Croteaux Vineyards
Croteaux Vineyards is the only winery in America dedicated entirely to rosé — and one of the most charming spots on the North Fork.
Michael and Paula Croteau planted Croteaux in 2003 with a single mission almost no one else in North America has attempted: a winery built end-to-end around dry rosé in the Provençal style. The estate produces a tightly focused lineup of single-Merlot-clone rosés — labeled 181, 314 and 3 after the actual Bordeaux clones grown on Sound Avenue in Southold — picked early for acidity, gently pressed, and fermented cool in stainless to preserve a pale-salmon hue and tight, citrus-driven palate. Alongside the clonal series sit the Sauvage cuvée (a barrel-fermented rosé with more weight), a sparkling rosé, and a small range of estate reds for off-season flexibility. The hidden garden tasting room, set inside a restored 18th-century carriage barn and surrounded by hydrangeas, gravel paths and Adirondack chairs, is one of the most photographed spots on the East End — and rightly so. Tastings are by reservation, and the property is open seasonally from late spring through early fall.
Rosé 181, Rosé 314, Rosé 3, Sauvage
Taste the 181, 314 and 3 side-by-side and you'll realize how much character a single clone selection drives in finished wine — it's the best clonal education available anywhere on the East Coast, served in what might be the prettiest garden on the trail.
The tasting garden
Croteaux's tasting room sits at 1450 South Harbor Road in Southold and opens onto a pebbled courtyard garden ringed by historic barns; in warmer months guests are seated at white umbrella tables outdoors, and the property has an indoor barn lounge, described by the winery as its "bottle wall" installation, for cooler days. 1
Seasonal hours
The winery operates seasonally rather than year-round. For the current season it lists daily hours of 12pm–6pm starting in early April, with the property noting new sparkling-rosé releases at the reopening. 2
What's in the case club
Croteaux sells its rosés by the case as well as by the bottle through its online shop, including releases such as the 2023 Sirène (a blend of Merlot 181 and the wild-ferment Sauvage bottling) and sparkling Cabernet Franc rosé under the Jolie label; case pricing is published on the shop page and updates with each vintage. 2
Getting there
The address is 1450 South Harbor Road, Southold, NY 11971, and the winery lists a phone contact of 631-765-6099 for reservations and questions. 3
Sources
Frequently asked questions
- What are Croteaux Vineyards's tasting room hours?
- Croteaux Vineyards's tasting room hours vary by season — typically Friday through Sunday during the off-season and daily in summer and harvest. Always check the winery's website before driving out, especially mid-week.
- Do I need a reservation to taste at Croteaux Vineyards?
- Reservations are strongly recommended at Croteaux Vineyards on weekends and during harvest season (September–November). Walk-ins are sometimes accepted on weekdays. Booking ahead also locks in your group size for seated tastings.
- Where is Croteaux Vineyards located?
- Croteaux Vineyards is in Southold, NY, on the North Fork of Long Island. It's an easy stop on most North Fork or Hamptons wine-tasting day trips.
- What wines is Croteaux Vineyards known for?
- Croteaux Vineyards is known for rosé 181, rosé 314, rosé 3, sauvage. On the tasting menu, ask about their Rosé 181, Rosé 314, Rosé 3, and Sauvage.
- When was Croteaux Vineyards founded?
- Croteaux Vineyards was founded in 2003, making it one of the more established producers on Long Island's North Fork.
- How do I get to Croteaux Vineyards from NYC?
- From Manhattan, Croteaux Vineyards is about a 2–2.5 hour drive via the LIE (I-495) to the North Fork, exiting toward Southold. The LIRR reaches nearby Ronkonkoma and Greenport; from there you'll need a car, taxi, or a booked wine tour to reach the tasting room.
- What's the best time of year to visit Croteaux Vineyards?
- Late spring through fall is peak on the North Fork — May and June are quietest with the vines leafing out, July–August is busiest, and September–October harvest brings the best energy in the tasting room. Winter weekends are lower-key with shorter hours; always confirm before making the drive.