Mudd's Vineyard, Ltd.

What the business does

Mudd's Vineyard is a grape-growing and vineyard-consulting operation rather than a public tasting room. It grows grapes under contract and advises other North Fork properties on vineyard development and vineyard management, work it has continued for close to five decades under three generations of the same family.

Visiting

Because Mudd's Vineyard functions as a grower and consultancy rather than a hospitality venue, it does not operate a public tasting room, posted hours, or advertised tasting fees. Anyone wanting current information on visiting or working with the business should contact it directly rather than expect a walk-in tasting experience.

Origins and family history

The business traces to 1974, when Dave Mudd — a former Eastern Airlines pilot who became a permanent North Fork resident in 1960 — bought an acre's worth of grapes from Alex and Louisa Hargrave, the founders of the region's first vinifera vineyard, and planted them on his own land a year after the Hargraves converted a former potato field to wine grapes. Dave Mudd and his sons went on to become the region's leading grape-growing consultants and vineyard managers, work Steve Mudd continued afterward; the operation is now listed as being in its 49th year and under its third generation of family leadership. 1

Scale of the work

Mudd's Vineyard has planted more than 1,500 acres of vines over its history and has worked with numerous Long Island wineries on vineyard development, planting and ongoing management, including Sherwood House Vineyard, Channing Sisters, Cristiano Family Vineyards and Lieb Family Cellars. The business is based at 39005 County Road 48, Southold, NY 11971, and can be reached at 631-765-1248 or muddvyd@aol.com. 1

Sources

• Long Island Wine Country — Mudd's Vineyard, Ltd.
• Suffolk Times — Dave Mudd, North Fork wine industry pioneer, dead at 90

Frequently asked questions

What are Mudd's Vineyard, Ltd.'s tasting room hours?

Mudd's Vineyard, Ltd.'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 Mudd's Vineyard, Ltd.?

Reservations are strongly recommended at Mudd's Vineyard, Ltd. 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 Mudd's Vineyard, Ltd. located?

Mudd's Vineyard, Ltd. 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 Mudd's Vineyard, Ltd. known for?

Mudd's Vineyard, Ltd. is known for grape growing, vineyard development, vineyard management, consulting. On the tasting menu, ask about their grape growing, vineyard development, vineyard management, and consulting.

When was Mudd's Vineyard, Ltd. founded?

Mudd's Vineyard, Ltd. was founded in 1974, making it one of the more established producers on Long Island's North Fork.

How do I get to Mudd's Vineyard, Ltd. from NYC?

From Manhattan, Mudd's Vineyard, Ltd. 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 Mudd's Vineyard, Ltd.?

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.