Spring Wine Tasting on the North Fork: Discover RGNY from The Shoals

Most people associate the North Fork with a certain kind of energy, busy tasting rooms, crowded weekends, and an atmosphere that feels more like a scene than a peaceful retreat.

And then there’s spring.

Spring is quieter. Not empty, just calmer. The vineyards are just beginning to wake up, the air still has a slight chill, and the entire region feels like it’s coming back into motion after winter. It’s the season when you can really slow down enough to notice things—the way the light hits the rows of vines, the conversations at tasting bars, and the subtle differences between wines when you’re not rushing through them.

For guests staying at The Shoals, this is where the experience truly comes together. You’re not just visiting the North Fork, you’re right in the heart of it, with a natural connection to one of the region’s most unique wineries, RGNY.

A Partnership Rooted in the Guest Experience

What makes this partnership different is that it doesn’t feel like a recommendation; it feels like an introduction starting the moment you arrive.

You might notice a bottle of RGNY wine waiting in your room or find yourself ordering a glass in the lounge without a second thought. Later, maybe it’s what you’re sipping outside as the sun begins to set and the water reflects that soft glow the North Fork is known for. It’s subtle, but effective. By the time you head to the winery itself, you’re not walking in cold; you already have a sense of what’s ahead.

Guests of The Shoals also get 15% off tastings and experiences at RGNY, making it easier to extend your visit, stay longer, try new things, or book experiences you might have otherwise overlooked.

The Soul of RGNY: Heritage Meets Terroir

The North Fork has many wineries, which is part of its charm. However, not all of them leave a strong impression. RGNY does, mainly because of its identity. The Rivero González family brings a rich winemaking heritage from Mexico, and instead of trying to blend in with the Long Island scene, they have created something that shows both their roots and their current style. It’s not a typical North Fork stop but a winery with its own personality and perspective.

That dual influence is clear in the wines and in how the winery presents itself. There’s confidence and a willingness to do things a little differently, while still respecting the land and climate that shape North Fork wine.

When you sit down for a tasting, you start to understand what balance really means. The maritime climate of Long Island, the proximity to the water, and the soil composition all play a role. But so does the perspective of the people behind the wine. It’s not just about creating something technically perfect; it’s about expressing something personal.

Signature Spring Experiences

The Blind Grape Tasting

Wine tastings can sometimes follow a predictable pattern. You’re told what you’re drinking, given a few notes, and then move on. It’s enjoyable, but the experience doesn’t always stick with you. The Blind Grape changes that completely by removing labels and encouraging you to engage with the wine on your own terms.

The experience starts with a friendly introduction to tasting basics, not in a formal or intimidating manner, but in a way that gives you just enough guidance to notice things differently. Then things shift. You’re shown five single-varietal wines made right here on Long Island, and your job is to identify them.

It becomes surprisingly engaging because you start noticing details you might normally overlook, like how the acidity hits the sides of your tongue, the difference between fruit-forward and more restrained profiles, and even the texture of the wine itself. This turns what could be a passive tasting experience into something interactive and memorable.

There’s also a playful element to it. Whoever correctly identifies the most wines wins a bottle of their choice, which adds just enough competition to keep it fun without overshadowing the experience itself.

Sunday Brunch: “Barriga Llena, Corazón Contento”

If the tasting focuses on precision, then Sunday brunch is all about the ambiance. Reflecting the idea of “a full belly and a happy heart,” this experience provides just that. It’s vibrant, slightly indulgent, and meant to be savored slowly among the vines.

RGNY embraces its Mexican heritage in an authentic way rather than performative. The food showcases that influence, the setting invites you to relax, and the whole experience feels more like a gathering than a formal event. Live music, often featuring performances by Christiaan Padavan, adds another layer to the afternoon, giving it an energy that's not always present at North Fork wineries.

Each guest enjoys three glasses of wine with their meal, along with unlimited coffee or tea, which naturally enhances the experience. It’s the kind of brunch that shifts into an afternoon without anyone noticing, and that’s part of what makes it so charming.

Whether you’re planning a laid-back day date, hanging out with friends, or just looking for something a little different, it’s one of the more memorable ways to experience RGNY this spring.

The Perfect Spring Wine Escape

What makes all of this even more appealing is how effortlessly it fits into a stay at The Shoals. Instead of trying to visit multiple wineries in one day, you can focus on a few meaningful experiences.

Maybe you start with a relaxing afternoon at the hotel, getting settled, opening a bottle, and taking in the view. The next day, you head to RGNY for a tasting or brunch, knowing you don’t need to rush back or squeeze in multiple stops. That change in approach makes a big difference.

You’re not just ticking boxes. You’re really experiencing the place.

The Land and the Water

The North Fork has always been defined by the harmony between land and water. During the day, the vineyards attract visitors, but it’s the waterfront at The Shoals that offers a place to relax.

Sitting with a glass of RGNY wine as the light fades, there’s a simplicity to it that doesn’t need dressing up. It just works.

Spring amplifies that feeling. There’s a sense that you’re arriving just as everything begins to wake up. The crowds aren’t fully here yet, the pace is still manageable, and the entire region feels more accessible.

You can enjoy a genuine conversation during a tasting. You can get a table without booking weeks ahead. You can go through your day without feeling tied to a schedule.

A New Way to Visit

Anyone who’s been to the North Fork during peak summer can notice that difference. And for first-time visitors, it creates a vibe that’s tough to find later in the year.

A spring wine getaway here isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing less, but better.

It’s about choosing a place like RGNY, spending real time there, and letting the experience develop naturally. It’s about staying somewhere like The Shoals, where the connection to the region is built into the experience, not something you have to seek out.

By the time you leave, it won’t feel like you’ve just visited a few wineries. Instead, it will feel like you truly experienced the North Fork, at its best, at the right time, and without the usual noise that accompanies it.

Spring doesn’t last long here. It’s a brief window when everything feels a little more personal, a little more relaxed, and much more enjoyable.

Book your stay at The Shoals, spend a day at RGNY, and see why spring might be the North Fork’s best-kept secret.

And remember... The Shoals guests always receive 15% off experiences at RGNY