While many New Yorkers flock to the easternmost points of Long Island each summer, the Hamptons -- a cluster of towns that boast charming whaling villages, breathtaking beaches and craggy lobster shacks -- also has a thriving community of locals like Joey Wölffer.
Joey’s father founded Wölffer Estate Vineyard on a potato farm in 1988. Photo: Courtesy of Wölffer Estate Vineyard.
Her father Christian founded Wölffer Estate Vineyard on a potato farm in 1988 with a vision to become a “beautiful getaway on the East End focused on sustainability, creating elegant, food-friendly wines, and always with an eye toward innovation.” Growing up, Joey rode horses from farm to farm and along the beach when the area was still a largely rural community. “It was beautiful and my parents used to throw the most fabulous dinner parties, gathering such unique friends, travelers, and artists,” she says. "It's that bohemian spirit that really inspired all my brands and my personal style."
“It’s that bohemian spirit that really inspired all my brands and my personal style.”
Joey continued her family's ethos with a slew of innovative lifestyle endeavors starting in 2009 when she created a luxury accessories boutique on wheels, aptly named the Styleliner. In 2017, she found a permanent spot for the curation of limited-edition clothing, accessories and vintage pieces at her Joey Wölffer boutique in Sag Harbor. And now, in addition to the wildly popular Wine Stand where weekenders stop on their way out to the beaches on a Friday evening, Joey also has “a casual neighborhood eatery in Amagansett with a Coastal American vibe serving fresh, healthy, rosé-inspired cuisine.”
But the vines are still the lifeblood of Joey and her family. After her father passed away in 2008, she and her siblings took the helm of Wölffer Estate. “We want to invest in continuing my father’s dream not only for him but for our own families and future generations,” she says.
For Joey, who resides in Sag Harbor, the best part of living on the East End is the tight knit community and sense of history. "Beneath all the shiny new developments and seasonal pop-ups, there is a wonderful, charming community that lives off of and preserves the land, builds the community and has so much to offer."
We couldn't think of a better tour guide. Here's what not to miss during summer on the East End.
“Beneath all the shiny new developments and seasonal pop-ups, there is a wonderful, charming community that lives off of and preserves the land, builds the community and has so much to offer.”
EAT
For Breakfast…
Wölffer Kitchen Amagansett (4 Amagansett Square, Amagansett | 631-267-2764) ”Our newest restaurant captures this amazing coastal, rosé-inspired feeling and it’s a wonderful family-friendly spot for casual fare.”
For Lunch…
Duryea’s Lobster Deck (65 Tuthill Rd, Montauk | 631-668-2410) “I love bringing my girls here for a late lunch with friends! The view is stunning and you can grab fresh seafood from the market on the way out to make for dinner.”
You can’t get fresher seafood or a prettier view than Montauk’s Duryea’s. Photos: Jason Penney.
For Dinner…
Urban Zen/Tutto il Giorno (16 Main Street, Sag Harbor | 631-725-6176/ 631-919-5353) “The combo of Donna Karan and daughter/son-in-law Gabby Karan/Gianpaolo De Felice creates this AMAZING new space on Main Street and is such a fantastic addition to town. Donna has been a staple out here for years. They are true locals and bring a taste level that is always welcome to the town. I love Tutto's food and Urban Zen has a chic and utilitarian look.”
The fashionable and delicious Tutto il Giorno in Sag Harbor. Photo: Eric Striffler.
For Cocktails…
Wölffer Kitchen Sag Harbor (29 Main Street Sag Harbor | 631-725-0101) “I love our original location on Main Street for a drink! You can sit outside and watch the bustle of the street go by or cozy up at the bar for a glass of wine or a craft cocktail.” Tacombi (752 Montauk Highway | 631-668-8338) “I love the Montauk outpost of this NYC favorite and the perfect spot for a margarita!” The Beacon (8 Water Street, Sag Harbor | 631-725-7088) “For the best waterfront meal in town paired with a delicious margarita, you have to go here. The sunsets are spectacular, the food is great, and it’s one of those spots where you truly feel like you’re on vacation.”
Grab a seat inside (or out) at Wölffer Kitchen Sag Harbor and enjoy a delicious meal and craft cocktail. Photo: Courtesy of Wölffer Kitchen Sag Harbor.
SHOP
Joey Wölffer (11 Madison Street, Sag Harbor | 631-725-1436) “Obviously a favorite because it’s my store but I still feel we are a destination for shoppers looking for something special and unique. I carry up-and-coming brands from around the world, as well as over-the-top vintage and new jewelry and a collection of vintage clothes from Shop Morphew (a coveted NY vintage dealer).” Ruby Beets (25 Washington Street, Sag Harbor | 631-899-3275) “This is my favorite store for vintage furniture. I got amazing hide covered chairs from here last year as well as yellow murano glass lamps this year. The buyers’ eye is perfect.” Black Swan Antiques (26 Main Street, Sag Harbor | 631-377-3012) “I love this store for a more industrial style. I designed my office at Wölffer Estate Winery with finds from here. Randy, the buyer, has a fantastic eye for great pieces at reasonable prices.”
Ruby Beets is a must-see for vintage and antique furniture and accents. Photo: Ruby Beets.
Joey opened her charming boutique in Sag Harbor to offer unique clothing and accessories to locals and weekend visitors. Photo: Courtesy of Joey Wölffer.
Our Own Edit Note
When we think of the Hamptons, we think of Hildreth's -- an incredible home goods store with three locations across the Hamptons -- that carries everything from beautiful bedding and bath essentials to indoor and outdoor furniture.
SEE
Parrish Art Museum (279 Montauk Highway, Water Mill | 631-283-4600) “One of my all-time favorites, this stunning museum always features great exhibits and is a fantastic way to escape on a rainy day.” Madoo Conservancy (618 Sagg Main Street, Sagaponack | 631-537-8200) “I love taking my girls down for a walk at the Madoo Garden and Conservancy. Gorgeous and the team is wonderful!” “And don’t miss Gibson Beach (239 Gibson Lane) in Sagaponack.”
Madoo Conservancy is known for its winding gardens. Photo: Courtesy of the Madoo Conservancy.
STAY
Topping Rose House (Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton | 631-537-0870) “I love this spot! Right down the road from the winery, the food is so good and I love the outdoor garden area.” The Maidstone (207 Main Street, East Hampton | 631-324-5006) “This spot is so chic and a staple in East Hampton.”
Topping Rose House has delicious food and a lovely garden. Photo: Tim Street-Porter.
DO
Grindstone Coffee and Donuts (7 Main Street, Sag Harbor | 631-808-3370) “The perfect spot for a morning pick-me-up and a cinnamon-sugar donut for the kids!” Norma Jean Pilates (52 Main Street, #1, Sag Harbor | 631-235-0303) “Hailey Thorpe is the real deal when it comes to transforming your body! She has a beautiful new studio and really understands that each body is different. Her attention to your workout is unprecedented. I have been so happy with my results from working with her for two years!”
Visit Norma Jean Pilates for an incredible workout. Photo: Courtesy of Norma Jean Pilates.
FOR KIDS
Children’s Museum of the East End (376 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton | 631-537-8250) “It’s such a great place for kids to play and learn.” Harbor Books (20 Main Street, Sag Harbor | 631-808-3401) “Taylor Berry has a passion for books that has been lost in the world that we live in. We are so lucky to have such a curated bookstore along with a great place for kids to read and play!”
Children’s Museum makes for a perfect rainy-day escape. Photo: Children's Museum of the East End.
Joey Wölffer: My Perfect Hamptons Day
"My perfect day starts with spending my morning playing with my daughters and having breakfast together on the back deck. Then going to spend sometime in my store in Sag Harbor interacting with customers and working on some new designs for my handbags. Finally, a nice walk down Main Street in Sag Harbor with my husband, Max, before heading to The Wine Stand at Wölffer Estate for some friends, rosé, live music, and my girls playing.”
Photos: Courtesy of Joey Wölffer and Wölffer Estate Vineyard.
A lively night at Wölffer Estate Vineyard. Photo: Courtesy of Wölffer Estate Vineyard.