LongIslandWineCountry

Top Tips Touring Long Island's Wine Country

2011-07-18T06:32:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-05-15T06:51:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-23T18:49:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-05T16:06:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-04T10:42:00.001-07:00

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

2009-08-02T14:39:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-25T17:46:00.000-07:00

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

Tribute to a Long Island Wine Veteran

2009-05-11T18:24:00.000-07:00

Tribute to a Long Island Wine Veteran- Ben Sisson
On Friday a virtual whose who of the Long Island wine industry, showed their support for the family of Ben Sisson, a talented Long Island grape grower who passed away unexpectedly in January. Approximately 200 guests attended a fundraiser at Bedell Cellars in Cutchogue.

The event & auction raised around $30,000 and guests enjoyed delicious appetizers created by of Wildthyme Restaurant & Bar of Noyak.
http://www.wildthymesouthampton.com/

There was a wide selection of delicious LI wines poured. Raphael, Bedell, Shinn Estate, Jamesport Vineyards and several newbie wineries contributed their wines.

While it had been raining earlier in the day, when the event began at 6:00 pm, the sun was shinning. Richard Olsen-Harbich, Winemaker and General Manager at Raphael, and longtime friend of the Sisson's reminded us that today was "Bud Break" in the Long Island Vineyards, a time that always made Benjamin Sisson smile.

For more info on the fundraising efforts please visit:
www.friendsofsissonfamily.org

Live life for today, for tomorrow may never come!

Christopher Davies

Long Island's Chilean Wine Connection

2009-03-28T17:50:00.000-07:00

Long Island's Chilean Wine Connection
If you visit Laurel Lake Vineyards in the postage stamp sized hamlet of Laurel, you will discover a very unique Long Island winery, Laurel Lake Vineyards. The folks are friendly and accommodating. Their winery is modern and has one of the best outdoor decks for entertaining on the Island. But most noticeably, is that the wines are made in a different style from most of their neighbors. The winery is owned by several Chilean investors with thick roots back in the Chile's wine country.

Several weeks ago Darcy and I had the pleasure of visiting Gillmore Estate in San Javier, Chile. Francisco Gillmore, a yeast manufacturer/vintner and his daughter Daniella are major shareholders of Laurel Lake Vineyards. Their Chilean wine estate is located 3.5 hours south of Santiago in the Maule Valley.

Daniella and Francisco Gillmore

Gillmore Estate is well worth a visit as they have a beautiful 15 room. wine themed hotel with restaurant and nature preserve/mini zoo on 500 hectareas, which is approximately 1000 acres.

When you arrive in your hotel lobby you will discover a 15 foot cement wine bottle in the center of the lobby. Our room overlooked the pool and pond. There was a wood fired hot tub, in wine barrel and miniature golf course nearby.

The Gillmore's have dedicated a portion of their property to help preserve Chile's indigenous wildlife. You will find parrots, geese and mountain lions in cages on the property. Approximately 10% of the property is planted with grapevines.

You can stay in a double room with breakfast and guided tour for $200 per night, considering the exclusive location and privacy it is well worth the cost. They also offer a winemakers crash course program, which is 5 days learning how to make wine, for groups up from 6 people.

The food is delicious and compliments their delicious wines that consist primarily of reds, Rose, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc and Carmenere.

Spa treatments include a wine bath, skin bath, massages (drain,
relax, exfoliating) priced from US$70 to US$100

Gillmore Estate is open from August to April every year. Keep in mind that the seasons are the reverse of the US. For details visit their website: http://www.gillmore.cl/

Recipe's from Top Chef Hosea Rosenberg

2009-03-01T08:49:00.000-08:00

Top Chef Season 5 had it's finale last Wednesday.I am proud to say that my friend Chef Hosea Rosenberg brought home the bacon!

Before he made it to Top Chef Season 5 fame, Chef Hosea Rosenberg of Jax Fishouse in Boulder, was a two time "Best Chef" at the Denver International Wine Festival. In 2007, Chef Rosenberg won the Taste of Elegance Chef's Food and Wine Competition.

As the producer/owner of the Denver International Wine Festival, it made me very proud to see Hosea do his magic. And ironically his winning dishes, were very similar to the dishes he created for the 2007 Denver International Wine Festival.

Here are the recipe's for his winning DIWF dishes:

Thai Marinated Scallops with Trout Roe and Pineapple Syrup (serves 4)
4, large, fresh scallops (about 2oz each)
2 oz lime juice
2 oz orange juice
1 large knob ginger
1 stalk lemongrass
4 oz coconut milk
2 oz rice wine
2 C fresh pineapple juice
½ jalapeno, seeded
1 T corn starch
1 oz trout roe
Salt
1 large English cucumber, sliced into think disks

Slice scallops into thin disks. Chop ginger into very small pieces and then squeeze with kitchen towel to extract juices. Combine ginger juice, lime juice, orange juice, lemongrass, coconut milk, rice wine and a little salt. Pour marinade over sliced scallops and set in refrigerator for 3 hours. While scallops are marinating, put pineapple juice in blender with jalapeno and puree. Add juice to a small saucepan and bring to boil. Reduce by ¾. Whisk in cornstarch and strain. To serve, lay cucumber slices on plate. Lay scallops on cucumber and top with caviar. Drizzle a little pineapple syrup over top and serve cold.

Wine Pairing: Brassfield Estate Winery, Serenity 2006, High Valley, CA

Venison Tenderloin with Celery Root, King Oyster Mushrooms, Foie Gras and Huckleberry Demi
(serves 4)

4, 6oz medallions of venison tenderloin
1 large celery root, peeled and chopped
1 large Yukon, peeled and chopped
2 cloves roasted garlic
4 oz butter
4 oz cream
½ # king oyster mushrooms
1 T chopped garlic
1 T chopped shallots
1 T chopped fresh herbs (thyme, parsley, oregano)
4 oz foie gras, cut into 4 equal portions
8 oz demi glace
4 T fresh huckleberries
Salt and pepper

Season venison with salt and pepper and grill to desired temperature. Boil potatoes and celery root together until soft. Mill mixture and add roast garlic, cream and half the butter. Season with salt. Slice the mushrooms and place in very hot pan with remaining butter, shallots, garlic and herbs. Season with salt and pepper. Season foie gras with salt and pepper and sear in very hot pan until just browned on each side. Puree half of the huckleberries and add to demi. To serve, place a mound of celery root puree in center of plate. Slice venison and fan over half of the puree. Place pile of mushrooms next to venison. Pour demi around plate and garnish with remaining huckleberries.

Wine Pairing: Galante Vineyards, Red Rose Hill, Cabernet Sauvignon 2003, Carmel Valley, CA

Valentine's weekend was delicious!

2009-02-19T10:42:00.000-08:00

Chef Sabo, Director of Wine, Thierry Pradines & Raphael Winemaker Richard-Olsen Harbich

On Friday the 13th, I had the pleasure of attending an exclusive wine dinner at The Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art, featuring Raphael wines.

When I arrived I was escorted through the Museum by the lovely Erica Giering, Marketing Manager for Restaurant Associates (her company manages the dining at the Met), passing by statues and works of art. The Trustees Dining Room was located on the 4Th Floor. On the way, I was shown the Met's Petrie Court Cafe and Wine Bar. I am hoping to visit again soon as the menus and wine lists look spectacular. Check out the Met's delicious dining options: http://www.metmuseum.org/visit/dining/

The dinner was held in the Trustees Dining Room. A cocktail reception was held in an adjoining library lounge. Guests were treated to Raphael Sauvignon Blanc & hors d'oeuvres while Winemaker Richard-Olsen Harbich shared conversation with us.

When dinner was ready we were led into the private Trustees Dining Room. This room was small and included a full glass wall and ceiling which in the daytime, I guess has a beautiful view of Central Park.

Chef Fred Sabo created a delicious menu, paired perfectly with Raphael's wines.

Appetizer

Butter Poached Main Lobster
Raphael 2007 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay

Second Course
Pan Roasted Long Island Duck
Raphael 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon

(This seemed out if order, but Winemaker Richard-Olson Harbich explained that since Merlot ripens better than Cabernet Sauvignon on Long Island, that LI Merlot's are more powerful. After tasting the next course, I agreed.)

Main Course

Braised Short Ribs
Raphael Merlot First Label 2001 Raphael Merlot First Label 2005

No knife required...the beef melted off the bone. Both wines were great pairs. My favorite was the 2005 which is a brighter more tannic wine than its older brother. This was an example of vintage differences influenced by 4 more years of vine age and combined with more favorable weather.

Dessert

Chocolate Trio Raphael Vintage Port 2005

This was awesome. I did not know about Raphael's vintage port. Richard said that only 50 cases were produced...just about enough for the Petrocelli family I presume.

The restaurants at the Met are managed by Restaurant Associates. Their Director of Wine, Thierry Pradines was in attendance and commend Richard for being the author of Long Island's three AVA's (Official American Viticultural Area's...North Fork of Long Island, The Hamptons and Long Island).

As I sipped my wines it was easy to remember Raphael's Ex-Vineyard Manager Benjamin Sisson, a gentle seasoned professional that grew the grapes used to make these wines. Sadly Ben passed away in January unexpectedly at the ripe young age of 49. Richard and I mentioned this to the guests and we all gave a toast to Ben. He will be sorely missed.

Raphael has come a long way since the project started 12 years ago. I strongly recommend that anyone visit their magnificent wine estate and taste their wines.

Website: http://www.raphaelwine.com/

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 14, 2009- "WINE LOVERS TOUR"

Now back to work...the real reason I was in town was to host a sold-out tour to Long Island wineries. The theme was valentine's day...so Steve the Motor Coach Driver and I were the only ones on the bus without a date! It was 56 guests/ 28 couples from as far away as Atlanta all with a common love for wine and food.

We picked up guests at The Soho Grand Hotel, Grand Central Station, Hicksville and Commack. Along the way we showed the movie "No Reservations" which is a romantic glimpse at the pressures of the restaurant business.

When we arrived on the North Fork I was pleased that the weather was unusually warmer than normal for a February. Guests were receptive and eager to learn about the region and wine in general. After a spin through the Macari estate, we headed straight to Duck Walk Vineyards North. Their mammoth new tasting bar was just large enough to fit our group around for their tastings. The wines were delicious and reasonable in cost. A Duck Walk exclusive, Blueberry Port was a big hit with the group.

Co-Owner Alexander Damianos made an effort to greet everyone and offered a special discount. The attendees all took advantage and purchased quite a good amount. Our only problem was Duck Walk sales system was slower than I would have liked. As a result we were 30 minutes late to our lunch.

For this tour I selected a new restaurant, Amano Osteria & Wine Bar in Mattituck. It has been created by Adam Lovett and LI Super Chef Tom Schaudel. They closed the restaurant especially to accommodate our group.

Staff was efficient and the food was delicious and supplied in mega portions. Appetizers were super sized and could have been called Entrees!

First Course
Meatballs/Ricotta/Tomato/Basil Or Steamed P.E.I. Mussels/Tomato/Tarragon/Vermouth

Second Course
Orrechiette/Spicy Veal Sausage/Tomato/Pecorino
Or
Grilled Chicken Salad/Roasted Peppers/Mushrooms/Tomatoes
Or
Roasted Tomato Risotto/Pecorino/Basil

Dolci
Olive Oil-Almond Cake
Or
Gelati/Sorbetti

Orrechiette/Spicy Veal Sausage/Tomato/Pecorino

Local wines were also offered by the glass. I tried a Borgesse 2007 Sauvignon Blanc that reminded me of a citrusy Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.

Everyone seemed to like their lunch, so I will plan to bring tours back to Amano again this year. My only suggestion would be to decrease the portion sizes.

Amano is opened for lunch and dinner. It is conveniently close to many popular wineries. Website: http://www.amanorestaurant.com/

Our second winery visited was Macari Vineyards. Our tour was now running 45 minutes behind schedule and Macari's parking lot was clogged with busses and limos. Their tasting room was completely packed and their deck which we normally use in such situations, was ripped out and under construction.

Luckily my dear friend Alexandra Macari offered that we do our tasting in their winery tank room. That was slightly awkward standing around the tanks but the guests liked the wines. We tasted some delicious new Macari wines including:

Chardonnay Estate 2007, $18.99
Stainless steel fermented, this soft wine is filled with flavors of white stone fruit, such as white cherries and peaches. With a soft, creamy quality and a lush sensation of tropical fruits, this wine is a perfect balance of fruit and acidity. It's refreshing, yet satisfying with a long lingering finish.
Chardonnay Reserve 2007, $22.99
Pale yellow in color, this brilliant and clear Chardonnay arouses the palate with beguiling aromas of tropical fruit touched with vanilla and buttered honey toast. Aged in French oak for 12 months brought about a tantalizing Chardonnay filled with flavors of toasted almonds and tropical fruits. A lush smoky quality balanced with acidity leads to a satiating mouth feel and a long velvety, satisfying

Sette, $14.99
This wine is a blend of 50% Merlot & 50% Cabernet Franc. With an enticing aroma of spice and a palate of balanced fruit, such as cherry and dried fruits, and just a touch of black olive. Medium bodied with a finish of soft, balanced yet gripping tannins, nutmeg, spice & pepper. Aged 18 months in neutral and medium oak barrels.

Bergen Road 2004 (Meritage) $42.99
This wine is a blend of 42% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Malbec and 5% Petit Verdot. Hints of nutmeg and pepper emit aromas of wild berries cherries and plums laced with sweetness of vanilla bean. Mild, soft tannins grip the palate, intensifying into a big, juicy burst of red fruits with a luscious velvety finish.

Block E Chardonnay 2005 (Dessert Wine) $39.99
This beautiful dessert wine, crafted in the ice-wine style, exhibits deep aromas of cantaloupe and tropical fruits. The palate is saturated in a velvety mouth feel filled with the lushness of apricot and a touch of sweet apple, leading to a long, lingering finish reminiscent of pure, wild thyme honey.

Joseph Macari, JR , The winery President and a long time friend peaked into the cellar to say hello and to contribute two special bonus bottles of Alexandra for our guests to taste. I explained to the group that while this wine was the best we would taste on today's tour, that it was a shame that the bottles had not been opened for a few hours to let the wine open to it's full potential. Needless to say, we all enjoyed the special treat!

Alexandra 2004, $80.00
Made only from the finest grapes from an outstanding harvest, Alexandra, in its second vintage, is a beautifully crafted blend of 57% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 8% Petit Verdot and 4% Malbec. This wine exhibits grace and finesse with a velvety texture and a long lush finish.

Website: http://www.macariwines.com

After guests made their purchases, we headed to our last and finally winery, Laurel Lake Vineyards.

Laurel Lake's owner and winemaker, Juan Esteban Sepulveda was waiting for our arrival. We were all treated to a taste of Chardonnay in his wine cellar. The group was split in half. I stayed in the tank room and helped Assistant Winemaker Jose pour the tasting. Juan led the others to his barrel cellar for an exclusive barrel tasting.

Juan is a fantastic educator. His extensive winemaking background goes back to his native Chile where he has developed an awesome palate.

Website: http://www.llwines.com/

Guests were also treated to a cheese tasting in the tank room and live music in the tasting room. While we never fully regained our time schedule I believe everyone was more focused on sharing the love!

On the return, we resumed the movie to finish with a happy ending. I got off the coach in Hicksville and headed on The Long Island Rail Road to JFK. My flight was on Jet Blue. Their new Terminal 5 is located in the historic TWA building.This terminal is awesome with free WI FI and 22 restaurants. I had more than enough time to dine at Piquillo — The first Spanish tapas restaurant in a U.S. Airport. The tapas were just like ones I have had in Barcelona. I sipped a Spanish Rose and tasted these small dishes.

Gambas: Grilled head on shrimp with olive oil and sea salt

Chorizo frito al vino tinto: Sauteed spicy sausage rounds finished
with red wine.

View of T5 from Piquillo restaurant

My next Long Island Wine Country.COM VIP Public Tour is Scheduled for April 25, 2009. We are offering Grape Crushing Savings on this one.

Check it out: http://www.longislandwinecountry.com/crushsavings.html

Story and photos (C) 2009 by Christopher J Davies

LI Wines Shine Big in Wine Report 2009

2009-01-29T07:58:00.000-08:00

I was excited to receive the newest copy of Tom Stevenson’s Wine Report. In reviewing this book below, I was elated that Long Island wines received notable praise! Considering that the North Atlantic region consists of New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania, Long Island wines rated extremely high.

The 100 Most Exciting Wines-Global
This is a list of the author’s favorite wines all over the world. Two LI wines made the list.

•Bedell 2005 Reserve Merlot, North Fork Long Island $48
•Channing Daughters 2006 Sauvignon, Hamptons $24

Atlantic Northeast Region Best Vintages
Keep this in mind when ordering wine at a restaurant.
•2005 Vintage Rating: Red 92, White 90
•2002 Vintage Rating: Red 90, White 94

Greatest Wine Producers Top Ten List-North East (40% LI)
•Wolffer #2
•Bedell #3
•Lenz #4
•Paumanok #5

Greatest-Quality Wines Top Ten List For North East (50%)
#1-Grapes of Roth, 2002 Merlot (Roman Roth, winemaker at Wolffer)
#2-Bedell, 2005 Reserve Merlot
#3-Wolffer, 2003 Estate Selection Merlot
#4-Lenz, 2001 “Old Vines” Cabernet Sauvignon
#5-Paumanok, 2005 “Assemblage” Bordeaux-Style Blend

Long Island wines did not make the Best-Value Producers List. That was not surprising, as the region does not produce enough volume of wine to compete on price.

Wine Report 2009
Author: Tom Stevenson
Rating: Excellent
Publisher: DK Books
Format: Soft Cover, 432 pages
Price: $15.00
Web Page: http://us.dk.com
ISBN 9780756639839

Tom Stevenson is one of the world’s most respected wine authors. He is best known for overseeing the Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopedia. His latest version of the Wine Report provides aficionados with valuable inside information about all of the world’s significant wine regions. Stevenson has assembled an impressive group of regional experts who feed him updates on vintage quality, best value producers, up and comers, most exciting or unusual finds.

Each addition of the Wine Report is reborn with fresh information, regional news and developments through its “grapevine” category. Stevenson provides the reader with just enough information to high spot through a tasting of unfamiliar wines. Are you planning to travel to Israel for the first time? Here’s your solution to prevent looking like a neophyte when the waiter hands you the wine list. This book is small enough to fit in your jacket. You can secretly look up top producers, indigenous grape varietals and best vintages. Then order a bottle of Golan Heights 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon, without looking stupid!

Happy 36th Birthday Long Island Wine Country!

2009-01-23T08:09:00.000-08:00

Famous signed barrels at Wolffer Estate

Laurel Lake Vineyards

Happy 36th Birthday Long Island Wine Country!

By Christopher J. Davies
Editor & Co-Founder
Wine Country International® magazine

Long Island Wine Country is now 36 years old, which in winespeak, makes it a
teenager in the world of wine. Touring Long Island Wine Country from New York City is relatively easily arranged. The region is just 90 miles east of Manhattan, which is about the same distance as San Francisco to Sonoma! So why travel to California, when you have a world class wine region in New York?

The region will always be considered boutique, because all combined Long Island Vineyards add up to just 3,000 acres of planted grapevines (One acre of land is home to between 900 and 1,300 vines). World-Famous Napa Valley, which produces just 4% of all California wine, has 45,275 acres planted in vineyards! With that said, Long Island Wine Country has a micro-climate that is almost an exact replica of Bordeaux, one of the most important wine producing regions in the world!

Long Island Wine Country (North Fork & Hamptons) is more like Bordeaux than any other place in America. That my wine loving friends is a VERY GOOD thing. If you like traditional Bordeaux varietal's like Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Petit Verdot...these are the grapes that ripen extremely well in the region.

To make great wine, you need great grapes. Long Island vintners and grape growers have spent millions to figure out how to grow the best grapes. Several vintners have even hired Michelle Rolland, the legendary "Flying Winemaker" from France to help guide them. Joseph Macari, Jr., President & Co-Owner of Macari Vineyards and Winery, has invested lots into organic grape growing techniques. For several years, Macari has retained Alan York, a biodynamic guru, who has worked with Benziger Family Winery and Fetzer in California. Having tasted Macari's wines lately, the results of this investment in the vineyards is noticeable in the glass.

On the South Fork or Hamptons, the late great Christian Wolffer's, Wolffer Estate Vineyard, Sagaponack, Long Island, has set the bar for Long Island's reputation for quality in the ultra-premium, luxury wine category, with it's Premier Cru Merlot($100 bottle). While all that knew him, were deeply saddened to learn of his death on New Years Eve 2008, as a result of a swimming accident, we are relieved that his family has vowed to continue his wine legacy.
Website: http://www.wolffer.com

Winemaking is a combination of science, art and good luck. The first two elements set the individual style of the winery. The third "good luck" applies to weather. Weather is the wild card for every vintner. Long Island is especially susceptible to wet weather conditions. Water, believe it or not, does not help the grapes grow better or bigger. They need very little irrigation and thrive on being stressed (having little water).

The 2007 Long Island grape harvest was by most accounts, the best harvest of this decade. Some vintners have reported a double digit increase in grape yields or tons of grapes harvest. The weather conditions last summer were hot and dry with cool nights. In comparison, 2006 was a much rainier, humid season. Many vintners lost a good percentage of their white grapes in 2006.And the 2008 harvest yield was full of conflicts and lower yields.

I am looking forward to tasting the wines from the 2007 vintage to see/taste for myself. The 2007 whites were released last summer. In general terms, I find these wines to be crisp and fruit forward.

Reds from 2007 will be aged mostly in expensive French Oak barrels for two to three years.So expect to start seeing them released in 2010.

Happy 36th birthday Long Island Wine Country.
I raise my glass to your promising future!