Rose wine in a glass at Croteaux Vineyards in Southold....

Rose wine in a glass at Croteaux Vineyards in Southold. (June 28, 2009) Credit: Gordon M. Grant

Wine tasting in North Fork wine country got a little easier on Saturdays, as the Long Island Rail Road has begun offering weekend packages including transportation out east and discounts for samplings at an East End vineyard.

The LIRR’s LI Wine Adventure Package features reduced train fares and chartered bus transportation to the Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard, according to a statement by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Discount wine tastings and 10 percent savings on vineyard purchases are also included in the package.

Adult tickets range from $30.50 to $34, depending on the station of origin, the statement said. The cost is $26.50 for children.

Tickets can be bought at LIRR ticket offices or ticket machines under the “Deal and Getaways” tab.

After a train ride to Ronkonkoma, wine-tasters take 12:45 p.m. charter buses to the vineyard, where they can enjoy live music. Buses leave the vineyard at 4 p.m.

Last Saturday was the first of six such LIRR getaway packages. Others include Saturday , Aug. 11, Aug. 19, Sept. 15 and Oct. 20.

A trip to the emergency room in a Long Island hospital now averages nearly 4 hours, data shows. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports. Credit: Newsday Staff

'I'm going to try to avoid it' A trip to the emergency room in a Long Island hospital now averages nearly 4 hours, data shows. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

A trip to the emergency room in a Long Island hospital now averages nearly 4 hours, data shows. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports. Credit: Newsday Staff

'I'm going to try to avoid it' A trip to the emergency room in a Long Island hospital now averages nearly 4 hours, data shows. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

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