Dan's Hamptons

Wineries on the North Fork have been growing rapidly over the past few years and the sales of such properties are among some of those that have helped move the North Fork real estate market in to the high-end market of the East End. The North Fork still possesses some of Long Island last and largest undeveloped acreage. Most of these vineyards now sit on what was once eastern Long Island’s most expansive farmland and have become positive additions to the regions preservation as well as its commerce. They have become a pleasing alternative to development, and protect some of the East End’s most beautiful and pristine acreage. Many of these vineyard properties reach out as far as the waterfront, making for stunning natural settings that can draw thousands of visitors each year for wine tastings and vineyard events. There are now more than 40 vineyards covering hundreds of acres that span the North Fork. Duckwalk Vineyard, which originated in Southampton, has expanded onto the North Fork and is building a beautiful, new sister tasting room in Cutchogue. Many others are adding to their facilities, or increasing the acreage on which they plant their vines.

The most recent sale of its kind is a 33-acre vineyard, in the heart of the Long Island wine country, Cutchogue. The sale of the Bidwell Vineyard, located on Route 58, closed just last week. The vineyard, encompassing 33 acres, 27 of which are already planted, also includes wine manufacturing facilities, multiple buildings, and a tasting room. Barry Novick of Brown Harris Stevens, a leading associate broker dealing in wineries on the North Fork, has been handling sales in the Long Island wine region for the past ten years. The Bidwell sold for $3,200,000 to Joseph and Rose Pipia. Already renamed Vineyard 48, the Bidwell property has a full wine-making facility with state-of-the-art technology and a custom-designed tasting room. Brown, Harris Stevens is also handling the listing of four other North Fork vineyards: Castello Di Borghese, The North Fork Vineyard, Schneider Vineyard at Roanoke Point, and, most recently, Sherwood House Vineyard. All are listed exclusively with Brown Harris Stevens.

Castello Di Borgese’s sprawling, 85-acre vineyard was the very first on the North Fork, founded in 1973. The property includes an elegant country residence with a pool. Its premiere main road location coupled with its reputation for producing award-winning wines will command a price of $9,200,000.

Schneider’s Roanoke Point Vineyard encompasses 21.5 acres of which 14.5 are already planted with quality fruit-producing vines, including the “Potato Barn Label.” There is a 2900 square-foot barn with prime visibility and has the potential for a conversion into a winery and tasting room facility. There is also ample space to add a residence. The property is priced at $1,800,000.

Another is the North Fork Vineyard that offers a prime 62 acres in the heart of North Fork’s wine country that includes desirable main road frontage that would be ideal for a potential winery. The vineyard has been impeccably maintained and is listed at $5,950,000. The Sherwood House Vineyard, located in one of the most picturesque and bucolic corridors on the entire North Fork, encompasses 38 acres with over 27 already planted acres with premier, mature varietals. Their distinguished wines have received rave reviews from a number of industry publications. The listing includes a tasting room, business and inventory, and is listed at $4,100,000.

One can purchase prime sound-front acreage on Nassau Point for $18,900,000. There is a 23-acre parcel located in the midst of farm and wine country with development rights already intact. There is room for two waterfront and six water-view lots. The land is listed with Prudential Douglas Elliman in Southold. One of the largest parcels of vacant land currently for sale on the North Fork is in Aquebogue. The property is considered a developer’s dream and consists of 106 acres that run along Terry’s Creek and Broad Cove. There are 15,000 square feet of waterfront. Potential zoning exists for 40 two-acre waterfront lots as well as a golf club and hotel. The piece is within minutes of Westhampton Airport and the Long Island Expressway. It is listed with Hampton Properties at $35,000,000 and is the highest-priced piece of real estate on the North Fork.