New York State Wine Country - An important region in NYS that contributes greatly to the New York State Wine Industry is Long Island. About 100 miles east of New York City, the island separates into the North Fork and South Fork. The South Fork is known as The Hamptons, with the Atlantic Ocean on the south, Great Peconic Bay separating the two forks and Long Island Sound to the north. These massive bodies of water moderate the temperature of the region. The conditions create a long growing season, an ideal environment for robust merlots, full-bodied chardonnays and other classics. Ackerly Pond Vineyards in Peconic, New York showcases Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon on the North Fork in their 100-year old barn. Yum!