Castello di Borghese Vineyard & Winery

We visited here during the weekend in February. The staff was very nice and although the bar was crowded people moved over so we could do the tasting. The wines were very good and they seem to specialize in reds. When the weather gets warmer you can take advantage of sitting outside in Adirondack chairs near the vines. The inside had an old-​school vibe and was a little stuffy for our taste but overall a great experience.

This winery is as good as it gets! My husband has been coming here since it opened in the ‘70s. The wine has just gotten better! The staff is impressive about their knowledge of all things wine, and are very friendly. It has also become my favorite winery (and I’m a Californian). In addition to having a great wine tasting experience, you can also have a great party here! We just had a vow renewal party at the winery and it couldn’t have been better! Edie helped us with all of the details and also with our wine selections! Our friends couldn’t stop talking about the ambiance (there was great art on display) and the setting! Thank you Castello di Borghese for a day we’ll always remember with fondness!

Had a really great tasting experience here on our latest tour through the North Fork. Evie and her staff tell the story of their wines and the region so well, you can’t help but fall in love with the place… and then you taste the wine! There’s something for everyone here; pinot noir, merlot, rosé, chardonnay, riesling, sauvignon blanc, cabernet franc, dessert wine and more. You’ll find something you like, guaranteed. There are indoor tables for winter tastings and a nice outdoor area for when it warms up a bit. Take some extra time, bc there are some fun art exhibits in the barn area. Check their webpage for rotating exhibits and activities like winemaker walks & tours. It’s the oldest winery on LI, but certainly hasn’t been left behind. Can’t wait to stop back in!
Bonus: Brix, the winery dog, is a friendly fella

Let’s just go over a few of the superlatives* at Borghese:
Oldest Winery on Long Island: This one.
Best Wine: Pinot Noir (2013).
Best Ears: Brix the Dog.
Best Way of Explaining Her Name: Aylor (it’s Taylor without the T).
Best Kisser: Brix the Dog.
Biggest Surprise of The Tasting: Me liking the merlot (2010) AND the dessert wine. Crazy.
Most Likely to Be Petted: Brix the Dog.
Nicest Host: Evie.
Cutest Couple: Peter D & Brix the Dog.
Best Part of the Experience: Brix the Dog.
Best Everything Ever: Brix the Dog.
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*These results were compiled through at least 1,000 surveys of individuals. In some countries, oversamples are collected in major cities or areas of special interest. Additionally, in some large countries, such as China and Russia, sample sizes of at least 2,000 are collected. Although rare, in some instances the sample size is between 500 and 1,000. The previous sentences were complete bullshit.

The wines were a little dry for me & a little more expenisve than the other vineyards, but they did allow us to have our own food. It was a hot summer day, so we sat outside under the tent. They do allow dogs on the property. Friendly staff that greeted us and helped us. Bathrooms need a little updating as well.

Had an excellent experience over Labor Day weekend. Fantastic wine, friendly and helpful staff, and really gorgeous vineyard and tasting house with some interesting art on display.
We were fortunate enough to be there on a day with a tour. Our guide was extremely friendly and knowledgeable, and we got to learn about every step of the process. As we were waiting we were treated to two additional tastings beyond the fight that came with the tour.
As this is the area’s oldest vineyard, it has the added bonus of an insight into the (relatively recent) history of region and the local wine industry as well.
I would add that their dessert wine is extraordinary.
Definitely worth a stop.

Growing up with Napa an hour away, my context for wine country is skewed towards sprawling countryside with picturesque vines and hills, with a gorgeous estate house. Entering Castello, I initially was struck by how quiet things seemed, but brushed aside my past experience and entered inside.
This was a fantastic choice, btw! There were only a few others inside so we were able to have an immediate and very personalized tasting. Our host (who was young but a freaking wine wizard with how much he knew) was brilliant in his descriptions, clearly a wine savant, and also
made us feel comfortable. Plus the wine is goooooooood. Love how we could enjoy a tasting together, and occasionally go off-​book to try a different option.
Disclaimer: I usually drink wine because it’s red and around $ 10.
We left thoroughly impressed and satisfied, and even bought a bottle of white wine. WHITE wine. I don’t even know who I am anymore!

I’ve been a member of CdB for many years now and it’s one of my absolute favorite wineries on the NoFo for several reasons which I’ll list below. The staff is absolutely fantastic, everyone from Evie the tasting room manager, to Michelle, to Nancy, to Mary & Marie, it’s a very knowledgeable bunch that are there to ensure your happy.
Borghese is the site of the first/​founding winery of the North Fork (Hargrave vineyards, Marco and Ann-​Marie Borghese bought the winery from the Hargraves in 1999).
Here are two reasons why I’m a Reserve Club member and worth your time:
+ Fantastic Pinot Noirs, Cabernet Sauvignons, Cab Francs, Merlots, and blends from very mature grapes that are decades old. For the NoFo, their plantings are definitely considered «Old Vines»
+ Their Rosés are fantastic as well
+ A bit of old world charm from a winery that isn’t trying to be something or someone else. No overtly grandiose tasting room — they let the wines speak for themselves
+ Ample parking as well as outdoor seating
+ They allow you to bring your food /​snacks without giving you a hard time
+ They accommodate large groups and take reservations in advance
+ The barn in the back is a massive space perfect for events/​parties, etc
+ They treat their wine club members like GOLD — you aren’t nickeled and dimed for every little thing…
I visit them often and I suggest you do the same.
THIS has been a review by Gaurav

This was probably my favorite stop on our day long winery tour. Everything here was so relaxed, picnic style, «come as you are end enjoy some wine with us» vibe. We had picked up sandwiches at a nearby deli and camped out in some lawn chairs they had set up by the grapes. There were also picnic benches in the shade for those of you who melt in the sun). On our own time, you meander into the small barn to sign up for a tasting. And when I say small barn, I mean, it actually just kept getting bigger and bigger as they have a beatiful gallery and event space that would be a perfect setting for a wedding reception of 100+. EVERYONE there is so excited you’re there and ready to do whatever it takes to make your wine tasting experience even better. The Tastings:
2012 Sauvignon Blanc: 3.5÷5 stars. Grapefruit nose; steel, grapefruit, lemon, new lawn taste. Sweet without reaching «riesling» status, slightly oaky flavor on the finish. $ 24/​bottle.
2012 Chardonnay: 2.5÷5 stars. I am a chardonnay person and hold these wines to the highest esteem. I was not impressed. Very tart, very acidic and unenjoyable. $ 18/​bottle.
Our Wine Tasting Guide noticed my reaction and admitted he had felt the same and offered to give me a sample of their «upgraded chardonnay.»
2012 Chardonnay Barrel Fermented: ⁵⁄₅ stars. Now THIS is a chardonnay! You can practically smell the butter wafting into the air while it’s being poured. The chardonnay was so smooth, oaky and buttery just as a good chardonnay should be. If you’re wanting an amazing chardonnay in New York, this is a must buy. $ 20/​bottle.
2012 Pinot Noir: 3.5÷5 stars. This was drier than I was expecting for a pinot with a very heavy berry flavor (black/​raspberry; black cherry). There is a slight woody hint that would make this perfect for dinner wine. $ 30/​bottle.
2008 Merlot: 3.5÷5 stars. This merlot was very smooth with a vanilla nose and a blackberry/​cherry taste. You can taste the cedar, but it’s not overpowering which makes this very drinkable for wine-​enthusiasts and wine-​newbies alike. $ 20/​bottle.
2011 Cabernet Franc: 3.75÷5 stars. Bourdeaux blended, this wine was so pleasing to drink. Fruity here, floral there with a quick hint of pepper at the finish to spice it up. I would drink this wine year round. $ 30/​bottle.
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon: ⁴⁄₅ stars. Much more acidic than the rest, yet still lighter than I was prepared for. The black currant flavor is very powerful and subdues any blackberry and tanin flavors. I would love to throw this bottle in a decantur and enjoy over dinner with friends. $ 29/​bottle.
2007 Merlot Reserve: 3.75÷5 stars. This wine was very cherry forward with a hint of berry flavor to finish. There is no smokiness to this wine, just smooth all around. (wine price not listed at time of tasting).
2010 Pinot Noir Barrel Fermented: ⁴⁄₅ stars. This is their Gold Medal Wine! Get it while it lasts. This Pinot is bold and rich in flavors of heavy berries (black berries, currants, etc). This wine is SMOKEY. It is very smooth on the nose and during the initial taste, but will rock your socks on the finish. My husband would have been bananas for this wine. This is the wine I want with my next duck or steak dinner! $ 55/​bottle.
Overall, I had a great time enjoying company of strangers on the lawn; the hospitality of the vineyard staff; serenity of the vineyard. I would definitely make the trek back to Cutchogue for this winery.

I come here for Mother’s Day! Birthdays! Anything I can! Great wine selection! Definitely my favorite place in NY!
My fave wines are
Floret
Cabernet Frank
Pino Noir
Riesling
But they are all great! I would go with 2013 selection over the 2012 unless you are lucky enough to get your hands on the 2011!
I always have a great time in here, so relaxing! You can bring he kids and just taste some wines and bring some bottles home!
I’m always greeted here with a smile. I will come come ANYTIME I have a chance — if you love wine!!! COME HERE!!!