Paumanok Vineyards — Attraction in Town of Riverhead

Visited this weekend and while the wine was very good; especially the Chardonney the overall experience was very disappointing. My husband and I arrived for our 11:30 reservation a few minutes early followed by another group that walked in right behind us with an 11:30 reservation.

When the person - who I believe was the manager - took us outside we asked for the table (which seated 6) in the sun. Our table also seated 6, but in the shade. She promptly informed us that it would not be possible for us to have that particular table as she already completed the seating chart and she just couldn't redo everything. We tried to get her to further explain, but she just kept referencing the seating chart. At that point we just said fine and sat down. Meanwhile the people behind us were brought out and the person seating them asked "will this table be ok"???? What if they said "no"? Guess the seating chart issue would have gone right out the window. Both tables were set for 6 and both parties had the same tasting reservation. Why not work with the group that arrived first? To be frank her explanation insulted our intelligence. If there was a logical explanation she would have been able to explain it.

Paumanok Vineyards came highly recommended by a friend. Unfortunately, we will not...

Finding a good vineyard in the Hamptons area can be difficult. There is a lot of options, and sadly most of them are not worth the trip or the bill. Some say that US- East wine is just not there. BUT after extensive research we ended up choosing Paumanok Vineyard a family owned enterprise, few decades old with good wine and excellent service. We booked a private tour with the owner, who took time from his Saturday afternoon to explain us the technicalities and nuances of wine making (under the hot summer sun at two in the afternoon). Charlie a Lebanese born-American shared his obvious passion for wine making. He told us about soil, rain, water, and everything from the land to the bottle. Of the many many wine tours and tastings that we have had, this one deserves a gold medal. After we went to our private terrace overlooking the gorgeous vineyard. The wine flight goes from White to Red passing through a wonderful Rose and a fruity Riesling. Very aromatic and tasteful gracefully paired with local cheese and charcuterie. The cherry on top locally sourced LI oysters. Beautiful afternoon, perfect city gateway.

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Went as a group of 10 for a Bachelorette weekend in the area, and we were not disappointed! Called the day before to make a reservation and they were able to seat us on time. The tasting room is not large (maybe seats 40ish people), but the OUTSIDE... adorable. We of course had a cold/rainy weekend, so outside was not an option, but there was covered and uncovered deck areas, as well as maybe 2 dozen Adirondack chairs out in the grass; overlooking the vineyard. The meat/cheese board was delicious, as well as the 4 wines included in our tasting. The bottles were reasonably priced (18-30 each), and multiple girls bought some to take home!

As far as family-friendly goes (I have 2 kids so I am always wondering this in reviews), I would say if it is mild weather and you can be outside, yes; let the kids run around. Inside is way too small, and there are not activity areas for kids to post up at (coloring corner, games, kid-sized table, etx). But outside you can setup a blanket in the grass or something...