Long Island wine, minus Manhattan stress. This is a full-day break with a private certified sommelier calling out what’s in your glass and why it matters, plus included tastings at two wineries. I like that you’re not stuck driving on a weird schedule, and the pace leaves room to actually look around. One watch-out: the day is long, and the included lunch can feel light depending on how hungry you get.

You start at 140 E 41st St at 9:00 am and get back to that same spot. The group stays capped at 48, and the ride is in an air-conditioned vehicle—helpful when Long Island weather is doing its thing.

The food is simple but specific: two sandwich options (Macari with turkey, brie, apple, fig jam, arugula; Michelina vegetarian with fresh mozzarella, tomato, basil pesto) plus chips and bottled water. If you’re picky about bus restroom conditions or expect a big meal upgrade, plan for it in advance and keep expectations realistic.

Key Things I’d Put on Your Radar

• Two winery tastings, four wines each: you get a structured walk through styles rather than a random pour-and-pray.
• 90+ minutes per winery stop: time to taste, ask questions, and breathe between flights.
• Certified sommelier hosting: the guide helps you connect grapes, regions, and flavor without turning it into a lecture.
• Air-conditioned transport from Manhattan: you get comfort and less stress than a DIY day trip.
• Included lunch plus chips and water: good for a midday fuel stop, not a banquet.
• Small-ish group (max 48): enough people for fun energy, small enough that the guide can keep track of the flow.

Getting Out of NYC: The 9:00 AM Start That Changes Everything

If you live in Manhattan, you already know the pain: “weekend getaway” plans that turn into a whole day of traffic. This trip’s value is that it runs like a plan, not a guess. You meet at 140 E 41st St at 9:00 am, then let the driver handle the route while your focus stays on tastings.

It’s also timed like a proper day outing—about 9 hours total—and you’re back at the meeting point the same day. That matters if you want Long Island without sacrificing your evening plans (or your sanity).

Two Wineries, Eight Tastings: What the Structure Really Gives You

This experience is built around two wineries, and at each one you do a guided tasting of four wines. That’s eight wines total across the day, with a sommelier in the passenger-seat of your understanding.

Why this matters: when you taste the same number of wines at two different places, you start noticing patterns. You can compare how the vineyards’ style shows up in the glass—how acidity, fruit, and texture shift from one producer to another. It’s the difference between collecting “likes” and learning to read what you’re tasting.

Each stop also includes about 1.5 hours on site, which is long enough to do more than just gulp and move on. You’ll have time to ask questions, slow down for the one wine you keep thinking about, and browse if the winery shop is calling your name.

Pellegrini Vineyards: A Chardonnay-Forward Start and Plenty to See

At Pellegrini Vineyards, your sommelier leads your tasting of 4–5 wines (the exact lineup varies day to day). You’ll spend around 1.5 hours, and this is the place where the setting can make the wine feel more real.

In the feedback I read, one highlight was getting to see the practical side of winemaking—things like processing areas and storage containers. That kind of behind-the-scenes view turns a tasting from abstract into concrete. You’re not just tasting Chardonnay; you’re seeing how it’s handled and why that changes the result.

The trade-off? A few people felt the tasting-room setup at Pellegrini is more utilitarian than cozy. Add in that one guest specifically flagged limited restroom access in that area, so if bathrooms are a key part of comfort for you, I’d treat this like a “plan ahead” stop.

RGNY: When the Property Makes the Wine Easier to Enjoy

Your second winery stop is RGNY, also with a sommelier-led tasting of 4–5 wines and about 1.5 hours on site. If you’re the type who likes a pretty view while you taste, RGNY tends to land well: multiple guests pointed out the beauty and ambiance of the property.

One reason this stop can feel especially satisfying is variety. If your first winery leans toward one style or one approach, your second stop often shifts gears, so your brain stays engaged. You’re not repeating the same conversation twice.

There’s also a practical upside: a group tasting room can make it easier to hear the guide and see what’s going on. Still, no winery is perfect for everyone. If you’re hoping for the most polished “welcome script” from the tasting staff themselves, the sommelier should be the main reason you’re there.

The Lunch Stop: Macari or Michelina, Plus Chips and Water

Lunch is included, and it’s built around two sandwich choices:

• Macari mini sandwich: housemade roasted turkey breast, creamy brie, sliced apple, fig jam, arugula
• Michelina mini sandwich (vegetarian): homemade fresh mozzarella, tomato, and fresh basil pesto

You also get local potato chips and bottled water. This is the kind of lunch that’s meant to keep you moving, not put you in a food coma.

Here’s the honest read: some people call the lunch “sufficient” and “fine,” while others wish there was more. If you burn through snacks easily, you’ll probably want something extra on your own at the end of the day (or bring a small snack you can keep in the bag, if that’s allowed by the tour rules on your departure date).

Price and Value: Is $148 Fair for What You’re Actually Buying?

At $148 per person, you’re not just paying for transportation. You’re buying a structured tasting day with:

• Two winery tastings (4 wines each, with time at each stop)
• A certified sommelier guide
• A included lunch
• Air-conditioned vehicle

For a DIY plan, you’d still need a driver or a car rental, you’d still pay tasting fees, and you’d still spend real time coordinating timing between two wineries. This tour bundles all of that into one schedule with one point of departure.

The main reason the price can feel “right” to many people is the guide. When the sommelier explains what you’re tasting in plain terms—grape traits, fermentation choices, how style shows up on the palate—the value goes beyond the wine itself. You leave with more than a receipt.

The main reason it can feel “not enough” to some people is the lunch and room for food. If you expect a full sit-down meal at each stop or more added tastings, you may feel underfed or underwhelmed.

Your Sommelier Guide: Where the Best Stories Usually Come From

The sommelier is the heart of the day. Names that show up in past hosting include Sam Kimball and others like Steve and Rhonda, and the consistent theme is energy plus wine talk that actually sticks.

What I like about this setup is that the guide doesn’t just say what the wine tastes like. They connect it to what you’re seeing—vineyard style, winemaking decisions, and why two wineries can produce noticeably different bottles from similar grapes.

That said, a smart expectation helps: winery staff contributions can vary by stop. If one tasting room feels less informative than you want, the sommelier is still there to steer the experience back toward meaning. In practice, the guide has been praised for stepping in and keeping the flow focused.

Transportation Reality: Comfortable Ride, But Check the Little Stuff

The vehicle is air-conditioned and designed for a day trip. Many guests mention the ride feeling calm, with comfortable seating, and even that there’s a restroom on board.

Still, this is where you should be a grown-up about it: not every bus is identical in condition. One guest flagged concerns about seat belts and bus age. Another said the bus restroom needed improvement, and others worried about cleanliness.

My practical tip: when you board, do a quick seat adjustment and seat-belt check. And if you’re sensitive about restrooms, don’t wait until you’re desperate—use the breaks at the wineries.

Timing can also shape your experience. You’ll be on the clock, but the pace is built for tasting—so it shouldn’t feel like a speed-run. People report being back in the city around the late afternoon to early evening range, depending on that day’s flow.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Want a Different Day)

This tour makes the most sense if you want a guided Long Island day without handling driving, schedules, or tasting logistics. It’s great for:

• Couples and friends who want a shared “we learned something” day
• Solo travelers who prefer structured social time with a guide leading the ship
• Wine lovers who want a real education component, not just a few sips

It’s less ideal if:

• You need a guaranteed big meal. Lunch is included, but it’s not described as heavy.
• You’re extremely picky about restroom access at each stop.
• You’re bringing kids. The minimum age is 21, and children aren’t allowed.

Should You Book This Long Island Wine and Food Day Trip?

I’d book it if you want a smooth, driver-free way to taste Long Island at two wineries with a sommelier who helps you understand what you’re drinking. The value is strongest when you enjoy being taught in a real-world setting—tasting eight wines, then talking through what you notice.

I’d hesitate if you’re the kind of person who needs a lot of food and downtime, or if bus comfort details (restrooms, seat condition) are deal-breakers for you. In that case, consider booking only if you’re comfortable with a structured day and lighter included lunch.

If your goal is simple: taste, learn, take photos, and get back to NYC the same day—this is a solid bet.

FAQ

How long is the Long Island wine and food day trip?

The tour runs for about 9 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $148.00 per person.

How many wineries and tastings are included?

You visit 2 wineries, with a tasting of 4 wines at each location (wine tastings are included).

What lunch is included?

Lunch includes mini sandwiches: Macari (turkey, brie, apple, fig jam, arugula) or Michelina (vegetarian with fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil pesto), plus local potato chips and bottled water.

Where do you meet, and when does it start?

You meet at 140 E 41st St, New York, NY 10017. The start time is 9:00 am.

What is the age requirement?

The minimum age is 21 years, and children are not allowed.

What group size should I expect?

The tour has a maximum of 48 travelers.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid isn’t refunded.