side lounge, from which a classic country swing suspends in the entrance, offers additional seating on cushioned banquettes. Dangling from the beams around the lounge’s boundary are wind chimes, fashioned from wine bottles that serenade sippers with a soft melody of musical notes.
Croteaux produces six different rosé wines and three rosé sparkling wines. Tasting flights are available for sampling all nine of these creations that range in hue from the palest pink of a ballerina’s slipper to the golden pink of a twilight sky to the vivid fuchsia of summer blooms. A menu of Mediterranean-inspired edibles is available to accompany a bottle of wine for a blissful al fresco lunch surrounded by the harmony of nature and French joie de vie. The wines are dry, crisp and fruity, and they elegantly reflect the celebrations of warm summer days in the relaxed style of Provence, the very region that reigns the world in rosé production.
Croteaux Vineyards is open seasonally, beginning in March. Rosé is a seasonal wine that is produced and released quickly. The cycle begins with the autumn harvest of the vineyard’s merlot, sauvignon blanc and cabernet franc grapes, which are hand picked and sorted. The resulting wines are released in March, four months after their production process is complete. Once the season’s stock has sold out, which typically occurs in August or September, the vineyard closes its doors until the next spring’s releases, and the cycle begins again.
Croteaux Vineyards is located at 1450 South Harbor Road in Southold. For hours of operation and directions, visit www.croteaux.com.