The whole of Long Island received its own AVA designation in 2001. This came about a decade and a half after each of the forks at the island’s eastern end received their AVA status. The introduction of this broader appellation brings a few growers and producers located outside of the eastern forks into an official viticultural area. It also allows fruit from vineyards in various parts of the island to be blended and still labeled with an AVA name, rather than the general New York State appellation. The general climactic conditions of Long Island are affected by the moderating influence of the Atlantic Ocean and Long Island Sound.