Not everyone shares the uncommon luxury of knowing the men and women of Long Island’s wineries. Which means that not everyone will be invited to participate in harvest, or to taste barrel samples of the nascent wines that will be released many months from now (or, in some cases, many years from now). But Long Island does know how to throw a great party, and many of the local wineries have embraced the harvest season by offering events for the public to participate in. Here are some events that you should definitely check out, in honor of wine season.
Wölffer Estate Vineyard Harvest Festival, Saturday, October 6, noon to 4 p.m.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, this esteemed South Fork winery will usher in fall at their annual Harvest Party on October 6. Live music from Hopefully Forgiven will be featured, as well as food from Palo Santo, Rolling in the Dough, and Fresh Flavors. And, of course, there will be wine: Wines and ciders are included in the price of admission, as are activities like barrel-rolling, grape-stomping, pony rides, hay rides, and a wine-making relay race. The winery has partnered with Lyft to assist guests in getting to and from the property. Children under 3 enter for free, though they will require a ticket. Children ages 3 to 20 are $85, and adults are $154. Tickets will not be sold on-site.
Wölffer Estate Vineyard, 139 Sagg Rd, Sagaponack, NY 11962
Laurel Lake Vineyards, Dancing In The Vines, Sunday, October 7, 6 to 9 p.m.
Laurel Lake Vineyards will host its third annual Evening of Wine and Line Dancing over Columbus Day Weekend, an event benefiting the PAC Animal Welfare Organization. Tickets, which are $50 per person or two for $85, include two glasses of wine per person, various hors d’oeuvres, music, and, naturally, line dancing. There will also be a series of raffles and silent auctions. This is a fun way to taste through a vineyard’s wines without too much pomp and circumstance.
Laurel Lake Vineyards, 3165 Main Road, Laurel, NY 11948
Pindar Vineyards, Rock the Harvest, Saturday, October 13, noon to 5 p.m.
This free event will feature music from Montauk-based band The 3Bs, as well as complimentary tastings. The 3Bs, made up of musicians Bruce, Bucky, and Brandon, a trio of guitar, bass, and drums, specialize in classic rock and have been playing East End venues for more than 40 years. Two food trucks—Crazy Crepe and Weenie Panini—will provide dining options for the hungry masses. Trucks are slated to arrive at noon, when the tastings begin, and the live music will begin an hour later. This kid-friendly event is the perfect way to spend a lovely autumn afternoon on the North Fork.
Pindar Vineyards, 37645 NY-25, Peconic, NY 11958
Paumanok Vineyards, Futures Barrel Tasting, Saturday, November 3, and Sunday, November 4
Paumanok owner and winemaker Charles Massoud will escort guests into the cellar to taste wine from the barrel from previous harvests. Tastings will take place at set times (noon, 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m.), and participants will be able to buy cases of futures at the close of their tasting tours. Case purchases will provide a significant discount to the projected retail pricing. For $25 per person, guests will be treated to an assortment of cheeses, breads, and pâtés, along with the barrel tastes. Reservations are required, and interested parties are urged to call far in advance, as these events do fill up.
Paumanok Vineyards, 1074 Main Road, Aquebogue, NY 11931
Pindar Vineyards, Champagne, Chopin, and Caviar Tour, Every Saturday in November
As in years past, Pindar will conduct its Champagne, Chopin, and Caviar tour, in which winemakers and tour guides demonstrate the final stages of traditional method sparkling wine production. Wines will be disgorged, given a dosage, corked, wire netted, and stored in anticipation of the busy holiday season. Admission includes a glass of the Pindar Cuvée Rare Champagne, as well as assorted hors d’oeuvres. The cost is $20 per person, and includes a full tasting following the tour. Reservations for this event are required, and although groups are welcome, group size is limited by the winery.
Pindar Vineyards, 37645 NY-25, Peconic, NY 11958
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