For any fan of the “Peanuts” comic strip, these words should be instantly recognizable. Snoopy, trying to write the next great American novel, either can’t seem to get past those seven words, or can’t quite seem to ever finish his story.
I can relate. At times, words can flow so easily, yet there are moments when we want- no, need- them to spill out, and…nothing.
I’ve been facing a bad case of writer’s block for years now. In high school and college I was full of story plots and article ideas that I’d put to paper as soon as they came to mind (often during class; oh the irony of now being a teacher and needing to keep my students focused). I was convinced I’d be published before I turned thirty.
But then, the real world hit. And along with that? So. Many. Distractions. A career, social obligations, more responsibilities, Netflix…
Writing fell by the wayside, despite the nagging feeling I’d continuously get, begging me to write in my free time.
“But I’m tired!” I’d tell that feeling. Or, “I want to go out, I’ll write tomorrow- for real this time!!”
And yet, it still wouldn’t happen.
I’m finally ready to get back on the literary horse, so to speak, and am using this month’s Gratitude Challenge, presented by Dani DiPirro (check out her Insta, @positivelypresent to learn more about the challenge) to get me writing. Every day, I’ll blog about the prompt that she presents. I can’t guarantee literary masterpieces (ha!), but I can at least promise myself that I’m taking a step in the right direction.
It’s fitting that the first gratitude prompt of 2021, then, is “words”. The very things that I need to help me accomplish my dream of being a published author one day seem to be the very things that elude me when I need them most. But I’m grateful for the right words, when they come along- and the wrong ones, that can be learned from.
Charlie Brown, through the literary genius of the late Charles Schulz, once philosophized, “In the book of life, the answers are not in the back.” More often than not, we need to figure out answers on our own, and create satisfactory endings for ourselves. Good breaks usually don’t fall right into our laps. I’m not going to get published by laying in bed, eating Wheat Thins (so simple and so good), and binging Netflix in my free time (but really, is anyone else eagerly awaiting the release date of Outer Banks Season 3? What are they waiting for?!).
I have to use my words. Challenge accepted.
What’s a challenge that you’re trying to get over this month? Feel free to share it with me here, or on my Insta: @teach.explore.repeat
In 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.
Guests can choose from an extensive wine list to create their own flight
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!
When I visited Lieb Cellars last weekend, the chalkboard behind the bar had a winter scene drawn on it with the following quote: “There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind.”
I’m trying to embody that quote as I get back to visiting wineries, determined to continue Drink.Explore.Repeat in this bizarre time that we’ll hopefully soon be leaving behind. Though it’s cold and sitting outside isn’t always an option depending on the winery, there is something refreshing about Long Island Wine Country in the winter. The throngs of people and the traffic that backs up on the one-lane roads once Memorial Day hits are virtually non-existent. The vibe on the North Fork just seems more relaxed- more of a locals-only feel, which I tend to gravitate towards (yes, I realize I’m not technically a North Fork local).
Visiting the tasting area at Lieb Cellars presents a unique dichotomy. On the one hand, it feels like stepping back in time, as if I were invited to an intimate mid-century gathering. Classic music from artists such as Ella Fitzgerald plays softly, allowing guests to relax, imbibe, and listen, while still being able to carry on a conversation. The two rooms that comprise the tasting area are lit with golden-hued lights, casting a warm glow throughout.
Classic meets modern at Lieb Cellars
However, there is also a very modern feel within the tasting rooms. The warm lights are enclosed in black industrial cages. The metal bar and black ceiling are corrugated, and, combined with red-bordered glass doors that distinguish one tasting room from the other, further the industrial look. It’s a nice contrast to the classic aspects; the two pair well together and create an inviting space.
The tasting rooms opened recently- in 2012- but the vineyard itself was purchased in 1992 by Mark Lieb. The Lieb Wine Club manager, Christie, told me that the initial purchase was fourteen acres of Pinot Blanc, which is Lieb’s flagship wine. Currently, Lieb Cellars has ninety-four acres of Pinot Blanc spread over five vineyards, which comprises the most continuous acreage of the grape in the entire United States!
It is with good reason that Pinot Blanc is the wine most representative of Lieb Cellars. Winemaker Russell, who has been working with Lieb since their first label was made in 1993, lets the grape show through in his winemaking process. The result is a beverage that allows the fruit to speak for itself. This method is applied to the other wines that he makes as well, with sustainable, pure tastes as the end goal.
Lieb’s tasting flight was presented beautifully, with pre-labeled terracotta dishes
I can say with confidence that under Russell’s guidance, Lieb Cellars is meeting that goal. Knowing that Pinot Blanc is their flagship wine, I opted for a white wine tasting during my visit. It included their Estate Sparkling Pinot Blanc, their Estate Pinot Blanc, their unoaked Bridge Lane Chardonnay, and their oaked Estate Chardonnay, all served on a pre-labeled terracotta dish- those little details made the tasting at Lieb stand out from other tastings. The Pinot Blanc was my favorite of the four, with the Sparkling Pinot coming in at a close second. Christie also said that, though the Pinot is what Lieb is most well-known for, the sparkling wine should not be overlooked. For those who enjoy red wines, she mentioned Lieb’s Cabernet Franc. It’s a grape that grows well on Long Island, and every year it produces a solid red.
All of the grapes that Russell uses in his winemaking for Lieb Cellars are estate-grown. The grapes grown for their sister label, Bridge Lane Wine, are all New York-based, though they are not necessarily estate-grown. This is due to the wider variety of formats that Bridge Lane’s wine comes in- besides bottles, they also offer cans, boxes, and kegs (wine kegger at my place as soon as this pandemic is over). As a result, many more grapes are needed to produce the volume of product that Bridge Lane offers. I was impressed that they still managed to stay within New York to meet these needs- the notion of supporting and sustaining local continues to be reflected throughout their operations.
As I left Lieb after a relaxing visit, the snow of what would become a pretty major Nor’easter was beginning to fall. Driving home, I thought again of the quote on the tasting room chalkboard: “There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” With that in mind, here’s to the wintertime continuation of Drink.Explore.Repeat- it’s been too long. Cheers!
If you’re looking for a vineyard that encompasses the meaning of “family owned and operated”, look no further than Pugliese Vineyards in Cutchogue. It is truly a family operation, and the pride that the Pugliese family puts into maintaining a charming atmosphere is evident from the moment one walks onto the property.
Pugliese Vineyards: American classic meets Italian rustic
Upon parking, we were greeted by a bright red, vintage American Gasoline pump, which stands out amongst the rest of the natural grounds. Though it doesn’t seem like it would fit with the vineyard’s atmosphere, it somehow works, and adds to the charm of the location.
The outdoor tasting area, where my mom and I enjoyed a flight, is just beyond the gas pump. This is currently my favorite outdoor area of all the wineries that I’ve been to so far: a pergola wrapped with grape vines allows guests to feel as if they are in a small village in Italy, rather than on the North Fork of Long Island. A lake, complete with fountain and koi fish, is nearby, and guests are welcome to take their drinks and sit by the lake to take in the views.
Koi fish swim lazily in the lake at Pugliese Vineyards
Though the indoor tasting room was closed, I was able to stop inside the gift shop where Pat Pugliese, the owner, was making and personalizing a wine basket for a recently-engaged couple. Mrs. Pugliese personalizes the vineyard’s bottles and glasses herself. She and her husband opened the current winery in 1993, though they had already been in operation for thirteen years prior to that. Today, the vineyard encompasses 45 acres, and all of the vineyard’s wines are grown, produced, and bottled on-site.
As the Puglieses’ four children grew older, they also became involved in the family business. Their son, Peter, is the current winemaker; son Ralph is the property’s photographer. Son Lawrence is the vineyard manager, and their daughter, Domenica, manages the winery.
The tasting at Pugliese featured a variety of wine samples
This family endeavor shows no signs of slowing down. When I asked one of the members of the family about the wines they are best known for, she paused at first. There is such a large variety available, that she had a difficult time choosing just one. Her recommendations: for sparkling wines, the Brut; for whites, the Chardonnay Gold; for reds, the Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, and for dessert, the Late Harvest Riesling. Those were the same wines that I sampled in my tasting, and as a fan of sparkling wine, I really enjoyed their Brut.
The members of the Pugliese family who were on site the day that I visited were warm and cordial. Though they were busy, their passion for the craft was clear that day- it’s the kind of genuine passion in a business that makes you want to return again someday soon.
History and sustainability are two words that don’t always go hand-in-hand, but a visit to Bedell Cellars in Cutchogue proves that they can function harmoniously. One of Long Island’s oldest wineries, Bedell is entrenched in local history, which is something that I love learning about and have a deep appreciation for. However, I’m also a firm believer in doing what we can to protect our environmental future- happily, Bedell’s methods of winemaking, though locally rooted, ensure an environmentally friendly, sustainable approach. Bedell Winemaker Rich Olsen-Harbich has been making wine for almost forty years, and was kind enough to share some information with me about this beautiful North Fork vineyard.
Bedell Cellars was founded in 1979 by Kip and Susan Bedell, who purchased the fifty-acre farm that currently houses the Tasting Room and surrounding grounds. The Tasting Room itself speaks to its Long Island roots- it was a former potato barn that dates back to 1919, when potato and duck farms reigned supreme on Long Island’s East End.
Bedell’s historical Tasting Room is framed by beautifully manicured gardens
In total, Bedell’s grounds encompass seventy-five acres, with grapes being planted and harvested over a span of three farms. In the year 2000, former New Line Cinema CEO Michael Lynne purchased the winery along with his wife, Ninah. That next year, the Tasting Room was renovated, but the Lynne family made sure to keep its historical architecture as an homage to its Long Island roots. Though the indoor Tasting Room was closed at the time of my visit in August, the expansive outdoor seating area provided a breezy, comfortable spot to sit and enjoy a tasting on an extremely hot summer day.
The tasting room provided a break from the sun, but did not sacrifice on vineyard views
Mr. Lynne’s passion for not only wine, but also contemporary art, is evident while walking around Bedell. Mr. Olsen-Harbich explained that some of Mr. Lynne’s impressive personal art collection is displayed throughout the Tasting Room and grounds. The Lynnes even had original artwork commissioned when creating some of the labels on Bedell’s wine bottles. Though Mr. Lynne passed away last year, Mrs. Lynne has continued the legacy that the couple began two decades ago.
According to Mr. Olsen-Harbich, all of Bedell’s wines are “grown, made, bottled and stored here.” They do not purchase fruit from any outside vendors to produce their wine, and all of their fruit is certified sustainable through the Long Island Sustainable Winegrowing Organization. Their grapes are all harvested by hand, as well. Mr. Olsen-Harbich makes true Long Island terroir wine: to taste it is to truly taste a North Fork, Long Island wine. Part of this experience involves the yeast used in the winemaking process: Mr. Olsen-Harbich only uses wild, indigenous yeasts in his winemaking. Bedell is the only winery in the area to do this, which provides for an extremely authentic Long Island wine tasting experience.
When I asked Mr. Olsen-Harbich if there was a particular wine that they were best known for, he replied, “probably our best-known wine is our Musée, which is a red blend that reflects the best of the vintage.” American lifestyle magazine Wine Spectator described the Musée as the “grand vin of New York.” Red wine lovers will certainly like it, and even those who tend to go for whites (like yours truly) will find the blend in the Musée enjoyable.
Bedell’s Long Island winemaking roots are also strong in part because of their CEO, Trent Preszler. Mr. Preszler is actively involved in both the development and the marketing of the Long Island Wine District, and he holds a PhD from Cornell University in viticulture- the cultivation and harvesting of grapes. Mr. Preszler is the first person in Long Island winemaking to hold such a distinction, and there is no doubt that this expertise has contributed to the continued success that Bedell has seen.
Bedell continues its long-standing traditions with its cellar crew. It was the first winery in the east to have an all-female cellar crew, and the vineyard continues that practice to this day. Keeping to important traditions, while also being adaptable enough to practice current, sustainable winemaking practices has been a recipe for success at Bedell Cellars. It’s a winery that Long Islanders should be proud to include as a part of their East End heritage.
Pandemic or not, visit a Long Island winery on a beautiful summer Saturday, and it will be crowded. The wineries are a favorite pastime of Long Island and New York City residents, and “going out East” for the weekend- particularly from Memorial Day to Labor Day- has basically become ingrained in our culture. As a result, I’ve been doing most of my Drink.Explore.Repeat winery visits on weekdays, hoping that this will give me a better chance to be able to spend some time conducting interviews and not taking a manager or staff member away from their job responsibilities.
However, one recent Saturday I happened to be out East with some friends, and we had a few hours before our dinner reservations. Naturally, what did we decide to do? Why, we stopped at a winery, of course! I had been to Palmer Vineyards in Riverhead once before, but it had been a few years since that visit, so I was excited to go back.
Just as expected on a blazing hot, sunny summer day, the winery was packed. With the tasting room closed due to social distancing, all outdoor tables with umbrellas, as well as seating under the covered patio was at a premium. By some miracle, we happened to snag a patio table from a couple that was just standing up to leave- prime real estate (though I worry I may have scared them as I bounded over to the table upon seeing them get up; my apologies if you’re reading this).
The coveted patio: perfect for a blazing hot day!
As hours passed and we chatted and drank our wine, I began to worry that I would not have the opportunity to speak with Patrick, the manager. Our waiter had given him notice that I had a few questions to ask, but for hours all staff hands were on deck, attending to guests and preparing bottles. They remained attentive, but it was clear that they were extremely busy, so we continued to enjoy the bottle of Albariño that was recommended to us.
Crisp and refreshing; my go-to from now on when I visit Palmer
Luck must have been on my side this day, because as the afternoon wound down and we were getting ready to leave, Patrick kindly took advantage of some rare downtime to speak with me about Palmer Vineyards. The vineyard itself was opened in 1983 by the Palmer family, though they sold it to the current owners, the Massoud family in 2018. When the Massouds purchased the vineyard, Palmer became the sister winery to Paumanok, another Massoud-owned winery in Aquebogue.
One of the most intriguing facts about Palmer lies in the grapes that they produce. They were the first vineyard on Long Island to grow the Albariño grape, which is a native varietal to Spain and does not grow easily on North Fork soil. However, the previous winemaker employed with Palmer was from Spain, and took a chance on growing the Albariño grape. The risk paid off, as Palmer’s Albariño continues to be the wine that they are best known for. And now, I must confess: though I had been to Palmer years ago, I had never heard of Albariño before this visit (I was clearly not as attentive in my twenties; one of the perks to being a thirty-something, I suppose!). I can now appreciate and understand why it’s so popular. It is a crisp white wine, which was refreshing, and perfect to drink on the sweltering day that we visited.
In addition to their Albariño, Palmer prides itself on successfully growing other varietals that are either challenging to sustain in the area, or that are not as common on Long Island wineries. Their Pinot Blanc is another popular wine that comes from a grape that often has difficulty growing in the region. The twenty or so varietals that are grown on Palmer’s 43 sustainable acres encompass a wide tasting portfolio, so there is a strong likelihood that all wine drinkers will find something to enjoy on their menu.
One of the things I love most about the Drink.Explore.Repeat project is getting to immerse myself in the unique atmosphere of each winery that I visit. I’ll be honest: when I first started this in the beginning of the summer, I assumed that over time the wineries would all blend together. However, as I visit more, I’m noticing that the opposite is happening. Yes, they all serve wine and most have rows of beautiful, sprawling grape vines. However, that’s where the commonalities end. Each winery truly has its own distinct feel and setting, and the more places I visit, the more I am noticing and enjoying those differences. Walking up to Palmer, the first view that greets is a wooden, steepled tasting room that provides a charming, rustic introduction. The welcome continues around back on the covered patio that enables a slight breeze to blow through, making it extremely easy for an afternoon of relaxing, sipping, and chatting to pass quickly by. The view from the patio completes the bucolic atmosphere, with wooden picnic tables and acres of green fields surrounding the grape vines.
As our conversation ended, I thanked Patrick for taking time out of a busy Saturday to talk to me. By that point, the sun had moved further west, so we finished our wine and started packing up. The groups of guests that had been scattered on the patio and lawn tables had either already left, or, like us, were getting ready to leave. The staff at Palmer was cleaning up- they would be closing soon and were probably grateful to be heading home after an extremely hectic afternoon. Golden hour descended upon the North Fork, closing out yet another successful Saturday out East.
“Seek not…the life of the immortals; but enjoy to the full the resources that are within thy reach.”
-Pindar, 5th century BCE
When thinking of how to begin this post about Pindar Vineyards, I wanted to do some research on the history of the name, “Pindar”. Though both the winery in Peconic, New York and its owner are named Pindar, it originally became a household name thousands of years ago, in ancient Greece. At that time, a man named Pindar was writing poems and cementing himself as one of the greatest ancient Greek lyric poets. His reputation stands for good reason: a quick Google search of Pindar’s poems shows that many of his words are not only applicable to life in ancient Greece, but are also relevant enough to have been written this year.
Fittingly, Pindar Vineyards embodies the spirit of poet Pindar’s quote, above. The vineyard is the oldest family-run winery on Long Island, and for forty years the Damianos family has been dedicated to bringing an enjoyable wine-tasting experience for all guests. However, to do so requires a team effort, which owner Pindar Damianos understands well. While I was visiting, Mr. Damianos was busily working alongside his staff, moving boxes, cleaning glasses, and providing tastings for customers. In between these tasks, he was kind enough to take time to speak with me about his family’s passion for winemaking, and why Pindar Vineyards remains one of Long Island’s most popular wineries.
Mr. Damianos explained that part of his winery’s dedication to guests’ enjoyment is understanding that their visitors encompass all types of wine drinkers, from novices to connoisseurs. As a result, they make different types of wine for all palettes, and strive to educate guests about their wine. For example, their four seasons wines- Winter White, Spring Splendor, Summer Blush, and Autumn Gold- are on the sweeter side and make for easy drinking. Though technically considered to be wines that are great for novices, they are some of the vineyard’s most popular wines.
If the seasonal wines are “introductory wines,” Pindar Vineyards also provides plenty of tastes for the more advanced wine drinker, such as their Pythagoras Red, which is a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Mr. Damianos explained that over time, our palettes mature, which enables us to enjoy drier varieties. Regardless of where one may be as a wine drinker, it is not difficult to find a wine that is suitable to your tastes at Pindar. As someone who is still expanding her palette, I appreciate that Pindar has this understanding of their customers. The tasting that Mr. Damianos poured for me provided wines suitable for a variety of palettes, and I was able to taste the differences in wine as it progressed from introductory to more advanced. As a personal bonus, I was excited to find that I liked the Pythagoras Red, since it is a blend of two of the drier red wines.
The tasting flight provided a nice blend of “introductory” and more “advanced” wines
Actually enjoying a drier red wine!
Perhaps one of the most recognizable features of Pindar Vineyards are the sunflowers that bloom annually on the grounds. As a Long Islander, it is almost a rite of passage to come to Pindar at some point and take pictures in the sunflower field, so before we finished our conversation, I had to ask Mr. Damianos about it. The story he told me is fantastic: in the early 1980s, Mr. Damianos’ father- Pindar’s original owner- happened to be driving by some of their acreage of Chardonnay, when he noticed one lone sunflower growing amongst the grapes. He decided to name that year’s Chardonnay after that one sunflower, and from there, planted sunflower seeds along the side of Pindar’s tasting room. Since that year, the release of each year’s Sunflower Chardonnay is timed to coincide with the full bloom of the sunflowers. This is a tradition that is now 35 years strong, and only seems to be growing in popularity.
I visited just as the first sunflowers were beginning to bloom
Pindar’s famous Sunflower Chardonnay
Pindar had already been a favorite Long Island winery of mine before I began Drink.Explore.Repeat this summer. It’s the winery I visit most frequently, both for the wine itself, and for its comfortable atmosphere. Mr. Damianos reinforced this when he said that the vineyard strives to maintain a welcoming atmosphere, free from any pretension. Listening to him speak, he undoubtedly values his customers, and continues to educate himself and his staff on the best ways to make guests happy. He stated that he never wants to be a “winery of ‘no’”; rather, he wants to continue to welcome and ensure that visitors are having an enjoyable experience. Part of the vineyard’s success in doing this certainly comes back to their embodiment of the team culture- both management and staff are always on premises and working together. I witnessed this on my visit, as after I spoke with him, Mr. Damianos continued to circulate both indoors and outside on the grounds, completing tasks and making sure that guests were enjoying themselves.
Pindar’s grounds provide plenty of outdoor seating options with beautiful views of the grapes. On weekends they also offer live music, which adds to their welcoming nature
Poet Pindar may have written about enjoying the resources one has access to over 2,500 years ago, but his words certainly apply to life in 2020. If quarantining and social distancing has taught us anything, it’s that we need to appreciate what we have, and to enjoy each experience to the fullest, because it can be taken away quicker than we may have realized. On that note, I’ll be spending the rest of this afternoon enjoying some Sunflower Chardonnay and planning my next trip to Pindar. Salut!
‘til next time,
Lau
Interested in visiting Pindar? Check their website for more information!
The party bus I was sitting on was filled with an air of excitement and the smell of orange juice, which was being used to make champagne-heavy mimosas. Every seat was filled with kids in their early 20s, drinking and talking about the summer that lay ahead. I shifted on the cloth seat to look at the organizer of this day, who had just begun to quiet everyone down to make an announcement.
“Hey guys, just a reminder that when we get there, you’ll be able to get a flight with the money you paid.”
“A flight?” I whispered to my friend Candice, who was sitting next to me. “I thought that we were going to a winery. Why do we need to fly anywhere?” Maybe the winery wasn’t on Long Island, but on neighboring Shelter Island or Block Island. But if that was the case, why wouldn’t we just take a ferry?
Candice shrugged her shoulders and looked just as confused as I felt. Five minutes later, the bus pulled into Martha Clara Vineyards in Riverhead, NY. It was summer 2011. I was fresh out of year one of grad school and was about to go to my first winery.
Summer 2011: Very first winery visit + first time trying Sauvignon Blanc
We had a blast at Martha Clara that day. The sun was shining, a nice breeze was blowing, and I felt happy and carefree. I tried Sauvignon Blanc there for the first time- still my favorite- and I learned what a flight actually means in the wine world. To this day, a flight is still my favorite order at wineries!
Without a doubt, my favorite part of the day was the animals. Martha Clara not only offered fantastic wine, but they also had an array of farm animals- goats, sheep, even llamas and longhorn cattle- some of which we were allowed to feed. I have a vivid memory of buying some animal food, and feeding their goats in a happy, tipsy state.
My favorite part of visiting Martha Clara Vineyards
Fast forward seven years, to August 2018. One of my friends was getting married, and for her bachelorette party, we went to the North Fork wineries. I was really excited that one of our stops would be Martha Clara. Though it remained my favorite winery since that very first experience in 2011, I hadn’t been in some time. I couldn’t wait to get my Sauvignon Blanc and feed the animals again!
However, after we got our wine and went outside, it became clear that something was off. When I looked at the grassy areas in the distance where the animal pens were, I couldn’t see anything moving. I walked closer to take a look. Nothing. After asking multiple members of the Martha Clara staff, I learned that the owners had sold the animals. I was devastated, and completely soured on the winery itself.
Summer 2018: Disappointment is palpable after learning that William Entenmann’s children sold all of the animals
Two years later, and I’m currently in the midst of Drink.Explore.Repeat winery visits. I knew that Martha Clara- now under new ownership and named RGNY- would need to be one of my stops, but I was conflicted over it, knowing that my animal friends would not be there. But the reservation was made, and I kept an open mind as I set out for Riverhead, New York, to the place that used to be my favorite North Fork stop.
Summer 2020: These canopies provided the best breeze on an extremely hot day
Though it was a weekday, the sun was shining brightly overhead, so it promised to be a busy day in wine country. Knowing their volume of visitors, RGNY had taken many precautions to keep safe: the tasting room was closed, the number of people allowed inside at one time to make their purchases was limited, and all orders were handed out on the patio, which opened up into the winery itself. Employees used walkie talkies to communicate orders, and the system seemed to work effectively. Plus, social distancing was easy on the vineyard’s massive grounds- tables with large overhead coverings were able to space visitors out while providing shade from the day’s blazing sun.
Flight done right
I was excited to learn that RGNY was offering flights, and opted for the 2018 RGNY Selection, which included their Viognier, their Sparkling White, their White Merlot, and their Pinot Noir. The Viognier is the wine that RGNY is best known for. It is made from a grape that originates in France and produces a fruit forward, bold white wine. Carolyn, the manager on premises that day, explained a little bit about the history of Viognier as it relates to RGNY. Besides being one of the more difficult wines to pronounce (perhaps surpassed only by Gewürztraminer, ahhh!), it is not a grape that grows easily on Long Island. However, the Entenmann family (yes, THOSE Entenmanns of yummy bakery fame), who owned Martha Clara Vineyards, were able to successfully grow it on their property. It was the first vine they planted on their land, and it was the favorite of owner William Entenmann’s mother, Martha Clara Entenmann.
In 2018, the children of William Entenmann, who passed away in 2011, sold Martha Clara Vineyards to the Rivero-González family. No stranger to wine- the family owns a vineyard in Mexico! – Maria Rivero-González had been looking to expand and open a winery in New York for some time. She went to Columbia University, and fell in love with Long Island’s North Fork. So, when the opportunity to purchase Martha Clara arose, she took it and renamed it RGNY, after her surname.
Carolyn explained to me that both the owner and the winemaker at RGNY are women, and she enjoys being part of a female-forward, mixed-heritage vineyard. The Rivero-González family has done a fantastic job preserving the legacy of William Entenmann, while also making a name for themselves in Long Island Wine Country. Tasting the Viognier, it is easy to see why Martha Clara Entenmann loved it so much, and why the Rivero-González family continued this tradition. It’s a vineyard worth returning to- even if there are no longer animals on premises.
‘til next time,
Lau
Yes, I will happily return to RGNY after this successful visit!
Today, much of Long Island paints a perfect picture of modern-day suburbia: well-manicured lawns, white picket fences, and inviting sidewalks are hallmarks of many communities. It’s certainly fitting, as Long Island is the birthplace of the modern American suburb, thanks to William Levitt’s mid-20th century Levittown housing developments, which revolutionized the suburban housing model.
However, there are still many residents on the island who recall a time before suburbia sprawled all the way to the eastern forks. The farther east one travels, the more likely they are to encounter people who remember the Long Island of yesteryear: well-tended farms and one-store towns with only the basic necessities. Though farms still dominate much of the eastern end of Long Island, there is no doubt that suburbia, along with larger shopping centers, has made its permanent mark.
The second stop on my DrinkExploreRepeat adventure took me to the south fork of Long Island, to a winery that recalls the East End’s pre-suburban culture. On a day trip out to Montauk, we stopped at Duck Walk Vineyards, which is one of three wineries in the area. When naming it, the owners of Duck Walk wanted to pay homage to Long Island’s agricultural past. Knowing that eastern Long Island had once been synonymous with potato farms and duck farms, they chose the latter as the inspiration for the vineyard’s name (personally, I’m glad they went for the ducks and not the potatoes).
The Duck Walk sign is open and inviting to guests. Hank’s Farmstand (and in the fall, Hank’s Pumpkintown) provides a beautiful backdrop, and is a great stop to make to complement a visit to Duck Walk
Today, Duck Walk has two locations on the East End: Duck Walk Hampton in Water Mill, on the south fork and Duck Walk North in Southold, on the north fork (yes, I too get confused as to why Southold is not on the south fork). We visited Duck Walk Hampton, and were happy to find that they were offering tasting flights- with Covid restrictions still placed on businesses, flights at wineries are few and far between, but Duck Walk provided them in a clean, safe manner.
Duck Walk’s stunning tasting room
We started out in the tasting room, where our sommeliers could not have been kinder when providing information about Duck Walk. Opened in 1994, it was always intended to be a winery, but their Water Mill location has often been mistaken for a church. Standing in their tasting room, it’s easy to see why: the steepled, wooden roof and colorful, stained-glass windows give it a churchly feel, while light filtering in bathes the room in a golden glow, providing a calming atmosphere. Wooden statues of the owner and his children in the midst of winemaking also serve as reminders of the family-oriented nature of Duck Walk- besides the two Duck Walk vineyards, the family also owns Pindar and Jason, two other wineries on the north fork.
Statues remind visitors of the emphasis on family at Duck Walk
Once our tasting was poured, we brought it outside to a patio bordered by a beautiful pond with an array of flowers and bushes and, of course, rows of grapes growing in the distance. We sat down, removed our masks, and enjoyed some of Duck Walk’s most popular wines. Our tasting included their Sauvignon Blanc, their Rosé, their Gatsby Red, and their Blueberry Port. When speaking with the sommeliers, I was intrigued by the Blueberry Port- although most Port wines are typically made from grapes, Duck Walk’s is comprised of 100% wild blueberries. To my surprise (remember- white wine lover here), the Port was my favorite taste of the day. It was sweet and refreshing. Plus, they served it with a piece of dark chocolate wrapped in a little grape foil, which perfectly complemented the blueberry taste.
First flight of the summer! Clockwise from bottom: Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, Gatsby Red, Blueberry Port (with dark chocolate to accompany!)
Another favorite of the day was the Gatsby Red, which also happens to be one of Duck Walk’s more popular summer wines, along with their Southampton White, Rosé, and Sauvignon Blanc. The Gatsby Red is a semi-sweet blend of Merlot and Cabernet and is meant to be served, much to my delight, like a white wine: thoroughly chilled.
A fun note about Duck Walk’s wine: the labels on their bottles are fantastic. From the F. Scott Fitzgerald-esque label on the Gatsby Red, to the classic duck motif on some of their staple bottles, take a minute and peruse their designs here.
The original tank and fermentation room
When in Duck Walk Hampton’s tasting room, you’ll notice a tank and fermentation room off to the side. Though this was the original location for the production of Duck Walk’s wines, all wines are now made at their North location, since it has larger acreage on which their grapes are produced. Those grapes grown on the Hampton premises are transported to Duck Walk North for processing. However, even though they are made in one location, due to differences in soils on the north and south fork, the grapes actually taste different. Our sommelier compared the Hampton grapes to those grown in Bordeaux, France, due to the cooler air and closer proximity to the water. Though it makes sense, I didn’t realize how different soils could affect the taste of crops, which I find really fascinating.
As a family-run vineyard that incorporates Long Island’s farm history in its name, it’s no surprise that attention to agricultural details would be brought up in a conversation with the sommeliers. It’s just another reminder that Duck Walk continues to preserve the heritage of their surroundings while providing guests with a beautiful atmosphere to gather and enjoy.
Welcome to the first Drink.Explore.Repeat post! When my travel plans to Europe were cancelled this summer, I began to think about what I wanted to do instead, because – let’s be real, here- I can’t go an entire summer without exploring. One idea that came to mind was visiting Long Island’s wineries.
Long Island has an extensive collection of beautiful wineries. Most are located on the North Fork, which I’ve spent the majority of quarantine exploring and getting to know better. I’ve been going to the wineries for years, but while there, I’m usually just content to hang out with friends (and, once upon a time, some goats- but more on that in a later post) and sip wine for fun. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that I know very little about wine. I love drinking it, but I can’t tell the difference between a $15 bottle and a $75 bottle. Plus- unpopular opinion- I really don’t understand the red wine hype, particularly if it’s dry and room temp. Give me a crisp, sweet glass of chilled Sauv Blanc any day.
So, with all of this in mind, I did some research and made a list of every vineyard on Long Island. I decided that my summer project would be to visit each location on the list, with the hopes of learning more about wine- and, possibly, developing a like (not ready to commit to the L word) for Cabernet along the way.
The first stop on my winery tour, and today’s featured vineyard, is Del Vino Vineyards in Northport.
Located on the north shore of central Long Island, Northport is the quintessential coastal town. It was originally purchased from Chief Asharoken of the Matinecock tribe in 1656 by English settlers looking for a new location for cattle grazing. Settlers named the area Great Cow Harbor, both after the cattle and the large harbor to the north of the land. Over time, Cow Harbor grew into a shipbuilding and whaling community, and was renamed Northport in 1837.
These historical markers are all over NY state, much to the delight of the history nerd pictured above!
Today, a trip down Main Street in Northport (complete with trolley tracks from an early 20th-century line) presents visitors with both mom-and-pop-type restaurants and shops, as well as trendy boutiques, eateries and breweries. It’s one of my favorite places to go when I’m craving a dose of historic Main Street, U.S.A. (and the harbor is awesome for spotting a gorgeous sunset).
Five minutes from Main Street, tucked away on Norwood Avenue, is Del Vino Vineyards. The stone-adorned tasting room, complete with balconies and dormer windows, gives off a subtle nautical vibe that lends itself beautifully to Northport’s culture. The grounds themselves are stunning: beautifully gardened and manicured. Walking through the grounds made me feel as if I was walking through a serene countryside rather than on suburban Long Island. Outdoor seating is located on a patio that offers seats in both the shade and the sun.
Reservations are currently required to visit Del Vino (book yours here). I was impressed with how smoothly they ran their system. Driving up the path, I gave the reservation name and time, and was seamlessly directed around the grounds by parking assistants. Upon walking to the outdoor reception stand, my temperature was taken. I’m super appreciative that they were being careful in the midst of New York cautiously reopening, but this ended up being slightly nerve-racking: before getting my temperature taken, I was waiting in the sun, so at first, it read that I had a fever. I was also pretty badly sunburnt on my forehead (which is now peeling oh-so-beautifully), so I began to panic that either a) my sunburn was going to stop me from getting in, or b) I really was sick. The receptionists had me wait in the shade for a couple of terrifying minutes, and then tried again (this wasn’t their first sun-fever rodeo). Thankfully, the fever was gone, and I was shown to my table!
Del Vino’s Sauvignon Blanc is refreshing for sweltering summer days
Just as local history runs deep in Northport, so too is it important to understanding the love that Del Vino puts into its winemaking. Even though the winery is only a year and a half old (it opened in November 2018), its story starts much earlier. Our sommelier, Jen, explained that Del Vino is a family-owned vineyard, with its origins dating back one hundred years, to the owners’ ancestors in Italy. All of their wines are made from family recipes and produced right on premises. Their white and rosé wines are made from the grapes grown on their grounds, and their reds are made from grapes imported from California and processed within the winery itself.
Currently, the most popular bottles at Del Vino are their Moscato and Riesling for whites, and their Super Tuscan Grande red blend, which is mainly a combination of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese, with hints of Merlot and Tempranillo. I was super intrigued when Jen told us that their red blends are virtually sulfite-free. Sulfites are additives that are often put into wine to prevent it from spoiling quickly. A lack of sulfites means that Del Vino’s red blends need to be stored and served just below room temperature, so the wine will not spoil. I’m excited to return with my mom, who is allergic to sulfites and therefore cannot drink most wines. I’m crossing my fingers in the hopes that she’ll be able to safely enjoy a glass of a (mostly) sulfite-free red blend, and will be reporting back afterward!
I heard the food was good at Del Vino, and the margherita pizza proved that rumor correct
While at Del Vino, I shared a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc with some of my friends. I was disappointed that they were not yet offering tasting flights (my favorite way to really get a sense of a vineyard’s offerings), but as restrictions continue to loosen in New York, that will hopefully be back soon. While we were enjoying our wine, I also ordered a margherita personal pizza, which tasted fantastic. I would have liked it to have been slightly bigger, as I could have had a few more of the thin-crust slices after I devoured what was in front of me! I finished my visit off with a glass of their signature frosé, or frozen rosé-they also offer a Cab Crush variety, which is a red and rosé blend. It was the perfect ending to the visit.
Frosé all day! (I’m allowed one cringe-worthy caption on here, no?)
At the top of Del Vino’s menu is the following motto: “Our passion is the customer. Our craft is the wine.” A trip to the vineyard shows evidence of this strong sense of devotion to both the craft itself, as well as to the experiences of visitors. Jen explained to us that the owners, who also live in Northport, are always looking for new ways to ensure that guests are satisfied. Their most recent project, completed a couple of months ago, is an upper level patio with sweeping views of the grounds, that is meant for reserved parties. Since Del Vino is one of only a few wineries in central Long Island, this devotion to their clientele makes the experience that much more special.
Signature vineyard pose coming at ya!
The family’s commitment to keeping guests happy at Del Vino is a reflection of the greater Northport community, which is always doing the same for visitors. Northport is currently being branded as a “new Montauk,” complete with a hotel proposal to enable visitors from New York City (and beyond!) to come out and stay for the weekend. Naturally, a trip to Del Vino would be recommend during those stays. I’m interested to see what the future will bring, tourism-wise, for both Del Vino, and Northport itself- hopefully it will continue to see success without disturbing the small town charm that makes Northport a place to return to over again.
