By Lenn Thompson, Editor-in-Chief

LIWC Are you familiar with La
Paulée, the traditional Burgundian celebration held at the end of the grape harvest? No?

I wasn't either until Kareem Massoud from Paumanok Vineyards introduced me to it a while back. At its core, it's a big BYOB party — but so much more. It's a chance to open up that special bottle of older or large format local wine, sharing it with fellow local wine geeks and industry members. (Read about the history of La Paulée)

At the time, Kareem also mentioned that he wanted to bring the concept to Long Island.

Well here it comes in the form of Tour de Forks, taking place on Sunday, May 16 at 4 p.m. at one of Long Island's top restaurants, North Fork Table & Inn

From North Fork Table's Mike Mraz (in an email this morning):

"We will provide you with a communal venue and feast
to enjoy the wines you've been waiting for a 'special occasion' to
open. We will shut down the restaurant so you and your
like-minded fellows can 'geek out' and perhaps even engage in a little
friendly one-upsmanship!"

The food is sure to be incredible and wine writer (and North Fork resident) Lettie Teague will act as the emcee for the feast.

Tickets are $150 per person (which includes tax and tip) and you need to reserve your spot by April 16.

Unfortunately, that is the one Sunday a year when I need to be in the office working, so I don't think I'll be there, but I'm not giving up yet!

This is an exciting endeavor. I hope they sell out and are forced to do this a few times a year.