Father’s Day Happenings at Long Island Wineries

Sunday is Father’s Day-and thanks to the four-month old who currently runs our household, this is my first Father’s Day as a father. Father’s Day gifts aren’t as easy to choose as those for Mother’s Day. The lack of a go-to gift like jewelry (like I bought for Nena) makes it even more of a challenge.

So what do I want for Father’s Day? I already told Dr. Vino.

But, I already have three grills-gas, charcoal, and a smoker�-so that’s out. And while I can hold my own around the house, power tools don’t hold any special place in my heart.

What I’d really like, I know I won’t get. There are several wineries for sale on the North Fork, including Sherwood House Vineyards, a 36-acre vineyard that is on the market for a cool $4.1 million. One can dream, right?

Instead, Nena is planning a day in wine country for our little family and my parents-who will be in town as well. Sometimes it’s the simple things that make the best gifts. Time with my family, maybe with some cheeses and cured meats from the Village Cheese Shop, and some terrific local wines. For me, it just doesn’t get much better.

Several wineries are working to make Father’s Day special for tasting room visitors as well, making our options vast:

• Castello di Borghese is hosting a special olive oil tasting. The oil, specially imported from Italy, is made by Marco Borghese’s sister. I’ve had it in the past and it is definitely worth stopping in to taste. While you’re there, try their cabernet franc, pinot noir and Allegra dessert wines.
• At Martha Clara Vineyards, dads get a free glass of wine (try the Five-O white if you can). This is always a great spot for families with carriage rides and lots of open spaces.
• Lieb Family Cellars is also offering a glass of wine but is also adding a cheese pairing to the mix. If we go, I’ll be having their 2005 Pinot Blanc and trying their new non-vintage cabernet franc.
• Pindar Vineyards, another family friendly tasting room, is giving dads a free wine glass. Of their current releases, try the sparkling. It’s always a winner.
• Roanoke Vineyards is doing Father’s Day big with their "Big Red Tasting." Reserveations are required, but the opportunity to taste wines like their not-yet-released 2004 Blend Two and Wolffer Estate’s Premier Cru make it well worth the effort.
• Vineyard 48 is going to have cheese and crackers all weekend, and is offering fathers free tasting flights and will also give them an additional 5% off of the usual 15% discount on case purchases. Check out the 2005 reds that, while young, show great potential.
• Macari Vineyards will give every father a miniature Macari-engraved corkscrew utility knife with every paid tasting "so dads are ready for anything"
• Palmer Vineyards is inviting fathers to enjoy a complimentary flight of selected wines complete with a special gift. They will also have live music from 1 to 5.

Spoil your dad or husband this weekend in wine country. With so many options, there’s bound to be something that the whole family will enjoy.