On a recent trip home to Long Island for some beach time with good friends, I was invited to go out east to Wine Country. My best friend had recently made some new discoveries – a winery that only makes rose and sparkling rosé and a not-to-be-missed “farm to table” dinner spot – that she wanted to share with me.

For those of you unfamiliar with Long Island, it is an island in the shape of a fish, or maybe more like an ancient whale. It’s head is Brooklyn & Queens, two of the boroughs of New York City. Out east, the island splits into the shape of a fish tail, known as the “North Fork” and the “South Fork”. The South Fork is home to the lifestyles of the rich and famous Hamptons. Our journey took us to the incredibly picturesque North Fork – where farm stands dot the roads selling local produce, and tree lined country roads take you to Long Island wine country and the waterfront.

We got a late start and arrived in the mid to late afternoon. Our first destination was Croteaux Vineyard in Southold. From the parking area you will enter through a rustic, yellow house which is the gift shop. This is also the passageway to the charming, colorful barns with several unique tasting areas – some with couches, some with tables, beach style chairs and a center patio with red umbrellas matching wrought iron chairs and a huge flowing tree.

The farm and the barns date to the 1700s and the vineyard owners purchased the property with the intent to preserve these historical structures that represent the early settlement of the Village of Southold. Growing grapes has helped the preservation process by continuing to support it’s agricultural history.

At Croteaux Vineyards you will taste Rosé and Sparkling Rosé made with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc (with Cab Franc for color). All fresh from the previous years harvest. You can choose a Rosé flight or a Sparkling flight – or just order glass of your favorite to sip. The wines are fun and unique. Perfect for summer sipping. They are not serious, They can’t be critiqued or measured against other wines for perfection or scores. They are pretty, they are cheerful – and they are pink!

After lingering in the garden at Croteaux, we didn’t have much time for many other wineries, but we did stop in Lenz Winery just before closing time. Lenz had a wider variety to choose from. White, red and rosé & sparkling. The Gewürztraminer, one of their original planted varietals was close to the typicality of an Alsatian wine. We also tasted a comparison of their 2010 vs. 2013 Cabernets and Merlots. The older wines were showing really well and those were my preference. Our tasting host was very friendly and answered all of my techie wine questions. Lenz is one of the early pioneers of the Long Island wine scene, opening in 1978, giving the scene an almost 40 year history.

Our next stop was the North Fork Table & Inn. My friend had just been there for dinner for the first time only a few days before and she was so excited to go back and share this extraordinary place with me. (although I think that taking me may have been just an excuse to revisit the chocolate dessert).
It’s wonderful to see that fine dining and precision service is still alive and well. I should get out of laid back LA more often! The menu was “farm to table” showcasing not only the local produce but the bounty from the sea. We indulged in Oysters, Beet Salad with Goat Cheese & Pistachios, Local Striped Bass and the Fresh Summer Truffle & Ricotta Cavatelli – so rich, creamy & yummy. I brought a special bottle of wine from California that I wanted to share, and it was definitely worth the corkage fee. If you are traveling to the North Fork of Long Island – make a reservation and go – everything was amazing.

Although the quality of Long Island wines may never match Napa or Burgundy, the surrounding area with the old farmhouses and fishing community are just such a pleasure to see and be immersed in. It was a wonderful day, next time we’ll just have stay longer!