Posts Written OnJuly 2011

What We Drank (July 6, 2011): Dedicated to Deb Whiting, Dave Whiting and Red Newt Cellars

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor This week, we dedicate our What We Drank feature to Red Newt Cellars, winemaker Dave Whiting and especially Debra Whiting, who was taken from us and the world far too soon. And, we've invited members of the New York wine community and the extended NYCR family to take part as well. It's the least we can do for a woman and a family that has touched so many of us. If you read this post and would like to send me your own submission, please do. I will keep adding onto this page as long…

Bouke Wines, Scarola Vineyards and Comtesse Therese Available at New “Tasting Room” at the Portly Grape

The crowd at Winebar's opening last Thursday night. By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor When Theresa Dilworth closed The Tasting Room on Peconic Lane, some wondered where they'd be able to taste and buy wines from producers like Bouke Wines and Scarola Vineyards — small wineries without tasting rooms of their own. Winebar, which opened last week at The Portly Grape in Greenport, will serve as the primary tasting location for those producers. Dilworth's own wines, under the Comtesse Therese label, will also be featured there. Run by Mark Anderson and Andrew Mestler, who you may know from Bedell Vineyards, the…

Finger Lakes Prepares to Honor Deb Whiting’s Remarkable Life

By Evan Dawson, Managing Editor Photo by Morgan Dawson Photography You could forgive Judy Wiltberger for feeling skeptical about what she just heard. It was summer, 1989, and maybe the warm air and stunning views had imbued the region with an unrealistic sense of optimism. After all, Judy had doubts about her own grand visions for a winery called Keuka Spring. But the couple sitting across from her at dinner seemed perhaps one step further out of step with reality. They had just declared their hope to launch not only a winery, but a restaurant attached to it. "I'm going…

Deb Whiting Dies in Car Accident; Dave Whiting Injured

By Evan Dawson, Managing Editor We are devastated to report the loss of Deb Whiting, co-owner and chef of Red Newt Cellars and Red Newt Bistro. Deb died in a car accident last night while returning home from Vermont with her husband Dave, who was injured in the crash. Dave is listed in stable condition after being taken to a Syracuse hospital. The Whitings have long been regional ambassadors, reaching into new markets and pushing for higher quality standards. The restaurant, built around Deb Whiting's passion for local agriculture, has won many awards and is the reigning NYCR Finger Lakes…

Wolffer Estate Vineyards 2008 “Perle” Chardonnay

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor It is my personal opinion that there is way too much chardonnay planted on Long Island. I know all the reasons why its there — easy to grow, customer demand, etc. — but chardonnay is never going to be why people visit the region or demand Long Island wines on a restaurant list. I’ve said it before and I’ll keep saying it. I will also highlight Long Island chardonnay wines that are delicious, which they can be. Especially when the right clones are grown in the right place and the wine is made by the…