The East End’s summer food and wine scene flourished in 2024, with an influx of tourists, huge events, and many new developments for locals during the off-season. Below are some of the most memorable moments of last year.

Summer Tastings

The Dan’s Taste event series in the summer showcased some of the best food and drink options you can find on the East End — and one of the first markers of the summer season in the East End is a wine celebration. In partnership with Dan’s Papers, Wilmington Trust hosted Dan’s Rosè Soirèe at the Southampton Arts Center. Featuring some 20 rosè wines from around the globe, top chefs from the area delivered their best food to accompany the wine, and the event included a full bar with beer and cocktails. 

Another summer event was the Taste of the Two Forks celebration, which showcased the rich culinary offerings found in the East End. Sponsored by the Hampton Jitney, the event’s participating restaurants included Baron’s Cove, Barrila’s Pastaria Ristorante, The Biscotti Company, El Verano, Honest Plate, Insatiable Eats, Kira’s Cookies, and more. To pair with the delicious dishes, attendees enjoyed drink options from Bedell Cellars Corey Creek Tap Room, Borghese and Peconic Bay Vineyards from the North Fork and Channing Daughters, DuckWalk and Wölffer from the South Fork.

Celebrations Continue Into Fall

While the summer season may have ended, the East End remained active, with several fall festivities to enjoy. As one of the East End’s most beloved seasons, many farms offer apple and pumpkin picking, hay rides, and more, for locals and tourists. Serving up freshly baked apple cider donuts were local apple orchards and shops such as Harbes Family Farm, Breeze Hill Family Farm, Greenport Harbor Brewing Company, Hank’s Pumpkintown, and more. 

Many local vendors held other fall specials. In 2024, as many as 10 East End cideries and breweries featured fall specials, including pumpkin beer, Leaf Pile Ale, cinnamon apple cider, blood orange IPA, and more. At these breweries, patrons could also enjoy Trivia Nights, dance parties, and other fall offerings to warm their spirits. 

Various local coffee shops offered more entertainment. Visitors and locals enjoyed pumpkin-spiced beverages and other fall coffees at Aldo’s Greenport, Hampton Coffee Company, North Fork Doughnut Company, Mugs on Main, Sagtown Coffee, Grindstone Coffee & Donuts, Cafè Victoria, and North Fork Roasting Co. 

Award-Winning Drinks

The food and drink scene in the East End proved superior in 2024, and multiple people working behind the scenes received honors for their work. 

Long Island Farm Brewery won the Gold distinction at the New York State Brewers Association’s eighth annual New York State Craft Beer Competition, while Greenport Harbor Brewing Company won the Silver distinction. 

At the New York Wine & Grape Foundation’s 2024 Unity Awards, Macari Vineyards in Cutchogue won the Winery Award for its contributions to New York’s wine image and reputation. Bedell Cellars also received recognition, winning the Sustainability Award, celebrating owner Rich Olsen-Harbich’s commitment to sustainable farming.

Bittersweet Goodbyes

The East End also said bittersweet goodbyes to some of the area’s most cherished food spots, like Casa Basso. After 96 years in Westhampton, the restaurant permanently closed its doors. Located alongside a well-known stucco castle with two oversized statues of musketeers saluting at the entrance, Casa Basso opened in 1928, initially owned by M.L. Basso, and then Valeria Mondini, and finally Julie and Bejto Bracovic took ownership. There are plans for the grounds to now be turned into a waterfront park. 

O by Kissaki, a sushi and sashimi restaurant in East Hampton, and Ye Olde Bake Shoppe in Southampton also left the area. Ye Olde Bake Shoppe will be replaced by Windmill Lane Bakery, specializing in vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free treats.