Every few months, the “wine for review” portion of my wine cellar begins to overflow with bottles that I refer to as “orphans.” These wines are new releases from local wineries that just haven’t worked their way into my articles – often because I can’t devote an entire column to just one or two new releases – not because they aren’t column-worthy. Pet adoptions is a wonderfully rewarding experience (we just adopted a beagle puppy from Kent Animal Shelter in Calverton) and taking one of these orphan wines home with you can be, too. Adopt one of these wines today.

It was really only a matter of time…children (and apparently puppies) learn by watching and emulating their parents. Our little guy, Ben Roethlisbeagle has officially started his wine education, sniffing at just about every glass of wine poured in the LENNDEVOURS household. At right, the pup prodigy can be seen enjoying the aromas found in Laurel Lake Vineyards’ 2003 Pinot Noir. He liked what he smelled…and let’s face it, his nose is the most astute in the house. Maybe we have the next (first?) Robert Barker on our hands.

Waters Crest Winery, co-owned by Jim and Linda Waters, is still a relatively new winery, tucked into a small industrial park in Cutchogue. And while the tasting room and production facilities may be among the smallest around, the wines that come out of them are far from diminutive. To the Waters’, the winery is truly a family affair. Visit on most any day and you’re just about guaranteed to meet Jim, Linda or even their daughters. They are a warm, charming family and they’ll make you feel right at home as you taste the wines and, if you like, get…

Corey Creek Vineyards is the sister winery to one of Long Island’s most well-known and well-regarded wineries, Bedell Cellars. (Both are owned by Michael Lynne, New Line Cinema’s co-chairman and co-CEO) More and more (of late) the whites are being produced uner the Corey Creek label while the reds, including some of the region’s top merlot, are bottled using the Bedell Cellars label. I just noticed today that the 2004 viognier is labeled as Corey Creek for the first time. And, sadly they only made enough to send to their wine club. The 2003 was one of my favorite whites.…

This Saturday, September 10, 2005, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Lenz Winery is hosting the 16th Annual Merlot World Classic. This unique winery event features a walk-around tasting of merlots from around the world presented by distributors, as well as several local wineries. This year Artisanal Cheese Center, and Artisanal’s Fromagers, Max McCalman and Waldemar Albrecht will present cheese pairings, specifically chosen for their compatibility with merlot. Tickets are $40 if purchased ahead and $45 at the door and include unlimited tastings, a Lenz tasting glass, cheese sampling and a raffle ticket for several wine prizes to be…

Beau over at basicJuice is spearheading and excellent idea — Let it flow. The idea is simple…take the money you typically spend on wine and beer (for a week, a month or even a year) and donate it to help the Gulf Coast recover in this time of extreme and urgent need. You can donate to any number of places, including: Red Cross Second Harvest Catholic Charities Direct Relief Feed the Children Habitat for Humanity The Humane Society Noah’s Wish The Salvation Army United Jewish Communities UMCOR United Way Every little bit helps. So let’s band together a community of…

In early August, Osprey’s Dominion Vineyards was named New York’s “Winery of the Year” by the New York Grape and Wine Foundation at its annual New York Food and Wine Classic. The winery earned the honor by winning seven medals at the event, including two double golds, one gold, two silvers and two bronzes. Winemaker Adam Suprenant, a Bronxville, New York, native who joined Osprey’s Dominion after graduating from the world-renowned U.C. Davis oenology program, is proud of the winery’s showing. “It’s great to be recognized after more than four years of dedicated hard work here at Osprey’s Dominion,” said…

As some of you know, I have had an insanely busy two weeks. But, this past weekend was a wonderful escape from the chaos of my day job. My in-laws were in town and the last three days have been filled with good food, good wine and great friends. I’ve got a lot of writing to catch up on (both here and other places) but I just wanted to post this picture of my two loves…my wife and our little guy Ben. Actually, I guess there’d have to be a bottle of wine to have all of my loves included…

Next Saturday, September 10, from 5 – 7 p.m. Shinn Estate Vineyards and North Fork People of Conscience are hosting Wine Against the War, an evening of wine, hor d’oeuves, jazz and community. Shinn Estate Vineyards is located at 200 Oregon Road in Mattituck, NY. Tickets are $50 and support the Honor the Fallen memorial. Call 631-765-4612 or email nfpofc@optonline.net for reservations.