A luxury wine day, without the driving stress. This private tour pairs six wine tastings with comfortable, door-to-door transportation that starts and ends at Long Island Rail Road in Hicksville. The big watch-out: it runs about 6 to 7 hours, and it works best on a day with good weather.

What I really like is the way the pacing is built around a full, guided visit at Pindar Vineyards. You’ll spend about 2 hours there, with a relaxed tasting plus stories about heritage, sustainable farming, and the winemaking process—often the kind of context that makes the wines taste better.

Key points before you go

• Private luxury feel with only your group riding together, plus pickup and return from Hicksville
• Six wine tastings included, with the first stop’s admission ticket built in
• Pindar’s 500-acre setting gives you time for a guided tasting and vineyard-focused atmosphere
• Raphael and Lenz are included without paid admission, each with about 30 minutes to taste and move on
• Alcohol rules are clear: wines served to 21+ only, with minors allowed but not tasting
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours and a weather-based reschedule plan if conditions are poor

From Hicksville to Long Island wine country, with everything handled

Long Island wine country can be fun, but it can also be a logistical mess if you’re figuring out rides, parking, and timing on your own. This tour solves the main problem: you meet at the Long Island Rail Road station in Hicksville, then you stay in “vacation mode” while private transportation does the hard part. You also avoid that common wine-tour stress of being the person rushing the group to catch the next tasting.

I like that the tour is clearly structured. You’re looking at a total day of roughly 6 to 7 hours, with set stops and scheduled tasting time. That structure makes it easier to plan the rest of your day, and it also helps you get something more meaningful than a quick pop-in at one winery.

There’s also a practical modern touch: you get a mobile ticket, and you’ll receive confirmation at booking. And since it’s offered in English and is geared for most travelers, you shouldn’t have to work around language barriers.

Pindar Vineyards: the 2-hour anchor of the day

Pindar is the crown jewel in this itinerary, and the schedule reflects it. Your first stop is Pindar Vineyards for about 2 hours, and the experience centers on a guided tasting in a scenic, vineyard setting. The winery spans about 500 acres, and you’ll feel that scale in how the tasting time is paced—less like a drive-by and more like a real visit.

The tasting experience is built around their signature styles. Expect to see crisp Sauvignon Blancs and richer Merlots in the mix (and yes, the contrast matters here). When you taste in a guided setting, you get more than just a sip and a label reading. Your guide can connect the wines to the vineyard and farming choices, including the winery’s sustainable farming approach and its winemaking process.

Music is part of the atmosphere too—there’s live or background music during the visit (depending on what’s running that day). That’s a small detail, but it changes the vibe. Instead of feeling like you’re in a rushed room, the tasting can feel like an easygoing break in the middle of a scenic day.

What to keep in mind at Pindar: the tasting room and shop are part of the visit. That’s good value because you can pick up exclusive bottles, local delicacies, or wine-themed gifts while you’re already in the swing of the day. The main consideration is simply time: because Pindar is the anchor stop, make sure you arrive ready to enjoy the full 2 hours instead of treating it like a quick starter.

Raphael Winery in Peconic: boutique estate, Mediterranean style, quick tasting

After Pindar, you’ll head to Raphael Winery in Peconic on the North Fork. This stop is shorter—about 30 minutes—but it’s designed as a change of pace. Raphael is a family-owned boutique estate on 70 acres, and its look is distinct: Mediterranean-style architecture with inspiration drawn from Italian monasteries.

The story behind the name matters here. The winery was established in the early 1990s by John and Joan Petrocelli, and it honors John’s father. That kind of family-centered origin tends to translate into the hospitality style—less corporate, more personal craftsmanship.

For you, the key point is time and focus. With only 30 minutes, Raphael works best when you treat it like a “taste and take in the setting” stop rather than a long sit-down. The tour includes the admission here (it’s listed as free), so you’re not double-paying to get the most from the visit.

A practical downside to accept: shorter stops mean fewer chances to linger or reorder a flight. If you’re the kind of wine lover who wants to slow-roll every pour, you may feel the time limit at Raphael. If you like variety and a smooth flow, it fits nicely.

Lenz Winery: older vines, estate-grown wines, and a rustic-to-refined vibe

Your third winery stop is Lenz Winery in Peconic, one of Long Island’s older vineyards. This is another about-30-minute stop, and Lenz is known for estate-grown, hand-harvested wines. That matters because hand-harvesting is usually tied to careful selection of fruit, and the “estate-grown” angle helps keep the wine character tied to a consistent source.

In terms of what you’ll likely see in tastings, Lenz is associated with Merlot, Chardonnay, and sparkling wines. You’re not stuck tasting only one style—this stop rounds out the day with variety and lets you compare how different grape styles feel on Long Island in a guided setting.

The tasting room vibe is described as rustic, but the experience is also framed as refined and terroir-driven. For you, that’s a good combination: you get an authentic-feeling environment without it turning into a chaotic free-for-all. It can be the “last stop satisfaction” you want—especially after a bigger, longer first winery visit.

What the private transportation really buys you

Private wine tours are sometimes just marketing. In this case, the transportation is the backbone of the value. You start at Hicksville, which is convenient if you’re using public transit or want an easy meeting spot. The tour returns you to the same meeting point at the end, so you’re not stuck with another logistics puzzle.

This matters most if you plan to drink. You’re tasting wine as part of the experience, and the tour includes private transportation, so you don’t have to worry about driving or about the stress of coordinating rides at each stop.

There’s also a safety component that shows up in the way the tour works. In prior experiences, guides and drivers have been described as attentive and prompt. You should expect professional handling, not a casual “good luck” vibe.

If you’re traveling as a couple, friends group, or family with adults, this format also helps you avoid the discomfort of sharing a vehicle with strangers who don’t match your pace. Private means your group sets the tone.

Price and value: is $180 per person fair for 6–7 hours?

At $180 per person for about 6 to 7 hours, this tour isn’t a bargain. But it is a value if you add up what’s included and what you avoid.

Here’s the practical math from your side:

• Private transportation for the day
• Entrance fee for the first stop (Pindar)
• Six wine tastings included as alcoholic beverages
• Admission at Raphael and Lenz is free as listed

Meals are not included, so you’ll want to plan your food around the day. But the big question is the wine: the tour price covers the tastings rather than forcing you to pay separately at each winery.

If you were to plan a similar itinerary on your own, you’d likely spend time and money on transport, plus you’d still pay for admissions and tastings. Here, the day is packaged so you can focus on drinking the wines you came for—and not on coordinating the rest.

One more value factor: the tour notes group discounts. If you’re booking with a group big enough to qualify, your per-person cost can drop further, making the whole day feel more like a splurge you can justify.

Timing, pacing, and what to expect when the clock is moving

The itinerary is built like a steady rhythm:

• Stop 1 (2 hours): Pindar
• Stop 2 (30 minutes): Raphael
• Stop 3 (30 minutes): Lenz

And then you’re back to the meeting point in Hicksville.

That pacing is ideal if you want a full day without turning it into a marathon. The longest visit is Pindar, because that’s where the guided tasting time lives. The shorter stops are for variety and quick comparisons across styles and settings.

Also, plan for the reality that wine country isn’t a straight line. There’s drive time, tasting room time, and the small pauses that happen naturally during a winery visit. That’s why the total is listed as about 6 to 7 hours rather than a tight 5-hour schedule.

Alcohol rules and who this tour fits best

This is a wine tour, so it’s not for under-21 tasting. The policy is clear:

• Alcoholic drinks are served to travelers 21+
• Minors must be accompanied by or with adults only
• No drinks are served to minors

If you’re traveling with a mixed-age group, this tour can still work if you’re okay with minors participating without tasting. It’s also a good match for adults who want a guided, structured day rather than a chaotic self-drive crawl.

The tour is described as private, meaning only your group participates. That makes it particularly good for:

• Couples who want calm, guided time
• Friends groups who want a safe, driver-handled day
• Anyone who doesn’t want to keep repeating the same directions to multiple drivers

A few smart things to do before you arrive

You’ll get the most from the day if you treat it like a tasting tour, not a casual stroll.

• Bring a valid ID. Since wine is served, you’ll want to be ready for age checks.
• Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be moving through vineyard settings and winery spaces.
• Plan for water and snacks. Meals aren’t included, so you’ll likely want a light bite before the tour starts or something small after.
• If you can, book around 20 days ahead. The experience is often reserved roughly 20 days in advance, which can help you lock in your preferred date.

Should you book Private Luxury Wine Tours of Long Island at Pindar?

Book it if you want a structured, guided wine day with six tastings included and the big stress removed—private transportation and a clear itinerary. Pindar is the highlight, with that longer guided tasting time and a scenic 500-acre setting. Raphael and Lenz add variety without ballooning the day.

Skip or reconsider if you’re looking for a bargain or you want lots of unhurried time at multiple wineries. The short stops at Raphael and Lenz mean you’ll need to be okay with a faster pace after Pindar.

If you’re the type who likes tasting with context—heritage, sustainable farming, and winemaking process—this is a strong match for your day.

FAQ

How long is the private wine tour?

The tour lasts about 6 to 7 hours.

How much does it cost?

It’s $180.00 per person.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Long Island Rail Road in Hicksville, NY, and ends back at the same meeting point.

What wineries are included in the itinerary?

You’ll visit Pindar Vineyards, Raphael Winery, and Lenz Winery.

Are wine tastings included in the price?

Yes. The tour includes alcoholic beverages for 6 wine tastings.

Are meals included?

No, meals are not included.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

Can minors join?

Minors may participate if accompanied by adults, but no drinks are served to minors. Alcohol is served to travelers 21 and older.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Weather can also affect the schedule, and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund if canceled due to poor weather.

What language is the tour offered in?

It’s offered in English.

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