Posts Written OnMay 17, 2011

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor While some argue that it's vitally important for emerging regions to identify and focus on a 'signature variety' I think it's more important for any region to take its time, experiment and let the evolution toward specialization happen organically — if at all. Without the type of experimentation and open-mindedness we might not get to enjoy wines like the newly released Palmer Vineyards 2010 Albarino ($25 for 500ml). This is Long Island's first Albarino, from the first fruit harvested off of a single acre of vines, and it's no real surprise that it's made by…

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor I just read on the Suffolk Times website that Ralph Pugliese, founder of Puglisese Vineyards, has died. He was 73. Here's the full story: "Ralph Pugliese, who co-founded Pugliese Vineyards with his wife, Patricia, died Monday morning, May 16, at his home in Cutchogue. He was 73. Mr. Pugliese was one of the pioneers of the East End wine industry, buying land in Cutchogue in 1980 where he planted his first two acres of grapes, according to his son Peter, who continues as winemaker. Winemaking was always in his father

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor With TasteCamp North 2011 attendees, including most of the NYCR team,  back home and pondering the stories that we'd all like to write — and they are numerous — I wanted to share some of the pictures I took over the course of the weekend. We tasted some outstanding local wines, enjoyed meals prepared by farm-to-table chefs and met some incredibly passionate and talented people in the wine industries on both sides of the border. Over the next few weeks, you can expect some great stories from the event right here on the site. In…