72 Hours in The Hamptons

A summer trip to the Hamptons, for the season or a long weekend, has been a New York City tradition for generations. The promise of a relaxed pace, time with friends, and basking in the beauty and local charm is what gets many of us through the colder months and packed work weeks. Here we imagine 72 hours — the Memorial Day long weekend — to enjoy with pleasure, and the wines we’d take with us.

Day One

If there's not a case of wine in your backseat, or a least a couple of bottles in your duffle, you aren't ready to hit the road for a long weekend. Here’s how we see it: you’ll need a few bottles for dinners at the house, and a few bottles to sprinkle in as needed, for apéros or sippers. Pack up and head out.*

On your way in, pop by an oyster stand or one of the fresh farm markets on the way to your place. Tonight you’re treating yourself and your guests to a chilled magnum of Raveneau Petit Chablis or Moreau-Naudet Chablis Premier Cru Forets, arguably one of the world’s most enduring partners for fresh oysters and a duo we think everyone should be entitled to at least once per summer season.

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Day Two

Wake up and refresh yourself with time under a great big sky. Everyone needs to move and groove right now, so stroll the beach or hop on your bike and set the mood for a happy weekend. Researchers at the University of Essex in England reported results illustrating that “just five minutes of green exercise resulted in improvements in self-esteem and mood,” according to an article from Harvard Health.

Pick up a bite at The Lobster Roll, affectionately known as LUNCH, in Amagansett. If the option to open a bottle with your rolls presents itself, may we suggest a bit of white Burgundy, Genot-Boulanger perhaps? How about rosé? Couldn’t hurt to pop open a chilled bottle from Arnot-Roberts in California for a little coast-to-coast action.

Saturday night dinner out on the town is a classic Hamptons delight. Here’s your chance — after a long hiatus — to get a table with friends and catch up or make plans. Nick and Toni’s in East Hampton has been a favorite since 1988. Seating is limited for now, but takeout is available, so check online to make the arrangements. If you opt to carry out, spring for a bottle of white and red to match. We’re thinking Genot-Boulanger Meursault 'Clos du Cromin' and Domaine Rostaing Côte-Rôtie 'Ampodium’ are a dream team.

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Day Three

You’ve got some options, depending on how late the party went last night. You could do brunch at home on the deck, with bubbles (here’s where Laherte Freres or Dhondt Grellet comes in). Or you could trek out to visit a local winery and enjoy their views. Either way, you’ll be sipping something good and will also be able to enjoy a conversation.

Spend the afternoon bopping around the shops to get some new decor or threads to bring back to the city. Our good friend Todd Snyder just opened an East Hampton shop and we’re dying to check it out. You can make a personal shopping appointment online in advance so you get just what you need to level up your summer wardrobe. Snag something new to read on the journey home (or on the deck later) at Berry & Co Books in Sag Harbor.

Dinner Sunday can go two ways. You can cook in or do a progressive dinner with a group of neighbors or you could try a new-to-you restaurant. Either way, impress your friends with a pre-dinner toast with some chilled bubbly under the stars. Bereche Brut Reserve is one of the best around-$60 bottles of Champagne out there, so get a couple of them for this exact moment.

Day Four

Skip the French press at home and treat yourself to a coffee stop to drink in or take to-go while you roam. Grab fresh products for a Memorial Day meal that transitions from afternoon to evening and allows for plenty of outdoor fun — hit up Stuart’s Seafood Market in Amagansett. Get a clambake to go (is there anything cooler than that?) to pair with a super food-friendly rosé like Boudignon. A few chilled bottles of this and everyone will be basking on beach blankets, looking forward to more long weekends to come (and they’ll be, of course, asking you to bring the wine).

*If you prefer to have your wine meet you in the Hamptons, place your order from Verve Wine NY by Wednesday at 3pm. We’ll make it happen. Only available in the summer season, starting Memorial Day.

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