My love of cabernet franc isn’t a surprise if you read this blog with any sort of regularity. They are among my favorite wines, are extremely versatile and the grape does quite well here on Long Island. But who can afford to spend the $25-$40 for the best local bottles? I know that I can’t, so I was excited to learn about Lieb Family Cellars’ Bridge Lane Cabernet Franc ($15). It’s a non-vintage blend that aims to be an every day, Chinon-style franc. And you know what, it’s pretty good. Smoky red cherry aromas with a little peppery spice and…
Posts Written OnJuly 2007
Gary Vaynerchuk on Late Night with Conan O’Brien?
Gary Vaynerchuk, our favorite out-of-his-mind vlogger has already conquered must of the wine-related Internet. He’s been in Time magazine. Now, he’s coming to a TV near you. Yes, real TV, not Wine Library TV. Gary will be appearing on Late Night with Conan O’Brien show tomorrow night. As far as I know, this is the first time that anyone in the wine blog/vlog/podcast world has crossed over onto such a mainstream media outlet. It should be interesting. I’m a Gary fan. I’m a Conan fan. I can only assume that he’ll come out in a WLTV t-shirt with wristbands up…
Restaurant Review: 1770 House (East Hampton, NY)
As someone who lives just west of the North Fork, I’ve explored the North Fork dining scene much more than I have the Hampton’s scene. I’m also much more interested in the food, wine and service than I am any sort of Hamptons people-watching or soulless scenes. On a recent visit to 1770 House in East Hampton, however I was given everything that I wanted and nothing I didn’t. Joined by my good friend M, we arrived a few moments ahead of schedule and were greeted by a friendly, but not fawning, host and escorted through a warmly decorated lounge…
The World of Fine Wine Focuses on Long Island
In the latest issue of The World of Fine Wine, one of my favorite wine writers, David Schildknecht writes about the Long Island wine region in his story "Wind, Water and Long Island’s Wealth of Wines." It’s a great piece that sets the stage for Long Island’s future by discussing not only the history of the region, but the present, the people who are driving the industry and hints at what trends to watch for in the future. I don’t know how long the PDF will be available, so read "Wind, Water and Long Island’s Wealth of Wines" today.
Finger Lakes Wine Country–It’s Getting Crowded in Here!
By Finger Lakes Correspondent Jason Feulner The other day I posted an entry here about three new wineries in the Finger Lakes. After a 10-day Maine summer adventure during which I barely had access to the Internet, I come home to discover, from the ever-informative Finger Lakes Weekend Wino, that there are two more new wineries! The Weekend Wino reviews these new efforts here. Like the other three new wineries, both Imagine Moore winery and Keuka Lake Winery seem to be focusing their winemaking toward vinifera, which is a great sign. The owners have really interesting backgrounds, which adds to…
Vineyard Visuals: Wolffer Estate Through the Growing Season (July 27)
We continue keeping an eye on Wolffer Estate Vineyards with Ellen Watson, our resident photographer. This picture was taken on July 27 at around 5:00 p.m. and has been added to the Flickr slideshow.
Tasty (and Local) Summer Pasta
Sorry for the blog semi-silence over the last few days. We had family in town to watch Jackson for us while we attended the wedding of some great, dear friends on Friday night. A good time was had by all. That’s for sure. Last night, having partied pretty hard the night before, we wanted a light, summery meal that we could put together quickly. A trip out east to a farm stand and we were ready to go with Nena’s summer pasta. The ingredients are simple: Whole wheat pasta Local zucchini and yellow squash that was grilled and chopped Local…
Vineyards Visuals: Wolffer Estate Through the Growing Season (July 22)
Last Ellen Watson, our resident photographer, sent me the latest shot in our series at Wolffer Estate. This picture was taken on July 22 at around 7:25 p.m. and it has been added to the Flickr slideshow.
Sannino’s Bella Vita Vineyard Joins the North Fork Wine Scene
Remember when Harold Watts of Ternhaven Cellars sold his vineyard in Cutchogue? I said at the time that I had heard the new owners were going to keep the property under vine. Well they have and it’s called Sannino’s Bella Vita Vineyard. This isn’t just another vineyard or winery on the North Fork though, far from it. Much like the apparently failed Premier Cru Society at Belle Brittany Vineyard, owners Anthony and Lisa Sannino are offering wine lovers the chance to become winemakers. It’s a pretty cool thing that I hope they do well with. For $3500 per year membership,…
New State Law Allows Wineries to Cater, Serve Liquor
Newsday is reporting this morning that: "In a change that could bring even more millions of dollars to the East End’s tourist economy, a new state law now allows wineries to cater weddings and other events while keeping tasting rooms and wine sales operating. The State Liquor Authority has discouraged such activities, arguing that outside caterers who serve hard liquor at parties have a special one-day license, and that two licenses cannot be used simultaneously at the same vineyard. That has meant that wine tasting rooms had to close whenever a catered event was held – the very time vintners…