A new law passed by state lawmakers could bring radical change to how alcohol tastings are served on the North Fork.
In a bill passed by both the State Assembly and Senate on their last day of session June 20, changes would be made to the tax law as it relates to wine, beer, cider and liquor products. READ
The Long Island Wine Council is in search of its next executive director following the recent resignation of Ali Tuthill.
Ms. Tuthill, of Greenport, held the position for just over a year and stepped down last month.
About 700 oenophiles gathered at Martha Clara Vineyards in Riverhead Saturday to sip wine, slurp oysters and celebrate the late men and women who have contributed to the Long Island Wine Industry.
The event, Harvest East End, is the Long Island Wine Council‘s biggest annual party and this year’s gala, dubbed “Back to Our Roots,” was a departure from past years in several ways. (more…)
Long Island, with a centuries-long history of farming, has undergone an agricultural revolution in just a few decades, sparked in 1973 by a pair of pioneers in planting grapes for fine wine, Louisa and Alex Hargrave. READ
Since the first settlers came to this area, Long Island has been defined by its agriculture. The farmer’s way of life — deep concern for the land and a close sense of community — is an undeniable part of the heritage and ethos of the East End. READ
What do you think of when you hear the term “Long Island wine?”
Does it call to mind supple, sophisticated bottles of cabernet franc and merlot, or a crisp sauvignon blanc that pairs perfectly with oysters harvested from Peconic Bay? Or maybe, for you, Long Island wine is less synonymous with the product itself, but a summer day spent “out east” drinking rosé and laughing with friends?
In the 42 years since Alex and Louisa Hargrave planted the first commercial vineyard in Cutchogue, the industry, like that of any burgeoning wine region, has experienced periods of significant change in both atmosphere and reputation.
And until recently, there has never been a large-scale, unified effort to create a brand. READ
Gene Casey and the Lone Sharks perform at Jamesport Vineyard during a previous Winterfest concert. (Credit: Katharine Schroeder)
Winterfest: Live of the Vine, now in its eighth year of providing cabin fever-suffering East Enders with a respite from the winter doldrums, returns with live concerts and more with a kickoff party at The Suffolk Theater in Riverhead Feb. 6.
The latest round of the New York Regional Economic Development Council awards were announced Thursday with more than $1 million funding tourism efforts across the North Fork.
A total of $709.2 million in state funds and tax credits were awarded to the 10 regional councils across New York. Long Island is receiving $81.9 million to support 97 projects — four of which are on the North Fork.