In 1977, Peter & Patricia Lenz, having closed their well-known restaurant, A Moveable Feast, were in search of a new adventure. Inspired by the efforts and successes of their friends, Alex & Louisa Hargrave, they purchased a property on the North Fork and planted gewurztraminer, cabernet sauvignon, merlot and a small amount of pinot noir.
The old barn, originally part of the Krupski farm, was converted into a tasting room and The Lenz Winery was formally established in 1978. Peter & Patricia Lenz chose not to produce wine from their vineyard until 1983. Instead, they followed the French and German tradition of cutting off the fruit just as it was forming in order to ensure the development of a deeper root structure.
The old barn, originally part of the Krupski farm, was converted into a tasting room and The Lenz Winery was formally established in 1978. Peter & Patricia Lenz chose not to produce wine from their vineyard until 1983. Instead, they followed the French and German tradition of cutting off the fruit just as it was forming in order to ensure the development of a deeper root structure.
Services
Jerol Bailey is the Director of Sales at the Lenz Winery. He is responsible for both the retail and wholesale aspects of the company. On the retail side, he oversees the tasting room, staff education and direct to consumer operations. In wholesale, Jerol manages product placement in both restaurants and retail establishments.
Lenz Subscribers are a self-selected group of wine aficionados who wish to develop and maintain a connection with our winery and our wines, particulary our Old Vines wines. Since 1996, Lenz has held a series of comparative tastings in which a selection of Lenz wines and wines from such legendary French producers as Petrus, Latour, and Montrachet are tasted blind by a panel of some of the world's most discerning palates.
A tasting flight is a series of 1oz tastes of a selection of Lenz wines. We are also happy to help you create a custom flight that includes the wines you are most interested in tasting. During the warmer months table-side tastings are available in our courtyard and terrace areas. We love groups! However, owing to the size of our tasting room, reservations are required for groups of 7 or more.
Smaller receptions, rehearsal dinners, holiday parties & corporate meetings may be accommodated indoors throughout the year. Fees for these smaller events are usually based on a 'per person' rate. The Lenz Winery has an extensive wine list including a delicious ultra-brut sparkling wine. Any substitution or addition of a non-Lenz wine, must be cleared with the winery.
So much happens behind the scenes before that delicious bottle of wine makes it to your table. The tastings are done in small groups (8-12 people) and are led by our winemaker, Thomas Spotteck, who, in addition to being very entertaining, he is quite skilled in the arts of making wine. Participants learn a lot, occasionally chuckle and are the first to taste the upcoming vintages!
Reviews (21)
Alexandra L.
Dec 31, 2021
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Stephanie Panayiotou
Nov 26, 2021
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Tammy V.
Sep 29, 2021
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Danielle DiNapoli
Sep 14, 2021
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Gorgeous winery with lots of seating options in various parts of the land - in the wide, open-space (pictured) there are combinations of picnic tables and other tables with umbrellas. There are two "back" areas, each separated from one another with Adirondack chairs and other forms of seating. Dogs are allowed!! Which is always a delight! The staff are very kind, knowledgeable, and helpful. There was live music on a Saturday afternoon. Great for gatherings!
Patrick Roof
Aug 06, 2021
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Joel H.
Jul 13, 2021
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My wife and I spent the day on the North Fork and decided to land here to relax and taste some wine. We have been here [many ties] before and was looking forward to the tasting experience.
I am a photographer and as I walked in I took advantage of all the wonderful backgrounds here. All I could think of at that point was photographing either a wedding or engagement photos here.
Now, onto the tasting room. We were out at the beginning of May on a Monday, so it was not very busy. That worked out well for us.
We purchased a flight to share. Sauvignon Blanc, Old Vine Gewurztraminer, Gold
I am a photographer and as I walked in I took advantage of all the wonderful backgrounds here. All I could think of at that point was photographing either a wedding or engagement photos here.
Now, onto the tasting room. We were out at the beginning of May on a Monday, so it was not very busy. That worked out well for us.
We purchased a flight to share. Sauvignon Blanc, Old Vine Gewurztraminer, Gold
Michael Nelkens
Apr 20, 2021
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Gabrielle D.
Mar 04, 2021
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We came here on a quiet sunny Wednesday in September during Covid. It was safe and peaceful and the ambiance was very relaxing. Gorgeous set up. The service was a little slow, the guy kinda forgot about us even though there was only one other couple there, maybe because they were short staffed due to Covid, but would definitely come back here when things come back to normal. The wine was good. The cheese and honey was tasty.
Michael Cafaro
Feb 13, 2021
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Meghan Kelly
Jan 24, 2021
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Jullian Okeson
Dec 15, 2020
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If I could give this winery a 0 rating, I would. We had a reservation and were seated on a deck that looks abandoned and our waitress was very unpleasant, she basically shove the wine at us. We got confused with what we were tasting because there was no tasting card. The wine was not great. The sausage and cheese were served very awful, we were given paper plates and a knife to do it ourselves. Overall, from we entered this place just wasn't welcoming. We ended up just completing the taste because we already paid for it and left immediately after to another vineyard.
This was a waste for us. Do
This was a waste for us. Do
Alison A.
Oct 17, 2020
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We have been coming here for at least 10 years. My husband and I have been together for 12, started trying wines together a year into the relationship and realized that was something we had in common. We have so many wonderful memories here. I just realized I never wrote a review. The two main employees that stick out in my mind are Jeff and Jerol, they are the most amazing men you'll ever meet. Not to mention, all the other staff that has been around over the years. Top quality service, fantastic wine selection, wonderful sparkling wine, and great events. We bought a case for our wedding
Jacqueline K.
Sep 14, 2020
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We went with another couple to their 90+ event. The wine selection was incredible. Enough sampling's for everyone to find one they liked. The staff was super friendly and knowledgeable. For such a popular event they worked incredibly hard and still made sure they answered all of our questions. Would love to go back even without an event.
Taharie Marte
Aug 14, 2020
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To start off, the parking lot is very tiny and not well organized with COVID and with all these new regulations you would think since capacity levels have decreased by less than half, there would be more parking spaces open but it was the opposite. It took me about 15 minutes to get a spot to park and I was very uncomfortable waiting because the parking lot is very narrow. I wouldn’t have wanted to even imagine what it was like before the pandemic. They definitely need a better parking system. We celebrated a birthday at the winery & didn’t get the experience we were expecting. Was looking
Jennifer McCormick
Jan 31, 2020
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Awesome place with awesome people. Two of us came in with a 5 month old puppy, pups are allowed in the tasting room which is great..
especially on hot days. There were 3 people working, serving wines and all 3 had great personalities and were 100% friendly. We know almost nothing about wines and with the tasting you get a brief on the one you are having, super informative. They really know about their wines, we left with a few bottles. Truly happy, this location made our long drive worth it and we'll be back!
especially on hot days. There were 3 people working, serving wines and all 3 had great personalities and were 100% friendly. We know almost nothing about wines and with the tasting you get a brief on the one you are having, super informative. They really know about their wines, we left with a few bottles. Truly happy, this location made our long drive worth it and we'll be back!
Josie Amy D.
Dec 30, 2019
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Jennifer R.
Oct 03, 2019
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Such a gorgeous tasting room and grounds around in with tables to sit and enjoy some wine. Had my dog with me and they also had dog biscuits. So nice to see dog friendly places since my girl is social and loves going to new places. Tried the firefly Rosé and was delicious. Took home a bottle to enjoy. Will definitely be back soon.
Renee R.
Aug 30, 2019
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Did our annual wine tour and the Lenz Winery was on our list.. again, I was disappointed. The overall vibe at this place is lacking. There is literally 1 bathroom inside the main building. It is for both men and women.
When the guy came out with the wine he literally was talking to someone else while pouring my wine- he ended up pouring wine all down my leg. Luckily I was wearing black pants and it wasn't a huge deal.
I would never come to this place by choice and I don't recommend it. I gave 2 stars because it's wine and just being outdoors is beautiful.
When the guy came out with the wine he literally was talking to someone else while pouring my wine- he ended up pouring wine all down my leg. Luckily I was wearing black pants and it wasn't a huge deal.
I would never come to this place by choice and I don't recommend it. I gave 2 stars because it's wine and just being outdoors is beautiful.
Victoria X.
Apr 19, 2018
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*you can bring your own food here*
Estate flight: 5 for $14
Premium Flight: 5 for $18
Opens pretty early, 10AM, and closes later than most other wineries, 6PM.
When I went, it looked as though outdoor seating was only available if you opted for table service.
They also have a space towards the back where you can reserve for outdoor parties. The indoor seating consists of one picnic table and a couch area for 5.
Within the indoor seating lodge, they have a small souvenir spread for you to purchase some of their logo'd items.
Estate flight: 5 for $14
Premium Flight: 5 for $18
Opens pretty early, 10AM, and closes later than most other wineries, 6PM.
When I went, it looked as though outdoor seating was only available if you opted for table service.
They also have a space towards the back where you can reserve for outdoor parties. The indoor seating consists of one picnic table and a couch area for 5.
Within the indoor seating lodge, they have a small souvenir spread for you to purchase some of their logo'd items.
Thomas L.
Sep 04, 2017
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The North Fork wine scene has changed like Atlantic City did when they first got casinos!!!! For the worse. Very sad - but............
........ there is a bright spot still on the North Fork!!! LENZ Winery!!!!
We had a few friends from Pennsylvania who wanted again to go to the North Fork with us (we have lived in Miller Place since 2004) and we plod out to the fork every few years with friends.
My wife and her childhood friend put some baskets together with cheese, and vegetables, dip, fruit, and some non-alcoholic beverages for me (I don't drink and most vineyards don't seem
........ there is a bright spot still on the North Fork!!! LENZ Winery!!!!
We had a few friends from Pennsylvania who wanted again to go to the North Fork with us (we have lived in Miller Place since 2004) and we plod out to the fork every few years with friends.
My wife and her childhood friend put some baskets together with cheese, and vegetables, dip, fruit, and some non-alcoholic beverages for me (I don't drink and most vineyards don't seem
Jennifer R.
May 23, 2017
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The short: I'd been dying to come here for quite some time, and was able to come on a Saturday morning with a wine tour. The wine, vineyard grounds & service were all polished and amazing.
The longer: big thanks to Jeff for leading such an amazing, intelligent wine tour. I've been on tons of wine tours, and not one of them cared enough to be as thoughtful & informative as Jeff. We learned a ton, got to taste really amazing wines (helllloooo Chardonnay), and had the most perfect early afternoon.
We took pictures, sat and chatted, and walked around. The vineyard is dog-friendly
The longer: big thanks to Jeff for leading such an amazing, intelligent wine tour. I've been on tons of wine tours, and not one of them cared enough to be as thoughtful & informative as Jeff. We learned a ton, got to taste really amazing wines (helllloooo Chardonnay), and had the most perfect early afternoon.
We took pictures, sat and chatted, and walked around. The vineyard is dog-friendly
