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