Lau AlexandraIn the last few years, Long Island’s osprey population has seen a resurgence. Visit either the north or south shore, and you’ll see platforms built specifically for ospreys to make their nests on. I’m fascinated by these sea hawks, and love getting the chance to see them in their nests. It doesn’t seem like the resurgence is going to die down any time soon either, as ospreys tend to return to the same place to nest year after year.
It’s fitting then that Osprey’s Dominion Vineyard in Peconic is named after this bird- it is a place that you want to keep returning to, not just for their wine, but also for their hospitality. When I visited a couple of weeks ago, I was impressed by how kind and genuine the staff was. In speaking with Peter, one of the managers at the vineyard, it’s clear that this attention to their guests is something that the team at Osprey’s prides itself on. They want to ensure a fun experience for all who visit and are very family-oriented- the winery itself was opened over thirty years ago by two families who still own it today. They allow guests to bring their own food, which is not often the case when visiting Long Island wineries. Picnics and pups are encouraged, live music plays on the weekends, and outside bar stations make getting a refill easy for those who want to sit outside and enjoy the grounds.
The day that I visited was cold and snowy, so I stayed inside the tasting room for my flight. Osprey’s allows guests to choose the specific wines that they want for their flights instead of having pre-made options, which I find so refreshing- I love being able to create my own flights to get a sampling of what a winery has to offer. And Osprey’s certainly offers a lot. Peter explained that they grow thirteen varietals, which is the most of any vineyard in the area. From those varietals, their winemaker and his assistant produce over forty styles of wine, of all different levels and tiers. Everything is grown and produced on-site- Osprey’s has three farms that comprise ninety acres, which allows for the production of so many different styles.
Though Osprey’s Dominion may be best known for their Dry Rosé or Cabernet Franc (a staple of Long Island’s North Fork wine region), one of their hidden gems is a Carmenere, which is a fruity red wine that is mainly produced in Chile. Peter said that their variety is exclusive to Osprey’s Dominion. He also mentioned their Bordeaux Blend Meritage “Flight” as another hidden gem, and a wine that is a “winemaker’s delight,” as it involves the blending of wines. The winemaker is able to leave his personal stamp on that wine, which is something that the Osprey’s team is very proud of.
Both the Carmenere and the Meritage “Flight” are on my list to try when I return to Osprey’s Dominion. My experience at this winery could not have been more pleasant, and I am looking forward to more of that hospitality (and more wine!) during my future visits. Stay tuned!
‘til next time,
Lau
