Harmony Vineyards
If you are looking for a relaxing and enjoyable getaway on Long Island, you might want to check out Harmony Vineyards. This charming winery is located on the waterfront of Stony Brook Harbor, offering stunning views and delicious wines. Whether you are a wine lover, a history buff, or a nature enthusiast, you will find something to love about Harmony Vineyards.
In this post, I will tell you everything you need to know about this wonderful place, from its history and cultural significance to its points of interest and interesting facts. I will also give you some advice on how to make the most of your visit. So, grab a glass of wine and let’s get started!
Creating the Park
Harmony Vineyards was established in 2002 by David Migdal, a former Wall Street executive who wanted to pursue his passion for wine making. He bought a historic property that dates back to 1690 and restored it to its original glory.
The property includes a colonial mansion, a carriage house, a barn, and a tasting room. Migdal also planted eight acres of grapevines, using sustainable and organic practices. He hired Eric Fry, one of the most respected winemakers in Long Island, to craft the wines. Today, Harmony Vineyards produces about 3,000 cases of wine per year, mostly reds, such as Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Bordeaux blends.
Vineyard of Culture
Harmony Vineyards is not only a winery, but also a cultural hub. The winery hosts various events throughout the year, such as live music, art shows, movie nights, and book signings. The winery also supports several charitable causes, such as education, health care, and environmental protection. In fact, 100% of the tasting fees are donated to local charities. Migdal believes that wine is not just a beverage, but a way of life that promotes harmony and happiness.
Points of Interest
There are many things to see and do at Harmony Vineyards. Here are some of the highlights:
The Tasting Room
This is where you can sample the wines and learn more about them from the friendly staff. The tasting room is open from Thursday to Sunday, from 12 pm to 6 pm. The tasting fee is $15 per person and includes five wines of your choice. You can also buy wine by the glass or by the bottle.
The Gallery
This is where you can admire the artworks of local artists and purchase them if you like. The gallery features paintings, sculptures, photography, and more. The gallery is open during the same hours as the tasting room.
The Mansion
This is where you can explore the history and architecture of the property. The mansion was built in 1690 by John Roe Sr., one of the first settlers on Long Island. It was later owned by several prominent families, such as the Smiths and the Blydensburghs. The mansion has been restored to its original condition and furnished with period pieces. You can take a self-guided tour of the mansion or join a guided tour on Saturdays at 2 pm.
The Garden
This is where you can enjoy the beauty and tranquility of nature. The garden features various flowers, herbs, vegetables, and fruits that are used in the winery’s kitchen. You can also see the grapevines and learn more about the wine making process.
The Harbor
This is where you can relax and soak in the views of the water. You can sit on the deck or on the lawn and watch the boats and birds go by. You can also bring your own picnic or order food from the winery’s menu.
Interesting Fact
Here are some fun facts about Harmony Vineyards that you might not know:
- The winery's name comes from Migdal's philosophy of creating harmony between people, nature, and wine.
- The winery's logo features a hummingbird, which symbolizes joy, beauty, and harmony.
- The winery's motto is "Drink Charitably", which reflects its commitment to giving back to the Community.
- The winery's wines have won several awards and accolades, such as gold medals at the New York Wine & Food Classic and the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition.
- The winery's wines have been featured in various media outlets, such as Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, Newsday, and The New York Times.
Advice for Visitors
If you are planning to visit Harmony Vineyards, here are some tips to make your experience more enjoyable:
- Make a reservation in advance if you are coming with a large group or on a busy day.
- Dress comfortably and casually. You might want to bring a jacket or sweater if it gets chilly by the water.
- Bring your own glasses if you want to drink wine outside the tasting room.
- Bring your own corkscrew if you wish to open a bottle of wine outside the tasting room.
- Bring your own snacks or picnic if you intend to eat outside the tasting room. You can also order food from the winery's menu, which includes cheese plates, salads, sandwiches, and pizzas.
- Bring your own blanket or chairs if you would like to sit on the lawn.
- Bring your own games or activities if you wish to have some fun on the lawn. You can also borrow some games from the winery, such as cornhole, bocce, and croquet.
- Bring your camera or phone to capture the memories and share them on social media. Don't forget to tag the winery @harmonyvineyards and use the hashtag #drinkcharitably.
- Be respectful of the property and the staff. Follow the rules and regulations of the winery and don't litter or damage anything.
- Have fun and enjoy yourself!
Driving travel through Smithtown, NY-Meeting the town from Blydenburgh County Park to Coco Bistro
Blydenburgh County Park
Veteran’s Memorial Highway, Smithtown, NY 11788
- Head southwest toward H. Lee Dennison Bldg Dr (Restricted usage road) for 1 sec (30 ft)
- Follow NY-347 E, Hauppauge Rd and NY-25A E/N Country Rd to Gate Rd in Head of the Harbor for 15 min (6.9 mi)
a. Turn left onto NY-347/NY-454 E and continue for 0.6 mi
b. Keep left to continue on NY-347 E, follow signs for Port Jefferson (Pass by Carvel on the right) for 0.8 mi
c. Slight right toward Hauppauge Rd for 115 ft
d. Continue straight for 210 ft
e. Turn left onto Hauppauge Rd and continue for 2.0 mi
f. Continue onto NY-25A E/N Country Rd for 3.4 mi
- Take Bacon Rd to Harbor Rd for 3 min (1.3 mi)
- Turn left onto Gate Rd and continue for 125 ft
a. Continue straight onto Hitherbrook Rd for 0.3 mi
b. Slight right onto Bacon Rd and continue for 0.6 mi
c. Turn right onto Harbor Rd (Destination will be on the left) for 0.3 mi
Harmony Vineyards
169 Harbor Rd, St James, NY 11780
- Head south on Harbor Rd toward Brackenwoods Path for 57 sec (0.3 mi)
- Turn left onto Bacon Rd and continue for 2 min (0.6 mi)
- Follow NY-25A W/N Country Rd and Edgewood Ave to NY-25 W in Smithtown for 12 min (5.5 mi)
a. Slight left onto Hitherbrook Rd and continue for 0.3 mi
b. Merge onto Gate Rd and continue for 125 ft
c. Turn right onto NY-25A W/N Country Rd and continue for 1.8 mi
d. Turn right onto Edgewood Ave and continue for 2.2 mi
e. Turn right onto NY-25 W/NY-25A W/W Main St and continue for 0.4 mi
f. Keep left to continue on NY-25 W (Destination will be on the right) for 0.9 mi
Caleb Smith State Park
581 W Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown, NY 11787
- Head southwest on NY-25 W/W Jericho Turnpike (Pass by Jiffy Lube on the left in 2.8 mi) for 3.0 mi
- Turn right onto Indian Head Rd (Destination will be on the right) for 0.2 mi
The Smithtown Library - Commack Building
3 Indian Head Rd, Commack, NY 11725
- Head north on Indian Head Rd toward Cowie Rd for 0.5 mi
- Turn right onto Somerset Dr and continue for 0.5 mi
- Turn right onto Wenmore Rd and continue for 361 ft
- Turn right onto Kings Park Rd and continue for 0.6 mi
- Turn left onto Jericho Turnpike and continue for 1.1 mi
- Turn right (Destination will be on the right) for 161 ft
Coco Bistro
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