By Giuliana Santomauro
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Nothing says summer in the Hamptons more than a chilled glass of rose. This refreshing drink rests in the sun-kissed hands of New York City residents on their escape from the densely populated streets of Manhattan to the fruitful vineyards in long island. Watching the sun set from a vibrant sky to a melted sherbet of pink, yellow and orange, guests of Duck Walk Vineyard in Watermill, New York get the full wine tasting experience in this long island countryside. Sampling sweet to dry red and whites, wine-lovers taste the local delicacies, refreshing their pallet with pieces of cubed cheese. Whether guests choose to sit inside the rustic tasting hall or outside next to the flourishing vineyard itself, Duck Walk Vineyard is an essential stop for wine tours in the Hamptons.

Duck Walk Vineyard

This award-winning vineyard is just an hour and a half away from New York City, perfect for a weekend trip or if guests are spending the summer in the Hamptons. With over twenty wines made at Duck Walk Vineyard, guests with all tastes will find a glass they love. Whether that is a traditional glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or a unique sampling of the Blueberry Port, Duck Walk Vineyard only has the finest flavors. The wines ferment in stainless steel tanks, a mirrored barrel so clear guests can admire their own reflections while touring the facility. With these metal tanks, no extra flavor is brought into the wines, letting the true tastes of each blend coat the tongue.

Along the stripes of grapes out in the vineyard, carefully selected grass is planted in the rows. Bringing nourishment to the soil, the grass adds nitrogen for the soil for healthier grapes. This natural flavor is easily recognized by guests, most of them frequenting the vineyard during their wine tours in the Hamptons. Sustainable practices like using freshly planted grass instead of fertilizer are just one of the reasons why guests keep returning to Duck Walk Vineyards. With a drive to reduce the use of fossil fuels, this winery raises the standard for vineyards in long island.

Duck Walk Vineyard

Resting on the 26-acre property is a brick building fashioned after a Normandy style Chateau. Although it was built in 1994, Duck Walk Vineyard imported aged brick from Mexico, giving the establishment a rustic feel. As guests walk through, they feel at home under the wooden beamed ceilings lined with white fairy lights. The warm glow makes this vineyard perfect for all types of parties. Weddings and birthday parties are frequently held at this venue, offering a gorgeous indoor and outdoor setting for all guests’ enjoyment. A frequent location for Hamptons.com events, Duck Walk Vineyard is certainly welcoming with their large glass windows and dazzling views of the best vineyard in Water Mill, New York.

Duck Walk Vineyard
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"Watching the sun set from a vibrant sky to a melted sherbet of pink, yellow and orange, guests of Duck Walk Vineyard in Watermill, New York get the full wine tasting experience in this long island countryside."

Inside the Chateau, guests find themselves resting at the bar as they sample some of the speciality wines Duck Walk Vineyard. Tasting four wines from the large selection, guests feel the warmth in their chests with each sip, a similar glow to the triangle chandelier hanging above them. The arched ceiling above them reflects the clatter of each glass as they come together in cheers with mirrored excitement. As guests learn more about each wine, they see that bartenders at Duck Walk are more than just a sommelier, but also the entertainment. The bartenders are known for making the guests laugh, and this amusement is what keeps guests coming back to the vineyard. They get to know each guest individually, offering snacks and arrangements that they know their guests will love.

Duck Walk Vineyard

Duck Walk Vineyard offers four dessert wines, but the Blueberry Port is the signature wine of the vineyard. Harvesting the wild blueberries in Maine, these delicious berries are then fermented into this local delicacy. Paired best with chocolate or root vegetables, the Blueberry Port brings a heartiness to any dish. Rich with a dark ruby color, the Blueberry Port brings together a summery feeling with the fruity flavors of the fall, meaning that guests will enjoy this no matter what time of year they visit Duck Walk Vineyard.

After the tasting, guests retire to the patio with a glass of wine to enjoy the view. Overlooking the pond, the light cackling of a stone waterfall is audible for guests sitting under the table umbrellas. Guests relax as the sun sets over the vineyard, feeling the serenity of the countryside ease away their stresses of everyday life. As they transcend into the lull of a band playing in the distance, filling the still air with the sound of a string guitar, guests finally experience a true feeling of euphoria. Toasting a glass with the ones they love most, guests at Duck Walk Vineyard will cherish these moments forever.

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"Sustainable practices like using freshly planted grass instead of fertilizer are just one of the reasons why guests keep returning to Duck Walk Vineyards. With a drive to reduce the use of fossil fuels, this winery raises the standard for vineyards in long island."

On the neighboring property sits The Parrish Art Museum, where vineyard guests end their evenings. This exhibit is held in two parallel barns, with a pointed roof for a sleek design. Drawing inspiration from the potato farms that used to occupy this region, architects of the Parrish Art Museum wanted to stay true with the town’s roots, while still showing the modern designs that are displayed inside the museum. With sky-lit galleries, designers made the space feel like an artist’s studio, drawing in natural beauty from the world around us. Featuring pictures by photographers Jeremy Dennis and Lindsay Morris, Parrish Art Museum shares the stories of local artists and social problems that they wish to change. Guests who pass through the Parish Museum learn more about the local culture, along with gaining a deeper appreciation for the arts.

For guests who are staying the weekend, The Topping Rose House is the Hamptons first full-service luxury hotel. Guests have the option between staying within the white country house or within the cottages, each offering suites and guestrooms perfect for any guests’ needs. With amenities like a spa, fitness center, and outdoor pool, this five-star hotel brings luxury to the countryside. Featuring a restaurant created by Jean-Georges, The Topping Rose House brings farm-to-table to the next level by using vegetables grown on the hotel’s one-acre farm. After just one night here, guests are certain to feel refreshed as the gardens at this hotel help guests feel closer to nature.

A wine tasting at Duck Walk Vineyard is an essential part the Hampton experience. Whether guests are going for a day trip or staying the weekend, this long island vineyard offers an experience like no other. Between the live music and the sun setting over the grapevines, guests are certain to feel at peace at this luxury vineyard. With each sip they take, the daily stresses of life wash away. Gone are the late nights of working. At Duck Walk Vineyard, guests can recharge with a bubbling glass of rose in hand.

Giuliana Santomauro

Giuliana Santomauro is an aspiring travel writer based in New York City. Always drawn to the excitement of new places, she moved from suburban New Jersey to a more fast-paced lifestyle. Previously, she worked in public relations and event planning, and is now using that experience to explore the world of travel writing.