I’ve got North Fork wines on my mind this morning, but it’s too
early to be drinking, and it’s not really the right time of year. But last night we sipped a flavorful
Sunflower Chardonnay over dinner, a bottle my
parents bought for me when they visited Peconic’s Pindar Vineyards earlier this
year. Then, after dinner, I came across The Atlantic Monthly’s
recent article praising the merlot of
Shinn Estate Vineyards, located in nearby
Mattituck. These are just two of over thirty
vineyards located on the northern tip of Long Island. My parents did a quick getaway to the
North Fork to celebrate their anniversary earlier this year. They
went mid-week, to take advantage of reduced rates and less crowds, although it’s pretty peaceful out there year-round.
(Here’s a list of B&B’s in the region.) The landscapes are beautiful
almost any time of year, and worth a visit, especially if wine is your thing. There’s not too much happening out there
in the off-season, unless you want to take a drive to pick up some of that merlot, but I’m already thinking of spring,
aren’t you?