Following are Answers to frequently asked questions:
1. How does East End Wine Tasting Tours determine what is economical, mid range and
premium?
Economical / Party / Lower mid range are in the $12 to $19/pp per venue costing.
Mid Range are in the $20 - $29/pp per venue costing
Premium is in the $30/pp up to $95/pp per venue; as well as a few "ultimate options" in the $95 - $270/pp per venue range.
(Note: The Nomenclature describing the vineyard categories is strictly our own and based on over 15 years experience. The Pricing is set forth by the respective wineries / breweries / Venues.
2. What time do the Wine Tours start?
Depends on where the pickup location is for your outing. The Wineries are 'generally" open from 11AM to 5/6PM... a few are earlier and a few are open later depending on the season. NYC Pickups are generally around 8:30 - 9 AM, as there is a 2.5 to 3 hr ride each way, pickups in Nassau / Suffolk around 10 to 11 AM.
3. Do you require a deposit?
Yes a 10% deposit and 15% deposit on all buses - paid on major CC or a corporate check' the remainder is due in cash day of tour (95% of our tours are paid in cash - as this is discounted payment)
4. Do all the Venues permit our own foodies, Birthday cakes, etc?
(7) Venues out of (50) permit your own food or our Boxed Lunches.(No premium wineries*)
(3) Wineries out of the (7) Venues permit your own food/boxed Lunches "Inside with Reserved seating" in case of inclement weather. (1) of those (2) Wineries allows this option up to May 1 only.
Birthday Cakes are basically prohibited; there may be 1 or 2 wineries permitting this.
* (1 Mid range Winery offers an "optional" Premium Plus VIP wine Flight and allows our Boxed Lunches or your own food)
5. Do any of the Wineries offer Lunch?
(1) Winery is deemed a restaurant and provides combo wine tasting and lunch. (Jamesport Vineyard). Another Winery offers a Light Lunch Option ( Lenz) on weekends only and during peak season. Greenport Brewery has self served style eatery
6. Food Trucks??
The town of Southold has a ban on Food Trucks at the vineyards for nearly (4) years. Why?. It is an ongoing saga. 75% of all the vineyards are located in Southold. In Riverhead town, you will find food trucks on weekends only at Palmer, and LI Spirits,& Jamesport Farm Brewer (May thru October).
If your group is small - under 12 people - we recommend North Fork Table's Food Truck in their parking lot. They have a few tables, huge trees with plenty of shade and best food truck, we think. 1 Hour Extra time would need to be allocated.
7. Do the Wineries offer Tours?
Yes, approximately (6) Venues offer tours and they all charge for it. The tours are packaged with tastings and some with cheese. Tours generally range from $50/pp to $125/pp. Covid-19 had an impact on Tour offerings, with some lingering effects
8. Can we bring our own alcoholic beverages in Vehicles?
Yes you can as long as everyone is 21 years and older/or there is a legal guardian/parent on board if alcohol is involved and a minor is present. Our company does not provide any alcohol. Just Water, Ice, Cup setup in vehicles only equipped with a bar / cooler.. Alcohol is banned from all vineyards, breweries etc. Coolers are banned. Keep silo cups in vehicle when exiting as security at the venues will be on top of that.
FYI: If you desire a meaningful wine tasting experience, best to refrain from alcohol.
9. Is there Entertainment / Live Bands / DJ's at the Venues?
On Saturdays / Sundays, weather permitting and seasonal - primarily from 1 PM onward there is Music ranging from solo musician to 3 piece bands at approximately (10) Wineries / Breweries. DJ's are no longer performing after the fallout and demise of Vineyard 48.
10. When we have a Reservation what does that really entail?
A reservation at a particular winery / Venue does not necessarily mean you have a reserved seat/table service. All Guests arriving by for-hire Vehicle or Limos / Buses must have a reservation and this just entitles Guests to "enter" a property. Very few venues allows a for-hire vehicle without a reservation, especially weekends.
11. Ok, what do we have to do to get a Reserved Table or guaranteed seating?
Reserved or guaranteed seating is NOT available at most Economical / Popular Mid range Wineries.
Most Better "Mid Range" Wineries and nearly all Premium Costing Wineries have Reserved Seating; Some have just guaranteed seating inside and / or Outside and a select few wineries have both.
Approximately (19) Venues have Reserved Seating inside.
Approximately (16) Venues have Reserved Seating outside; many the same as Inside.
12. Can we choose our own Wineries / Breweries ?
If you desire to do so, you can click on the following link to choose from a host of venues. BUT please be advised, it is best to review the option when choosing them, for the restrictions, descriptions of the venue etc.. - BUT we can always make any corrections / substitutions when we provide quotes via email.
You can also complete a contact form.
