Long Island Wine Country Celebrates 50th Anniversary.
I began exploring Long Island’s wineries and vineyards in 2015. It has now been eight years since my first visit. Although I haven’t updated my most popular post, “Long Island Wine Trails,” I am still engaged and will find the time to do it soon. But for now, I’d like to share more in-depth how amazed I was by the celebrations of my home wine Country’s 50th anniversary.
Fabolous Fifty
First, at the perfectly orchestrated Trade and Media Event in Manhattan, New York, we toasted the 50th year of Long Island Wine Country in Temple Court Building, now located at the Beekman Hotel.
Even though I am a regular visitor to Long Island wine country, it was a joyous time to be surrounded in one place by many winemakers. I put a face into many of the wines I’ve been sharing and cherishing with family and friends for almost a decade. Such was the case for McCall Wines, Wolffer Wine, Roe Hill Vineyard, Croteaux Vineyards, and Chronicle Wines.
Last but not least, Saturday, August 19th, the Peconic Bay Vineyards in Cutchogue, NY, hosted a remarkable 50th anniversary Grand Tasting event. It showcased Long Island Wine Country’s warm hospitality and diverse wine selection. As I reconnected during the event with some colleagues I was sad to miss the media event before the Grand Tasting. The wonderful Wanda Mann directed hours prioir to the tasting a conversation about the future of Long Island Wne Country and media had the opportunity to taste library wines.
Long Island Wine Country’s 50th Anniversary Celebration at Peconic Bay Vineyards
I was happy to recognize many producers I have visited since I first started evangelizing about the region. Over thirty-five wineries featuring over 135 wines -including special releases and library vintages- were poured on the tasting Stations organized by styles and varietals.
Started the evening with some bubbles and Pet Nats. I also remembered their unique and restrained Whites, and continued by enjoying their aromatic reds and Cabernet Franc’s staples. To my surprise, I found about Pet Nats and Orange Wines I haven’t had before from the region. I had an exciting conversation about Gratitude Chronicle Pet Nat with Allie P. Hunter, a winemaker of Chronicle and Croteaux Vineyards. It’s a blend of different white grapes that produces a very aromatic wine with a distinctive natural feeling dancing on the palate.
Many wines and delicious food
There was many more wines that I could’ve tasted. More whites with maritime minerality, delicious bubbles, rare cellar treasures, and reds influenced by the unique Atlantic terroir. Without a doubt, Long Island’s wine and food culture is unparalleled in terms of its kindness and generosity. The Fresh and Baked Oysters dishes were a delight for my pescetarian palate. The garlic spinach, chipotle, Parmigiano aioli, and caviar were blended seamlessly, creating a burst of flavors that left me wanting more. It was indeed a culinary masterpiece that I wouldn’t soon forget. Caviar and more nibbles and libations, I was in heaven for some time!
The event was eclectic, vibrant, and historical, yet very modern, with on-point decor and delicious food pairings. It was beautiful to have everyone celebrating Long Island Wine Country and enjoying each other’s company. In the coming years, give yourself the gift to discover and enjoy Long Island Wine Country. Their wines are delicious, aromatic, crisp, and restrained.
My favorite Wines? Check them here on my other recap for Latinas Wine Club Inc.
Forging ahead with progress toward the future.
The Long Island Wine Country has experienced significant growth in popularity over the years. Thanks to its proximity to New York City, exceptional quality wines, and strong community spirit there’s a promising future. Give yourself the gift to discover and enjoy Long Island Wine Country’s delicious, aromatic, crisp, and restrained wines.
