Palmer Vineyards was founded by Robert Palmer in 1986 on a rolling parcel of gravelly farmland in Riverhead on the North Fork of Long Island. The winery has grown to become a significant player in the Long Island wine industry. This reflects the efforts of the Palmer team, who strive to uphold the quality of the wines. Palmer himself believes each staff member contributes a unique farmer, much the same as a winemaker selects the best of various lots to craft a special blend, but ultimately he takes responsibility for the wines that bear his name. “My name is on every bottle,” says Palmer. “I’ve got to be careful.”
The beautiful seaside climate and soils of Long Island’s North Fork provide exceptional conditions for producing world-class varietal wines. Palmer Vineyards stretches over more than 90 acres, planted with Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet Franc to supply the winery with the grapes required for its annual output of 16,000 cases.
Palmer strives to preserve and enhance the purity of flavor and distinctive, fresh character that makes the wines of the Long Island region so unique. Palmer Vineyards is a state-of-the-art winery and each year purchases substantial new French oak cooperage for both barrel fermentation of its Chardonnay and the aging of its new red varietals.
The selection of wines produced at Palmer Vineyards includes a Sparkling Brut NV, whites including Albarino, Aromatico, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, White Riesling and Gewurztraminer, a Rose of Merlot, and reds including Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. All can be tried in the Winery’s tasting room or purchased online or through the Palmer Vineyards wine club.
Normal opening hours are 11am – 5pm on Sunday – Thursday, and 11am – 6pm on Friday and Saturday. During the summer, Palmer Vineyards is open until 8pm on Friday, and features live music, a fire pit, and glass and bottle specials.
If you choose to join the Palmer Vineyards wine club, you’ll receive a quarterly three bottle wine shipment selected by winemaker Miguel Martin. You’ll also enjoy 15% off all purchases, 20% off case purchases, complimentary tastings or glasses of wine, early access to new releases, and discounts on winery events. You’ll also receive free shipping on your first shipment.
Events at the winery include yoga among the wines and the popular “paint and sip” art events.