Add Harmony Vineyards to your GPS, for a number of reasons.
Whether you’re seeking a high-quality venue to enjoy some outstanding local wine, impress and entertain out-of-town guests, or provide the perfect setting for a romantic date, this is it. Located about 10 minutes from the Smithtown/St. James area, Harmony offers visitors the opportunity to experience an extraordinary Long Island winery without traveling all the way out to the North Fork.
Besides exceptional wines—Chablis-style Chardonnays and Bordeaux-style red blends—this centrally based vineyard also offers local craft brews, a robust small plates menu, weekly live jazz performances year-round, and an impressive buffet-style Sunday brunch in a 326-year-old mansion and tasting room with spectacular views of the harbor.
Most unique is that Harmony Vineyards donates all of its net profits to support local charities focused on eradicating hunger and providing education, including Island Harvest, City Harvest, the Stony Brook Foundation and the East African Center for the Empowerment of Women and Children.
Related: Long Island Wineries & Vineyards Guide
During warmer months, diners and wine aficionados can sit outside on a patio with stunning views of the vineyard and water, and even watch their favorite films beneath the stars during regularly scheduled “Movie Nights.”
We sat outside recently for Harmony’s popular $49.95 Gourmet Waterfront Buffet brunch, taking in the fresh air and enjoying the tranquil and peaceful vibe. What a wonderful way to start the day!
The food, prepared by Farm to Table Catering by Filomena (Lombardi), is top-notch, and this special meal began with a bottomless Mimosa, made with freshly squeezed orange juice.
Walking past the elaborate spread set up in Harmony’s circa-1690 Tasting Room, we decided to divide the meal into three trips.
The first round was for breakfast. There was an assortment of homemade quiches, an omelet station with a variety of ingredients to personalize your eggs and fruit parfaits—all made with fresh Greek yogurt and homemade granola.
My personal favorite was the Pancake Tower (and it truly was a tower), consisting of layers upon layers of fluffy from-scratch pancakes filled with organic jam and sliced and served like cake.
This was absolutely worth the price of brunch on its own. Yum!
The coffee, even before adding milk, was almost creamy it was so good.
The next trip was for savory fare that included Eggplant Rollatini, Dijon-Encrusted Salmon, Roasted Seasonal Vegetables, Organic Kale and field green salad.
Everything was flawlessly prepared.
Related: Long Island Craft Beer Guide
The last trip was for dessert, which included mini-mason jars of homemade Strawberry Shortcake and S’mores, black bean brownies and cinnamon muffins. Delicious.
One last cup of perfectly brewed coffee was sipped while enjoying the view. Then, a walk on the grounds past the grapevines to the water was a must. It was just too beautiful to miss!
Harmony Vineyards states on their website that they are in harmony with nature, humanity and charity. Their generous donations to local charities are testament to this.
The Harmony Tasting Room is open year round. Check out the Tasting Notes Jazz Club every Saturday evening from 8 to 10 p.m. with live music, fine wine and small plates to enjoy.
This is the perfect venue for an intimate date night that is even more appealing because of its great location.
After we left the winery and drove down the winding road back to Route 25A, an old Elton John song began playing on the radio:
Harmony and me /
We’re pretty good company /
Looking for an island /
In our boat upon the sea /
Harmony, gee I really love you /
And I want to love you forever/
And dream of never, never, never leaving Harmony.
Well said, Elton.
Brunch is served year-round every Sunday. Reservations on Open Table are required. Seating times are from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. $49.95 per person.
Perfect harmony.
Harmony Vineyards
169 Harbor Road
Head of the Harbor, NY 11780
631-291-9900
Check website for hours and events:
HarmonyVineyards.com
Main Art: Harmony Vineyards offers visitors the opportunity to experience a high-quality Long Island winery without traveling to the North Fork. (Photo: Harmony Vineyards Facebook profile)
