Meet Long Island's Newest Winemaker: You

Today's wine buyers are far more savvy than in decades past. Even casual consumers know the difference between Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio, and many weekend enthusiasts can recite the great vintages of Bordeaux off the tops of their heads. In fact, chances are that if you are reading this wine section, you probably have some very definite opinions about what you do and don't like.

But have you ever considered actually making your own wine? Peter's Fruit Company, a retailer/wholesale distributor owned by the Montalbano family based here in Yaphank (not very far from Long Island's vineyards), is banking on the fact that you just might.

Having made their own wine for generations, the Montalbanos know a thing or two about the art of winemaking. So when people began to express an interest in learning more about how they accomplished this, the family decided to parlay its expertise into a division of Peter's Fruit by offering many varieties of wine grapes from California. They carry winemaking equipment as well, including kits, barrels and, perhaps most importantly - advice - to help their customers on their way.

With the fall harvest season upon us, Peter's is stocking up on Merlot, Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc, but you'll also find the more exotic Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Barbera and Grenache, among others. (Call 631-924-0300 to check immediate availability.)

Kip Bedell, a founding partner of Cutchogue's acclaimed Bedell Cellars, began making wine at his home in Garden City in the 1970s with a home winemaking kit. And with today's technology, home winemakers are better than ever. Who knows? Maybe the next star of Long Island's wine region is......you!

-S.W.Simm

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