Dan's Papers - June 29, 2007 - All The Wines At Once

Over 50 different wines, that are not chardonnays or merlots, from 17 East End vineyards all in one place sounds pretty good. What more could a wine appreciator want? On July 7th, popular Long Island vineyards from all across the North Fork are coming together to expose well-informed wine lovers and vineyard virgins alike to their underappreciated tastes. Chardonnay and merlot are the most popularly purchased wines, leaving the inexperienced wine drinkers little room to appreciate fine wines, like those found on Long Island. Luckily, Martha Clara Vineyards is sponsoring the 5th annual "Anything But Chardonnay & Merlot" event where the 17 vineyards are going to feature their diverse body of exceptional varietals other than Chardonnay and Merlot.

The participating vineyards are Ackerly Pond Vineyards, Bedell Cellars, Castello di Borghese Vineyard, Osprey's Dominion Vineyards, Palmer Vineyards, Peconic Bay Winery, Pindar Vineyards, Duckwalk Vineyards, Jason's Vineyard, Corey Creek Vineyards, Jamesport Vineyards, Laurel Lake Vineyards, Long Island Meadery, Macari Vineyards & Winery, Martha Clara Vineyards, Vineyard 48 and Waters Crest Winery. So there will be plenty of choices for those finding themselves limited to a specific wine-taste.

Not only will the evening be a sure bet for wonderful wine tasting, but the event also includes live music to set the mood as the guests become acquainted with the diverse body of wines.

Along with a slew of high-end wines, there will be four participating farms showcasing their products. The Farmer's Market showcase includes Catapano Dairy Farm, Northville Farms, Sidor Farms/North Fork Potato Chips, and Really Good Jams.

Although the wine will be the main attraction for the evening, the food might threaten to take the show. Along with the Farmer's Market sampling, Buoy One restaurant from Riverhead will be catering the event so if you don't go for the wine, it's a great chance for some great food. It is recommended that the guests should taste just as much of the food as they do the wine so that the event will truly make for happy bellies and palates. Nothing on the North Fork compares to trying all of the different wines, and now you can do it all at one place and, if you are so inclined, you can purchase any bottle that you like there. After all, this is the North Fork, and there are fewer things more special then a local bottle of wine with some locally farmed food.

If you are a wine connoisseur and your spouse is not, convince them that the event will be far more than just wine. With great food, great music and greater wine, it is sure to be an evening you will not regret.

If you are a member of the elusive Wine Club, tickets are $40 in advance and $45 at the door. If you are not yet a Wine Club member (which you might decide to change after this event) tickets are $45 in advance and $50 at the door. The show will go on, rain or shine, so mark your calendars and plan accordingly. Space is limited so RSVP by July 3 by calling 631-298-0075.

Remember, this is an annual event; something like this won't come around again until next year so don't hesitate to expand your winery horizons.