It’s going to sound horribly cliche to say this, but when I started the New York Cork Report (then known as LENNDEVOURS), I never imagined that I’d be writing a post on it ten years later. It was a diversion. A creative outlet. A way for me to easily tell my friends and family about the wines I was drinking and discovering here on Long Island. But here we are.
It has been — and continues to be — an amazing experience. Because of the words on these virtual pages, I’ve met, tasted with, worked with and learned from too many talented, generous people to mention. I’ve worked harvest a handful of times. I’ve landed writing gigs for some of the publications I used to read and still read regularly. I’ve spoken to an audience of winery owners and winemakers about social media and bloggers. I’ve organized three-day wine country tours in wine regions from Virginia to Ontario and points in between.
And most importantly, I hope we’ve been good for New York wine.
I like to think that we’ve helped get some much-deserved attention for the New York wine industry. There are so many distinctive, delicious wines being made in New York today that far too many people don’t know about. Sharing the joy and pleasure that we find in local wine, beer and spirits has always been our top priority. We don’t get paid to do this. We do it because we live to find the best local wines and to tell the stories behind them. I can’t imagine not having the NYCR at this point. It’s gone from hobby to obsession to just a part of everyday life. We’d probably do it even if no one were reading.
I thought about putting togehter an Oscar speech-worthy “thank you” list to include here, but honestly it’d be far too long a list. At some point we’re going to announce plans for a party or some other way celebrate with you this spring or summer. I hope you’ll be able to come and raise a glass with us. I’ll make sure to thank each of you then.
For now, I’ll offer a blanket “thank you” to anyone reading this post. I can say without reservation that without you, this wouldn’t have been possible — and won’t be going forward either.
It dawned on me this morning that NYCR has been around for nearly one-quarter of Long Island wine country’s history. And just like all of New York’s wine regions, I think the best is yet to come for us too.