Palmer Vineyards
Palmer Vineyards, nestled in Riverhead, NY, offers a stunning and welcoming experience for all wine lovers.
Palmer Vineyards was founded by advertising executive Robert Palmer in 1983 and remains one of the most internationally-distributed labels on the North Fork — for years it was the easiest Long Island wine to find on a London or Tokyo wine list. The estate spans 55 sustainably-farmed acres across 13 vitis vinifera varieties on Sound Avenue, and the cellar is now run by Kareem Massoud (also of Paumanok), who has sharpened the lineup considerably since taking over winemaking. His Sauvignon Blanc is one of the benchmark white wines of the region; his Albariño — the first commercially planted in New York State — has shown the East End an entirely new direction for crisp, briny whites that pair with the local shellfish; and the Reserve Cabernet Franc and Merlot programs continue to anchor the red lineup. The tasting room, anchored by a long Old English pub-style bar imported decades ago, is one of the more relaxed walk-in-friendly stops on the trail and serves seated flights with cheese pairings by reservation.
Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño
The Albariño is the bottle to chase here — paired with a dozen Peconic Bay oysters at the bar, it's one of the most distinctly Long Island flavor combinations available. Kareem has quietly turned this label into one of the most consistent on the North Fork.
The estate and winemaker
Palmer Vineyards farms 55 sustainably-managed acres across 13 vinifera varieties on Sound Avenue in Riverhead. Winemaker Kareem Massoud, who also makes wine at Paumanok, oversees the cellar; the Sauvignon Blanc and the Albariño — the first commercial planting of that variety in New York State — anchor the white wine program.
Reservation experiences and pricing
Palmer takes walk-ins but requires reservations for parties of six or more on weekends (Monday–Thursday do not require reservations). Its 2026-season reservation menu lists a Vintage Booth tasting seated in a 1800s-era booth (max 4 guests), a Wine & Cheese Pairing Experience with four wines paired to four artisanal cheeses (max 6 guests), a customizable staff-guided tasting (max 8 guests), a Large Group Experience for parties of nine or more at $45 per person, a Mystery Flight blind tasting of four wines at $25 per person, and a $15-per-person add-on for non-drinking guests seated at the table.
Getting there
Palmer Vineyards is at 5120 Sound Avenue, Riverhead, NY. Reservations cannot be made same-day and require a credit card on file; last call is 30 minutes before closing.
What it costs
| Large Group Experience (9+ guests) | $45 per person | plus tax, service charge included |
| Mystery Flight Experience (max 6 guests) | $25 per person | tax included, gratuity not included |
| Non-drinker add-on | $15 per person | plus tax |
| Non-drinker add-on to Wine & Cheese Pairing | $25 per person |
Prices checked 2026-09-11 — Palmer Vineyards reservations page
Sources
Frequently asked questions
- What are Palmer Vineyards's tasting room hours?
- Palmer 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 Palmer Vineyards?
- Reservations are strongly recommended at Palmer 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 Palmer Vineyards located?
- Palmer Vineyards is in Riverhead, 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 Palmer Vineyards known for?
- Palmer Vineyards is known for sauvignon blanc, albariño. On the tasting menu, ask about their Sauvignon Blanc and Albariño.
- How do I get to Palmer Vineyards from NYC?
- From Manhattan, Palmer Vineyards is about a 2–2.5 hour drive via the LIE (I-495) to the North Fork, exiting toward Riverhead. 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 Palmer 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.