Duck Walk Vineyard: A Guide to Long Island's Premier Winery

Duck Walk Vineyard is a well-known winery located in Water Mill, Southampton, New York. Founded in 1994 by Dr. Herodotus "Dan" Damianos and his son Alexander Damianos, the Normandy Chateau-style building has become a landmark in the Hamptons. The winery has two locations, the flagship winery in Water Mill and Duck Walk North in Southold, both of which offer wine tastings, wine by the glass, or the bottle outside on their patios.

Duck Walk Vineyard encompasses 140 scenic acres and produces some 35,000 cases of wine a year. Their wines have been repeatedly recognized for excellence in national competitions. From their Vidal Ice Wine made with grapes actually frozen on the vine to their Blueberry Port crafted from wild Maine blueberries, to their unique Pinot Meunier, they offer a variety of wines to suit different tastes. Visitors can also enjoy weekend entertainment on the outside grounds with great music, great and well-maintained lawn where families come together for a picnic and enjoy the nice views of the vineyard.

History of Duck Walk Vineyard

Duck Walk Vineyard was founded in 1994 by Dr. Herodotus "Dan" Damianos and his son, Alexander. The Damianos family has a long history in the wine industry, with their roots tracing back to the 1940s in Greece.

The flagship winery, located in Southampton, New York, is housed in a chateau-style building that has become a landmark in the Hamptons. The vineyard encompasses 140 acres and produces approximately 5,000 cases of award-winning wine each year.

In 1999, the Damianos family expanded their vineyard to the North Fork of Long Island, where they opened a second location. This location encompasses 26 acres and produces approximately 30,000 cases of wine annually.

Duck Walk Vineyard has won numerous awards for their wines, including gold medals at the San Francisco International Wine Competition and the New York Wine and Food Classic. They offer a variety of wines, including Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Grigio, among others.

Overall, Duck Walk Vineyard has become a staple in Long Island's wine industry, known for their high-quality wines and beautiful vineyards.

Wine Varieties

Duck Walk Vineyards produces a wide range of wine varieties, each with its unique taste and character. The vineyard is known for its award-winning wines that cater to different palates, from dry to sweet, white to red, and dessert wine.

Here are some of the wine varieties that are available at Duck Walk Vineyards:

Chardonnay

Duck Walk Vineyards produces a crisp and refreshing Chardonnay that is perfect for any occasion. This wine has a delicate aroma of apple and pear, with a hint of oak. It is a well-balanced wine that pairs well with seafood, poultry, and pasta.

Pinot Grigio

Duck Walk Vineyards' Pinot Grigio is a light-bodied wine with a crisp and refreshing taste. It has a citrusy aroma with a hint of tropical fruits. This wine pairs well with light dishes such as salads, seafood, and grilled vegetables.

Merlot

Duck Walk Vineyards' Merlot has a deep ruby color with a fruity aroma of black cherry and plum. It is a medium-bodied wine that is well-balanced with a smooth finish. This wine pairs well with red meat, game, and pasta.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Duck Walk Vineyards' Cabernet Sauvignon has a deep ruby color with a complex aroma of blackcurrant, blackberry, and vanilla. It is a full-bodied wine with a rich and intense taste. This wine pairs well with red meat, game, and strong cheeses.

Vidal Ice Wine

Duck Walk Vineyards' Vidal Ice Wine is a dessert wine made from grapes that are frozen on the vine. It has a golden color with a sweet and fruity aroma of apricot and honey. This wine pairs well with fruit-based desserts and blue cheese.

Duck Walk Vineyards' wine varieties are a testament to the vineyard's commitment to producing high-quality wines that cater to different tastes. Whether you prefer a dry or sweet wine, white or red, Duck Walk Vineyards has a wine variety that will satisfy your palate.

Vineyard and Production

Duck Walk Vineyards is a family-owned winery and vineyard located in Long Island, NY. The vineyard encompasses 140 scenic acres and produces some 5,000 cases of award-winning wine each year. Duck Walk Vineyards has become a staple in one of the most famed growing regions in the country.

The vineyard is open year-round and offers wine tasting, wine by the glass, or the bottle outside on their patio. Duck Walk North and Duck Walk Southampton are currently open daily from 11 am to 6 pm at both locations. Live music every Saturday and Sunday until the end of October adds to the ambiance.

Duck Walk Vineyards produces a wide variety of wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Vidal Ice Wine made with grapes actually frozen on the vine. The winery has been recognized for excellence in national competitions, and their wines have won numerous awards.

The winemakers at Duck Walk Vineyards use traditional winemaking techniques combined with modern technology to produce high-quality wines. The grapes are hand-picked and sorted to ensure only the best quality fruit is used in the wine. The winery uses French oak barrels to age their wines, which gives them a unique flavor and aroma.

Overall, Duck Walk Vineyards is a must-visit for wine lovers. With its beautiful vineyards, award-winning wines, and welcoming atmosphere, it's the perfect place to spend an afternoon or evening with friends and family.

Tasting and Tours

Duck Walk Vineyards offers a variety of tasting options for visitors to enjoy. The Tasting Room is open seven days a week, and guests can sample four of the winery's award-winning wines for $16.00. The tasting includes a selection of white, red, dry, sweet, and dessert wines, so there is something to please everyone's palate.

For those who want a more in-depth experience, Duck Walk Vineyards also offers private tastings. The private tasting includes a flight of six wines, and guests can choose from a selection of reserve and library wines. The private tasting is $30.00 per person, and reservations are required.

In addition to tastings, Duck Walk Vineyards also offers tours of the winery and vineyards. The tour includes a walk through the vineyards, a behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking process, and a tasting of four wines. The tour is $30.00 per person, and reservations are required.

For those looking for a more exclusive experience, Duck Walk Vineyards offers a VIP tour. The VIP tour includes a private tour of the winery and vineyards, a tasting of six wines, and a cheese and charcuterie platter. The VIP tour is $50.00 per person, and reservations are required.

Overall, Duck Walk Vineyards provides a range of tasting and tour options that allow visitors to experience the winery's award-winning wines and learn more about the winemaking process. With options for both casual and more in-depth experiences, there is something for everyone at Duck Walk Vineyards.

Awards and Recognition

Duck Walk Vineyards has been recognized for its excellence in winemaking and has received numerous awards and accolades over the years. Here are some of the most notable awards and recognition that the vineyard has received:

  • In 2019, Duck Walk Vineyards was awarded the "Winery of the Year" award at the New York Wine Classic, one of the most prestigious wine competitions in the United States. The vineyard won a total of 11 medals, including 3 Double Gold, 5 Gold, and 3 Silver medals.
  • In 2018, Duck Walk Vineyards was awarded the "Best New York Wine" award at the New York Wine & Food Classic for its 2015 Merlot. The vineyard also won a total of 6 medals, including 2 Double Gold, 2 Gold, and 2 Silver medals.
  • In 2017, Duck Walk Vineyards was awarded the "Best Dessert Wine" award at the New York Wine & Food Classic for its 2015 Vidal Ice Wine. The vineyard also won a total of 7 medals, including 2 Double Gold, 2 Gold, and 3 Silver medals.
  • In 2016, Duck Walk Vineyards was awarded the "Best Rosé" award at the New York Wine & Food Classic for its 2015 Rosé. The vineyard also won a total of 7 medals, including 2 Double Gold, 2 Gold, and 3 Silver medals.

These awards and recognition are a testament to the high quality of the wines produced by Duck Walk Vineyards. The vineyard's commitment to excellence in winemaking is evident in every bottle, and visitors to the vineyard can taste the difference for themselves.

Sustainability Practices

Duck Walk Vineyard is committed to sustainable practices that reduce the environmental impact of their wine production. By using freshly planted grass instead of fertilizer, the vineyard is able to reduce the use of fossil fuels while also providing natural nutrients to the soil. This practice also helps to prevent erosion and maintain the health of the soil.

In addition to using natural fertilizers, Duck Walk Vineyard also employs other sustainable practices such as using solar power to generate electricity for their operations. This helps to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and minimize their carbon footprint. The vineyard also uses drip irrigation systems, which are more efficient than traditional irrigation methods and help to conserve water.

Duck Walk Vineyard also focuses on reducing waste by recycling and reusing materials whenever possible. The vineyard recycles all of their glass bottles, cardboard boxes, and paper products, and they also reuse barrels for aging wine. By reducing their waste, the vineyard is able to minimize their impact on the environment and conserve resources.

Overall, Duck Walk Vineyard's commitment to sustainable practices sets a high standard for vineyards in Long Island. By using natural fertilizers, solar power, and efficient irrigation systems, the vineyard is able to produce high-quality wine while also minimizing their environmental impact.

Community Involvement

Duck Walk Vineyards is actively involved in the local community, participating in events and supporting local organizations. The vineyard hosts several events throughout the year, including live music performances, food and wine pairings, and educational wine tastings. These events provide an opportunity for the local community to come together and enjoy the vineyard's award-winning wines in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

In addition to hosting events, Duck Walk Vineyards supports local organizations through charitable donations. The vineyard has donated to a variety of causes, including cancer research, animal welfare, and local schools. They also participate in fundraisers and auctions to support local charities and non-profits.

Duck Walk Vineyards is committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The vineyard uses sustainable farming practices, including cover crops and natural pest control methods, to minimize their impact on the environment. They also participate in the Long Island Sustainable Winegrowing program, which promotes sustainable practices in the wine industry.

Overall, Duck Walk Vineyards is an active member of the local community, supporting local organizations and promoting sustainability. Their commitment to community involvement and environmental responsibility sets them apart as a leader in the Long Island wine industry.

Future Plans

Duck Walk Vineyards has already established itself as a leader in the wine industry, but the company has no plans of slowing down. The vineyard is always looking for ways to improve its wines and expand its offerings.

One of the most exciting developments on the horizon is the expansion of the vineyard's tasting room. Duck Walk Vineyards is planning to build a new, larger tasting room that will be able to accommodate more visitors. This will allow even more people to experience the vineyard's award-winning wines and learn about the winemaking process.

In addition to expanding the tasting room, Duck Walk Vineyards is also exploring new grape varieties to add to its portfolio. The vineyard is constantly experimenting with different grape varieties and techniques to create new, unique wines that will appeal to a wide range of tastes.

Finally, Duck Walk Vineyards is committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The vineyard is exploring ways to reduce its carbon footprint and minimize waste. This includes using sustainable farming practices, recycling, and exploring alternative energy sources.

Overall, Duck Walk Vineyards is dedicated to providing visitors with a world-class wine experience while also being a responsible member of the community and the environment.