Dan's Papers - June 13, 2008 - Over the Barrel... with Lenn Thompson

As I'm sure you know, this Sunday is Father's Day, one of the most important holidays of the year-at least in the not-so-humble opinion of this 2nd-year father.

Each and every year, millions of fathers get the same old gives-power tools, golf paraphernalia, and of course ugly shirts and ties. This year, instead of sticking with the tried and true, why not start a new tradition and treat the dad, granddad or husband in your life to a day on the East End, sampling delicious wines, enjoying the views and the local eats too?

The local wine community is making it easy, with some great specials and events planned just for dear ole dad. I know that I'll be taking advantage myself!

At Palmer Vineyards, dads are invited to to enjoy a complimentary flight of selected wines and a special gift. I'm not sure what the gift is, but if their delicious sauvignon blanc is in the tasting flight, it's well worth the stop. Palmer is one of the most family-friendly vineyards on the North Fork. And on Father's Day, The Mudcats will be performing live from 2 - 5 p.m.

Castello di Borghese, the current name of Long Island's first-ever commercial winery-historically known as Hargrave Vineyard-is offering a free taste of olive oil imported from the family estate in Tuscany. I've tasted this oil, and it's delicious.

At both Duck Walk Vineyards in Watermill and Duck Walk North on the North Fork, fathers get a free glass of wine. And, at Pindar Vineyards, fathers will receive a logo glass and corkscrew while supplies last.

Two vineyards are going above and beyond free wine and gifts this weekend as well.

Martha Clara Vineyards, which can always be counted on for a bevy of interesting and unique events, is outdoing themselves this time with their "Eat Like a Wild Man" dinner for Father's Day from 2 - 4 p.m. For $55 ($45 for wine club members), attendees get a six-course dinner prepared by David and Lorraine Girard of Buoy One Restaurant that features wild game like wild-caught local striped bass, moose with rosemary and garlic, and venison with bacon and wild beach plum sauce. Each course is thoughtfully paired with an MCV wine too.

If the father you're celebrating this weekend loves his reds big and delicious, head to Roanoke Vineyards in Riverhead for their Big Red Tasting-their 10th such event. $25 gets you a flight of top-notch Long Island reds (past wines have included Wolffer Estate's Premier Cru Merlot and Grapes of Roth Merlot), a matching flight of cured meats and cheeses and-for the first time-a cigar meant to pair with one of the wines. And if a cigar isn't your thing, they'll give you a discount card instead.

Visit each of the winery's websites for more details. You can see a list on www.liwc.com.