Asta Wine Cafe and Art Gallery is a cafe in Huntington Village, with a wine list that is almost exclusively Long Island Wines — which is cool in my book.

Unfortunately, their customers in their silly snobbishness, aren’t buying into the concept. I can only call it snobbishness, because there are plenty of delicious wines made on Long Island (but I’m preaching to the choir here, right?) Would their customers rather have Beringer White Zin and Yellowtail Shiraz?

Apparently that is the case because Asta is considering scrapping their LI-only concept and moving to an international list. But it’s not a done deal yet.

On January 17 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. all of the local wineries that are on the list will be featured at their  monthly artist reception.  It will also serve as the the kickoff party for the Long Island Wine Appreciation Month at Asta from January 17 through February 14. 

Asta is the only restaurant, outside the East End, that supports LI wines. We need to have more local eateries support the local wine industry.

I haven’t eaten there yet, but (baby willing) I hope to check it out during this promotion. You should to.

Looking at their wine list online, I’d recommend trying:

  • Paumanok Vineyards 2005 Sauvignon Blanc
  • Peconic Bay Winery 2005 Riesling
  • Schneider Vineyards 2004 Cab Franc
  • Comtesse Therese 2003 Hungarian Oak Merlot

There are some sweetish and lesser wines on the list too, but there are plenty of good wines here.