By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor
The Long Island wine community often overflows with more of the same -- vineyard walks, mediocre music acts, tenuous food/chocolate pairing events, and the like. These activities clearly attract customers -- wineries wouldn't spend the time and money on them if they didn't -- and it's easy to simply stick with what works.
But two of the North Fork's top producers -- Roanoke Vineyards and Shinn Estate Vineyards -- are about to up the ante significantly by offering their customers new and unique tasting experiences that are anything but the wine country norm.
It's great to see these wineries engaging with customers is a new and more in-depth way. And there is little doubt that the customers who take part -- and the subsequent relationsihps built with those customers -- will go a long way to making these quality-over-quantity projects worthwhile.
"Wine Libraries" are coming to Long Island.
Later this month -- May 14 for Shinn Estate, May 28 for Roanoke -- each winery will open a "wine library." And while the specifics vary between the two, the concept is similar -- provide an intimate tasting experience with the opportunity for in-depth discussions with those who know the wines best -- plus access to wines you just won't find anywhere else.
"I have been planning, wishing, dreaming about doing this in one form or another for over 25 years," said David Page, co-owner at Shinn Estate. "The first time I experienced local wine, artisan food and inspired conversation in a comfortable setting was at a San Francisco restaurant where I worked as a chef back in 1983. The winemaker was the iconic Paul Draper of Ridge Vineyards. The food was classic California. The experience changed my life forever," he said.
Limited to 6-8 people per tasting, the Shinn Estate library experience will cost $25 and include tastes of 3-4 "otherwise unavailable" wines with local artisan cheeses and small bites. Page will also lead a conversation about the history of local food and wine pairing, the winery's winemaking philosophies and the "connection between farming, culture and cuisine."
The Shinn library is located in a newly remodeled room adjacent to the barrel cellar and the wines on offer will include two limited-edition red blends from the 2007 vintage -- named Clarity and Grace -- as well as small-production wines like their pinot blanc, skin-fermented chardonnay and older vintages.
For more information, visit their website or call 631-804-0367.
The library experience at Roanoke Vineyards is similar... and yet different.
Roanoke's library seats 24 people and will actually house books as well -- to peruse as you sip your wine.
"Library patrons will be able to select several flights of wines from the menu, or choose a bottle from the Roanoke Archives. You'll be able to enjoy some fine cheeses and baguette with the wine, and you'll have a chance to take some time to appreciate it," said Media and Creative Director Scott Sandell.
Pricing will vary, depending on selection but according to Sandell "Wine flights will be quite reasonable. All wines will be delivered to the table with tasting and tech notes, as well as documentation of provenance where applicable."
Provenance comes into play because in addition to a selection of current and early Roanoke Vineyards releases, the library will house every vintage from Grapes of Roth and older Wolffer Estate wines. Sandell mentioned 1996 Pinot Noir and 1997 Estate Selection Merlot specifically.
"We've also been working with some winemakers who have created their own limited-edition wines, and those will be on the menu when available," Sandell said.
Learn more by visiting the Roanoke Vineyards website or by calling 631.727.4161.
Lenn,
Surely you must have heard about Jamesport Vineyards wine library and private tasting room too??
We have mentioned it's arrival in a few e-mails and tweets recently.
Anyway, let me fill you in along with the other NYCR readers........
Beginning June 1st, Jamesport Vineyards will have stocked our new wine library featuring bottles of wines dating back to 1986!! We have several thousand in total but will feature 150 to 350 at a time.
All of those interesting early years including '87 '88 '89 and some awesome wines from the 1990's including '95 '97 '99 Merlot, Cabernet Franc and even Pinot Noir! We'll be sure to have the "Best Reds of NYS" 2001 and 2004 Cabernet Franc as well.
We even have some bottles from the original winery- "North Fork Winery". Some Riesling from 1983!!
There is so much history in Jamesports' cellar and this being the 30 year anniversary of Ron Goerler Sr's planting of Jamesport Vineyards, we felt that it is a great time to open up the cellar for special events.
We will offer private tastings by appointment and will showcase our award winning wine with epicurean delights from many local restaurants and businesses.
Stay tuned!!
www.jamesportwines.com
Posted by: Jake P | May 06, 2011 at 11:23 PM
Jake,
"Surely" is far from the truth in this case. I hadn't heard, but congratulations -- it sounds like another 'similar-but-different' program.
I've had some local wines from the 1980s fairly recently...and will have to come taste some more.
Posted by: Lenn Thompson | May 07, 2011 at 07:08 AM
If you have not had the pleasure of visiting the winery furthest east on Long Island, then do come out to One Woman Winery for an intimate and unique tasting experience. Claudia Purita is the One Woman who does it all, from hand planting, tending, harvesting and making her own wonderful wines. The tasting room is in a tractor shed just off of Rte 48 in Southold and you will not be disappointed. Check out her recent (jan-feb) NY Times review and look for us in both the New York Magazine & The Post. Hope to see you there...ps did I mention she will be releasing the first GRUNER VELTLINER on the island within the next week or so??? Hope to see you there!!! K West
Posted by: k west | May 14, 2011 at 07:06 PM
K West: I've tasted Claudia's wines (at Brooklyn Uncorked) but have had little luck getting in touch with anyone at the winery.
I guess I should send another introduction email.
Posted by: Lenn Thompson | May 16, 2011 at 01:35 PM