You've probably seen the photos. A group of girls sipping rosé with beautiful sea views behind them, and you assume they are in the south of France or somewhere in Europe for the summer.
Nope. This is Greenport, New York, at Kontokosta Winery.
I've been coming to Kontokosta for about a decade and sometimes visit as often as once a week, so I've experienced it on quiet winter afternoons, packed summer weekends, wine club events, or just any day when I just want to grab a bottle and sit by the Sound.
And yes, I think Kontokosta is absolutely worth visiting.
But it isn't just the wine or the views that keep me coming back. It is the whole experience, from the property and atmosphere to the people pouring your wine.
So I want to share what it is really like to visit Kontokosta, what I love about it, what you should know before you go, and whether I think it is the right North Fork winery for you.
Key Takeaways
- Kontokosta sits on bluffs above the Long Island Sound, with a meadow and plenty of room to spread out.
- You can currently order wine by the flight, glass, or bottle, plus wine cocktails and the winery's own bourbon.
- Ask about the White Merlot and Goldfinch, a Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling blend.
- Walk-ins are first come, first served, so busy weekends can require some patience.
- Check current hours before leaving, because online listings still conflict.
- Kontokosta family has owned and operated this winery since 2013. The vines date back to 2002, with the first harvest happening in 2006.
Kontokosta winery reviews: What is the waterfront experience really like?
Kontokosta is not your quick, stand-at-a-counter, sip-and-leave winery. The tasting room sits above Long Island Sound, with the meadow and bluff open for tastings, glasses, and bottles.
The wine tasting room is modern, eco-friendly, and industrial, with large windows with views of the vineyards and the Sound. This makes it a great option year-round.
Because of that, I recommend setting aside some time to just chill here. I rarely come here for just one quick glass. Most times I grab a bottle and find a spot outside near the bluff, especially when the weather is nice.
I have spent entire afternoons here doing absolutely nothing other than drinking wine, talking with friends, and watching the boats on the Sound. That is really what makes Kontokosta different for me.
What I love about Kontokosta is that you don't need reservations. They do get pretty crowded on the weekends, so you may have to wait a bit to order your wine, but there are plenty of places to sit and enjoy it, especially on a warm day.
The vibe is relaxed and casual, especially when the weather is good. Even in the winter, the tasting room is very spacious, so it is easy to find a space to enjoy your wine.
A big separate BUT: walk-ins are first come, first served. So what does this mean? On a packed Saturday, there may be a wait. In winter, seating may be limited. But don't let that discourage you; if anything, ask someone if you can share their table. You will be surprised at how welcoming everyone is.
The views are the biggest reason to visit.
The sweeping Sound views are what make Kontokosta different from many North Fork wineries. On the south side of the property, you can enjoy beautiful vineyard views.
While on the north side of the property, you are treated to amazing views of the Long Island Sound. On a clear day, you can even see Connecticut.
In winter, it is great to go for sunset on a Friday or Saturday, when the sun sets earlier.
Winter sunsets are actually one of my favorite times to visit Kontokosta. It is much quieter than a summer weekend, and because the sun sets so early, you can enjoy the view without having to make an entire evening out of it.
If you only think of North Fork wineries as a summer activity, this is one place I would absolutely come back to in the winter.
You will see a lot of people walking to the bluff to get their pictures, so make sure you are camera-ready. You won't want to miss that opportunity.
What you need to know about Kontokosta before you go.
Every time someone comes to visit me here on the North Fork, they always ask me a million questions about Kontokosta. Much of the information in older reviews is no longer accurate, so here are the questions I get asked most often and what you need to know before you visit.
- Can you buy wine by the bottle? Yes. You can purchase bottles, so you are not limited to ordering a flight or glass.
- Do you have to pay to make a reservation? No. This was the case during COVID, which is why you may still see it mentioned in older reviews.
- Can you bring a picnic? No. Outside food is not allowed, so don't arrive with a picnic basket expecting to set up for the afternoon.
- Are dogs allowed? Unfortunately, no. You will need to leave your pup at home for this winery visit.
- Is Kontokosta kid friendly? Yes, kids are allowed. You may find older reviews saying children are not permitted, but that was a COVID policy and is no longer in effect.
The wine, drinks, and tasting options you can expect
The North Fork is known for its cool climate and maritime influences. As a result, varietals like Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc are common here.
The winemaker has also done some cool things with the wine at Kontokosta. You will find a White Merlot and White Cabernet Franc, for example, which are two wines you do not see very often.
My personal favorite is the White Merlot, and it is what I order most often when I visit. We usually grab a bottle and head over to one of the picnic tables near the bluff. If it is your first visit and you are not sure where to start, this is the bottle I would tell you to try.
They also recently released a new blend called Goldfinch, which features Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling.
I want to address something that comes up over and over, because dated reviews can throw you off. Some older comments say you need a wine club membership to order bottles. That is no longer the case.
You can currently order wine by the flight, glass, or bottle.
Kontokosta also has wine cocktails and its own bourbon. Menu items and vintages can change, so if you are set on trying a specific varietal, I would call ahead since they do sell out.
The winery's official website is the best place to check before your visit, especially for the current wine menu, visitor rules, and seasonal updates.
Which Kontokosta wines are worth trying?
Besides the White Merlot, I really like Kontokosta's White Cabernet Franc and both the White and Red Anemometer. I've tried these and would happily order them again.
Their Chardonnay has also surprised me. I am not usually a Chardonnay person, but I currently have a bottle of Kontokosta Chardonnay in my fridge that I have been slowly sipping my way through. So even if Chardonnay isn't normally your first choice, I wouldn't immediately skip it here.
Goldfinch is another one worth trying, especially if you prefer white wine. It is a newer Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling blend. While it isn't the bottle I reach for first, many of my friends love it. Several of them have enjoyed it enough at the winery to buy bottles to take home.
If you are unsure what you will like, I recommend starting with a flight rather than choosing a bottle based on an award or someone else's favorite. Wine is incredibly personal, and I have found that the bottle one person loves at Kontokosta can be completely different from the one someone else ends up taking home.
Plan your visit with current hours, rules, and event options.
Kontokosta is located at 825 North Rd, Greenport, NY 11944.
If you ask me when to visit, I prefer Fridays or Sundays. Sundays are especially nice when they have live music, although the schedule changes, so check what is happening before you go.
The best time of day really depends on the season. During the summer, I like to go in the morning before the winery gets busier. In the winter, I prefer going later in the afternoon so I can catch the sunset over the Sound.
Fall might be one of my favorite times to visit. Once the weather gets crisp, there is something about settling into one of the Adirondack chairs outside with a glass of wine and choosing between views of the vineyards or the Long Island Sound.
You still get the outdoor Kontokosta experience without the heat and crowds of a busy summer afternoon.
Kontokosta follows seasonal hours. During the summer, they are typically open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. During the winter, they are typically open Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
I still recommend checking directly with the winery before you leave since hours and seasonal schedules can change.
Reservations are not required, and walk-ins are first come, first served. If you are visiting with a larger group or have a tight schedule, I would call ahead.
Large groups are welcome, but Kontokosta does not permit limos or party buses, so keep that in mind when planning group transportation.
Private cabanas, special events, and winery rentals
If you are visiting Kontokosta with a larger group, I highly recommend looking into one of the private cabanas. I have rented one before, and having our own private space made a big difference, especially since we could enjoy the winery without worrying about finding enough seating together.
The views from the cabana were phenomenal. You still get the beautiful setting that makes Kontokosta worth visiting, but with a space reserved specifically for your group.
I think they are especially worth considering for birthdays, girls' weekends, or any occasion where you have enough people that you want to guarantee you can all sit together.
Cabana availability and policies can change, so I would contact Kontokosta directly for current pricing and reservation information before you start planning matching outfits.
Kontokosta also rents the property for larger private events. The rolling meadow can accommodate tented events, and indoor spaces are available for smaller gatherings year-round.
If you are considering Kontokosta for a wedding or private event, contact the winery directly for current capacity, availability, and pricing.
Wine Club Membership: Bluff Road Club
I have been a member of Kontokosta's Bluff Road Club for over 10 years. There isn't some complicated reason I have stayed a member for so long.
I genuinely like Kontokosta; I love the wine; I go all the time, so why wouldn't I be a member?
If you love Kontokosta's wine or visit the winery regularly, I think the membership is worth considering. You don't necessarily need to be a local or visit as often as I do to get value from it.
If you have a few favorite Kontokosta wines that you like to keep at home, the wine discounts and member benefits can make joining worthwhile.
Members get discounts on wine as well as access to a reserved wine club section when visiting. The club also offers library wines not available to the general public, free tastings and glasses during wine pickups, and access to the annual wine club gathering.
The gathering changes every year, and it's become one of the membership perks I look forward to. This year, they held a pizza and wine night featuring pizza from 1943 Pizza Bar, one of my favorite restaurants in Greenport.
For me, though, the membership makes sense because I get value from both sides. I enjoy the wine enough to bring bottles home, and I visit Kontokosta often enough to actually use the in-person benefits. If either of those sounds like you, the Bluff Road Club is worth looking into.
Who will enjoy Kontokosta most, and who may not
I think Kontokosta is best for people who want their winery visit to be about more than just the wine. This is where I would send someone who wants to grab a flight, glass, or bottle and spend some time enjoying the property and the views rather than rushing through a tasting.
It is especially good for couples, girls' trips, birthdays, and groups of friends who want somewhere they can relax for a while. If the weather is nice, getting a bottle and finding a spot outside overlooking the vineyards or Long Island Sound is really the Kontokosta experience for me.
I would also recommend it to someone visiting the North Fork for the first time. The waterfront setting is so different from many of the other wineries in the area that I think it is worth experiencing at least once.
However, Kontokosta may not be the best choice if you are looking specifically for a formal, sit-down tasting experience. The staff at the tasting bar are very informative. They will talk you through the wines in your flight, answer your questions, and help you choose a wine based on what you like.
The difference is really the format. After ordering, you can take your wine and find a spot in the tasting room or outside on the property to enjoy it at your own pace. Personally, I prefer that more relaxed style because I can enjoy the wine without feeling like I need to move through a structured tasting.
There are also a few practical reasons it may not work for everyone. You cannot bring outside food or dogs, and busy weekends can mean waiting to order or looking a little harder for somewhere to sit.
For me, those tradeoffs aren't enough to keep me away. I have been coming back for around a decade because Kontokosta is the kind of winery where I actually want to stay for a while, not just taste a few wines and move on to the next stop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you wear to Kontokosta Winery?
I have definitely noticed more people dressing up when they visit Kontokosta, especially for girls' trips, dates, and photos by the bluff. But don't feel like you have to. I have shown up in sweats plenty of times, so there really isn't a dress code you need to worry about.
If you plan to sit outside, dress for the weather and bring a layer because it can get breezy near the Sound. I would also keep the grass in mind when choosing shoes, especially if you plan to walk out toward the bluff.
And if you are looking for more ideas on what to wear to a winery, I've got you covered with this post.
Does Kontokosta Winery sell gift cards?
Yes. Kontokosta offers gift cards, which can be a nice option if you are buying for someone who already loves the winery or wants to visit. Since purchasing details can change, I recommend contacting the winery directly for the current options.
What is the Bluff Road Club?
The Bluff Road Club is Kontokosta's wine club. I have been a member for around 10 years, and I think it makes the most sense if you love their wine, visit regularly, or both.
Members receive wine discounts and other perks, including access to the members-only seating area, library wines, wine pickup benefits, and the annual wine club gathering. I cover my experience with the club in more detail above.
What happens if the weather turns bad?
You can still visit Kontokosta when the weather isn't cooperating because the tasting room has indoor seating. I visit year-round, so I definitely don't think of Kontokosta as a summer-only winery.
That said, the outdoor property and views are a big part of the experience. If you are visiting specifically to sit outside by the bluff, I would check the forecast before making the trip.
Is Kontokosta a good stop for a girls' trip?
Absolutely. Kontokosta is one of the places I would recommend for a North Fork girls' trip because you can get a bottle or flight, find a spot together, and actually spend some time enjoying the property.
It is also one of those wineries where people tend to dress up and take photos by the bluff, although dressing up definitely isn't required. If you have a larger group, I would also look into reserving one of the private cabanas, so you have your own space.
Visiting the Kontokosta Winery Tasting Room in North Fork, Long Island
After coming to Kontokosta for around a decade, and sometimes as often as once a week, I still think it is one of the best winery experiences on the North Fork.
You go for the wine, but you are also going for the bluff, the open space, and that little moment when Long Island looks much farther away from home. I keep coming back for a reason, even with plenty of other North Fork wineries to choose from.
Is Kontokosta Winery worth visiting? For me, absolutely. I especially recommend it if you want a relaxed winery experience where you can find a glass or bottle you love and then actually spend some time enjoying the property.
For your first visit, check the current hours before you leave, give yourself enough time that you don't feel rushed, and don't just drink your wine inside. Walk out toward the bluff, find a spot overlooking the Sound, and stay awhile.
That is the Kontokosta experience.
