Top Tips Touring Long Island's Wine Country

Touring Long Island's Wine Country
Simple tips for increasing your enjoyment!

Long Island's Wine Region is celebrating it's 38th season.
A lot has changed over the years.

Since the economy turned sour in 2008, it's a known fact that folks are abandoning expensive two week vacations for less expensive staycations. This has brought a record amount of visitors to the North and South Forks.

Weekends are so busy that some winery tasting rooms have hired security guards to regulate the amount of tour groups that can enter their tasting rooms at a single time.

Traffic is also becoming increasingly more congested on the weekends. And to exit a winery parking lot, it is almost impossible to make a left turn!

PRACTICAL TIPS:

•Plan your itinerary in advance.

• If you are planning to visit by car, pick a weekday instead of weekend. The best times to visit are Wednesday or Thursday. If you can do that, you will be greeted by a happy winery staffer who is less stressed than on the busy weekends. Benefit is they will spend more attention to you and may even break out some special limited wine releases.

•Negotiate your tasting fees up front. All wineries will charge a fee to taste. On Long Island it varies from $4 to $15 per person. Some will refund your tasting fee if you purchase wine. Find that out in advance.

•Take a professional tour for special access. Not all tour companies are equal. You will get what you pay for. But just like the Vatican Museum makes the public stand in long lines waiting to gain entry, a professional tour company can get you in for your your tasting quickly.

Full Disclosure: The author is co-founder of LongIslandWineCountry.Com a premium level tour provider.

•Purchase a bottle. If your group is larger than 4 guests, you might consider purchasing a bottle of everybody's favorite varietal. This usual comes out better than pay a per head fee to taste, plus a bottle contains 4.2 glasses of wine!

The North Fork Wine Country Rocks This Summer!

Johnny Winter- 1969

The North Fork Wine Country Rocks This Summer!
By Christopher J. Davies


The North Fork is rockin this summer! Peconic Bay Winery in Cutchogue is showing the world that in edition to making world-class wines, they have an ear for presenting legendary music performers!

Special Father's Day Performance by Legendary Guitarist Johnny Winter
Live at Peconic Bay Winery, Cutchogue

Sunday, June 19, 2011, 4pm-7pm
Limited tickets available at $40pp

Johnny Winter is one of my top ten favorite blues guitar legends. He has  played at Woodstock, he was a friend and colleague of Jimi Hendrix. Johnny is most famous for releasing the first version of Rock and Roll Hotchie Koo. His most successful record "Captured Live" is still available on Amazon.com and represents some of the most epic guitar licks recorded in the last century.

In recent year's, Johnny has played at two of Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival's. Winter is on a comeback and will tour extensively this summer in the US and Europe. To be able to see and hear him play in such an intimate setting as a winery, with wines by the glass is a rare opportunity.

For tickets visit: www.peconicbaywinery.com/




NOFO Rock & Folk Fest

The 2nd Annual edition has a stellar line-up of classic bands and performers. I have to say that this baby boomer almost lost it when I read that a senior weekend pass is available!

July 39 (SAT) & July 31 (Sun)
Saturday's line up is folkish featuring artists;
Elvin Bishop, John Sebastian, Commander Cody

While Sunday's line up is more rockin with Foghat & Corky Laing & The Memory Thieves (Mountain).


Ticket Pricing:
1 Day Pass - $48
Weekend Pass - $85
Student/Senior - $44
Student/Senior Weekend Pass - $80


For tickets visit: www.noforockandfolkfest.com


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Christopher Davies is the co-founder of Long Island Wine Country. COM, a premium level wine tour and event company established in 1999: www.longislandwinecountry.com



Christopher is a photo journalist and publisher of magazines and nationally syndicated columns about wine, food & travel. His latest project is the VinoTasting newsletter, which uncorks the best values in wine. Visit: www.vinotasting.com



Other links:
Christopher Davies Photography: www.daviesphotos.com
Denver International Wine Competition: www.denverwinecomp.com
Denver International Wine Festival: www.denverwinefest.com

Confessions of a Wine Tour Guide

Tour group learns about fermentation

Top Questions My Customers Ask Me!
1) If Merlot has tones of chocolate, do they actually add it to the barrel?
A) NOPE

2) My wife does not drink wine, should I bring her?
A) NOPE

3) What's YOUR favorite wine?
A) All of Them! But it depends on what you are eating with your wine.


We strive to produce the best quality wine tours on the East Coast. After 9, years it was bittersweet to be acknowledged in Travel & Leisure Magazine as One Of The World's Top Ten Wine Tours. We set the bar, and now we have to find a way to raise quality even higher!

Our focus from day one has been quality, not quantity. We appreciate fine wine and delicious food. As a wine & travel journalist, I have been very fortunate to attend wine festivals and visit wineries around the world. So my experience gives me a perspective on what makes for an exceptional experience.
With that said, we do not visit every winery on Long Island.
Some are too small, some too busy that they can't provide special treatment for our groups. Other mainly produce sweet wines, that appeal to a Coca Cola crowd.

While we do what we do very well, we are not for everyone. Some people are willing to sacrifice a premium experience, while saving a few dollars.

What we do best:
-Teach our clients about how to increase their pleasure with wine
-Provide clients with an interesting and historical background about Long Island's world-class wine region
-Create Private Experiences at Premium Level Producers
-Create Corporate Tours and Wine Events for 30 to 200 guests
-Provide the best friendly service on the planet

What we don't do:
-Bachelorette Tours
-Wine Tours or Events without food
-Limo Tours or *Small Groups

*For groups under 30 persons, we offer monthly VIP Public Tours, that have no minimum order requirement.

Check out our list of 2011 VIP Public Tours:
www.longislandwinecountry.com/havbustickets.html

For Groups of 30 guests or more, check out our group tours page:
http://www.longislandwinecountry.com/bus.html


Thinking about taking a limo tour to Long Island Wine Country? Caveat Emptor!

Read This Article First!:

July 9, 2007
The New York Times
New York Wineries Face Tastings Gone Wild
By COREY KILGANNON

www.nytimes.com/2007/07/09/nyregion/09winery.html?_r=1&ref=coreykilgannon


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Check out my weekly National Wine Country Column on Examiner.COM
www.examiner.com/wine-country-travel-in-national/christopher-j-davies

Long Island Wine Veteran On The Move

Long Island Wine Veteran On The Move
Photo and Story by Christopher J. Davies

Richard Olsen-Harbich has been making wine on Long Island for more than 25 years. Just like other LI wine pioneers in the early days he paid his dues over time learning about the terroir of Long Island's East End. And which grapes were best suited for growing in the region.

While some of the industry's early pioneers made strides as well as painful mistakes, Mr.Olsen-Harbich was able to use all of his knowledge and experience to execute one of Long Island's most ambitious projects, Raphael.

John and Joan Petrocelli launched their family owned wine estate that was named after Mr. Petrocelli's father Raphael. After consulting with Paul Pontallier Chateau Margaux, Bordeaux winemaker, Olsen-Harbich and the Petrocelli's announced that Raphael would devote its efforts into exclusively producing Merlot. During recent times they changed their minds after experimenting with Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc. Winemaking is about learning from the land and grapes. And this is what Mr.Olsen-Harbich knows best.















Raphael Estate, Photo (C) C J Davies


To his credit, Richard Olsen-Harbich was the man who authored the applications for Long Island's three wine appellations; Hamptons, North Fork Of Long Island and Long Island. All Long Island wine producers have benefited from his work that ensures that the grapes that are used to make wine on Long Island are authentic. He was also one of the founders of the Long Island Merlot Alliance.

After fourteen years he has now made a calculated career decision to move to Bedell Cellars, another well-respect wine producer that is owned by former movie-mogul Michael Lynn. I have no doubt that he will have a major impact on the future of Bedell Cellars wine.

Filing Richards shoes at Raphael will not be easy. But knowing the commitment that the Petrocelli's have made to their winery, I am confident that they will find a distinguished and well-experienced winemaker to continue what Richard set out to do.

For those who are fans of Richard's wines at Raphael, there is winemakers dinner being held on Tuesday June 8th at the Woodland's in Woodbury. Richard will be hosting the dinner that benefits the Foundation for Sight and Sound. Tickets are available.

RSVP: The Foundation For Sight & Sound
Tel. 631-366-3461 or 631-366-3462
Email: info@foundationforsightandsound.org
www.foundationforsightandsound.org

Long Island Wine And Food Festival Debuts Friday June 25 to Sunday June 27

Long Island Wine And Food Festival Debuts Friday June 25 to Sunday June 27, 2010.
Story and photos by Christopher J. Davies

It has been a long time coming, but I am happy to see that East End wineries and restaurants have teamed up to showcase their delicious wines and foods. Timing couldn't be more perfect as Summer will be officially in bloom on Long Island's North Fork.

The Long Island Wine and Food Festival is a perfect event for tasting a wide assortment of Long Island wines at one location. Many of the producer's wines are limited production and not found at your local wine store in New York City.

The events take place over three days, making it ideal for staying on the East End at a B&B or hotel. My favorite town for staying the weekend is Greenport. There you can find several hotels and B&B's to fit your budget. Best of all the town is an old whaling village that has a nice selection of quaint shops and restaurants, including America's oldest family owned restaurant, Claudio's on the dock.

2010 Long Island Wine And Food Festival

Friday, June 25, 2010 Roanoke Vineyards, Riverhead VIP Kickoff Reception. 7-10pm

The VIP Kickoff Reception will be your chance to taste Local flavors prepared by aMano Osteria & Wine Bar and over four dozen Local wines. This is an intimate opportunity to meet some of the celebrity chefs preparing remarkable cuisine at Sunday's Grand Tasting. By purchasing a ticket to the VIP Kickoff Reception on Friday, June 25, 2010 you will also be allowed entry to The Grand Tasting on Sunday, June 27, 2010. Please keep your ticket for The Grand Tasting.


Saturday June 26, 2010- Various North Fork Wineries
Separate wine & food events will be held at 10 area wineries and an Art Exhibit at will take place at Mitchell Park, Greenport LI



The Grand Tasting
Sunday, June 27, 2010, 2-6:00pm
Mitchell Park, Greenport LI

Join over 50 Local wineries and restaurants at The Grand Tasting in the beautiful Village of Greenport. Mitchell Park will be the setting for the culmination of the Long Island Wine and Food Festival. You will enjoy unique wine and food tastings in a scenic seaside setting. Take a minute to sniff, sip, and swirl or a moment to learn techniques from some of Long Island's greatest chefs.

For details and tickets visit the official event website:
http://www.longislandwineandfoodfestival.com

Wine review: Mattebella Vineyards

Wine Country International® Magazine
Wine Works-Wine Reviews
By Christopher J. Davies
Photo (C) Mattebella Vineyards


Mattebella Vineyards, North Fork, Long Island
Long Island newbie Mattebella stands out at any wine tasting with old-world handcrafted wines. You will enjoy an Italian twist on LI’s best growing Bordeaux varietals. Italian’s live to eat and these wines are made for enjoying with food. Miami super lawyer, turned vintner Mark Tobin kept the retail prices reasonable and affordable for any jury! www.mattebellavineyards.com

Mattebella Famiglia White Table Wine (NV) $13.95, 12.9%. Nice bright fruit, fresh mouth feel, clean Chablis style Chardonnay. Fresh green apple and subtle minerality. Enjoy with ultra fresh seafood and cream sauces. ****

Mattebella Famiglia Red Table Wine (NV) $13.95, 12.9%. Smooth and fruity. Soft tannins and food friendly. A delicious blend of LI’s two best growing red varietals Merlot and Cabernet Franc. ***

Mattebella 2005 Old World Blend $29.95, 12.9%. A well-balanced red blend, aged in French Oak. Hints of coffee and Ghirardelli chocolate make this wine ideal for pairing with lamb chops and chocolate mousse. ****

Long Island Wine Country, Long Island Wine, Wine Country International, Long Island Wine

Long Island Wine Industry Expands in Recession

Tasting at Clovis Point

Long Island Wine Industry Expands in Recession
I recently read a Newsday article today stating that the Long Island Wine Industry is struggling, yet I find that hard to believe after visiting Long Island last weekend. The wineries were clogged with people and the winery parking lots were full of cars, busses and limos. From what I could see, the wine industry on Long Island is expanding.











The proprietors of Macari Winery and Vineyards are currently enlarging their winery tasting room and decks. They have also purchased Galluccio Estate Vineyards in Cutchogue and have renovated that property and recently reopened the tasting room as Macari 2.




















Delicious New Macari Wine Releases
•2008 Macari Sauvignon Blanc,$22.95, bright with great citrus flavors, gives Marlborough NZ a run for the money. I predict this wine will sell-out soon.
•2008 Sauvignon Blanc One,$26.95 a wooded SB with little hints of fume.
•2008 Rose,$14.95 dry as a bone, made from a blend of 5 red varietals, serve this chilled on your patio with cheese or BBQ meat.
http://www.macariwines.com





Laurel Lake Vineyards in Laurel, expanded their deck by adding an additional level last season. They have just released a Sauvignon Blanc and a Gewurtstraminer for the first time. General Manager Juan Sepulveda plans to beautify the area in the middle of the estate by adding a pond and other landscaping upgrades.
http://www.llwines.com/


Jason's Vineyard in Jamesport was established years ago by Jason Damianos, the highly talented winemaker and enologist. Damianos oversees winemaking at his family's Pindar and Duckwalk vineyards. His award-winning wines have been sold through Pindar and Duckwalk, in addition to being available online.

If you pass his property in Jamesport, you will see a lot of construction underway with several buildings in the final stages of completion. His brother, Alex, tells me that Jason is planning to open his tasting room at the end of this month.

Jason's Vineyard
Main Rd
Jamesport, New York
Tel. 631 928-8486
http://www.jasonsvineyard.com


Clovis Point is conveniently located on the south side of Main Road in Jamesport. The winery operates out of a renovated historic barn with mahogany doors. The folks in the tasting room are quite friendly. Wines include a 2006 Chardonnay fermented in stainless steel at $16.50, a 2005 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay at$24.00, a 2004 Merlot at $21.00,and the2004 Vintners Select Merlot is a knockout at $35.00. Join the wine club for 20% discounts, free tastings and special activities.

Clovis Point
1935 Main Road
P.O. Box 669
Jamesport, NY 11947
Tel. 631-722-4222
http://www.clovispointwines.com


Coming Soon! One Woman Wines in Southold
While they have been growing grapes and making wine in Southold for a number of years, Claudia and Frank Purita will be opening a tasting room on Old North Road in Southold shortly. The Puritas, both successful chefs with strong followings, are retro-fitting a restored barn to be made into their tasting room. Their property is also suitable for large corporate events and functions. Wine releases include Chardonnay, Gewurtstraminer and Rose.

Visit: http://www.onewomanwines.com/
















Touring Long Island Safely
If you do not wish to take a self-guided tour by driving out to the East End, there are several professional tour providers at your service. It is important to note that while many limo companies have jumped on the Long Island Wine Country tour band wagon, that not all companies or tour groups are welcomed by every winery. To be frank, if you arrive drunk because you were given a bottle of whiskey for sipping along the way, you could be refused the opportunity to taste at some wineries.

Most Popular Tour Company:
Long Island Wine Tours
Locally managed, Long Island Wine Tours takes hundreds of people per weekend, and provides a hot casserole meal and a free refrigerator magnet keepsake.
http://www.Longislandwinetours.com

Famous signed wine barrels at Wolffer Estate, Sagaponack

Highest Quality Education-Focused Tour Company:
LongIslandWineCountry.com
This group offers one public tour monthly with an expert tour guide and departures from NYC, Nassau and Suffolk. They also specialize in corporate groups of 30 plus and provide an exclusive “Wine 101” course, boutique wineries and gourmet level food. Their Best of The Best event will prove that Long Island is a World-Class Wine Region...it is scheduled for September 25th. Their 8th Annual Harvest Fest on September 27th event is not to be missed. You get to pick grapes and take part in many wine related activities, enjoy great food & music.

http://www.longislandwinecountry.com/


Coming Soon! Wine Country International's Insider Guides

The current state of the economy is taking the bite out of everyone's wallet yet the last thing you want to do is stop drinking delicious wine. There are fortunately some great ways to taste smart. Wine Country International ® magazine is now developing a series of Insider's Guides to regional wine tasting. Each guide will include a comprehensive overview of what makes each winery unique and how much it will cost you to taste wine, attend unique wine events and obtain value-added benefits. Our Editors will also include their expert suggestions and wine reviews and will also present ways to save money and recoup a portion of your tasting costs when you make a purchase.

Touring and tasting can be a strenuous job. The Insider Guides will provide valuable tips for taking short cuts, using local roads, accessing other nearby attractions and finding where to eat and where to sleep.

The first WCI Insider Guide to Long Island Wine Country will be released on
September 1, 2009 as a downloadable PDF. Cost: $15

This valuable information will be designed to help you save time and get the best value for your wine-tasting buck!

With wine tasting fees now averaging $12 per winery, your investment should
pay for itself in your first visit.
For details visit www.winecountrynetwork.com