Charles Schwab ran an ad about 12 years ago talking about “real life” investments strategies, that closed with the line saying: Investing in: “A Vineyard – Give Me a Break”. Every time we visit a vineyard on the North Fork of Long Island, I think about this ad. While investing in a vineyard may not make financial sense. Spending an afternoon with friends, a picnic lunch and visiting a few vineyards in the Hamptons is pretty sweet.
Click on the picture to watch the ad
There has been a proliferation of vineyards on Long Island. Visiting a few is a lovely way to spend a summer or fall afternoon. However, in my tainted opinion, the wines are generally awful. I must qualify this with the confession that I have been trained as a flavor panelist 3 times. While 3 times might be a charm, the fact that I needed so much training, may be an indication that I don’t have a particularly discerning pallet.
The East End Wine Trail is a short 20 minute drive from our place in Westhampton
The wine industry on Long Island is relatively new. The east end of Long Island has a rich agricultural history. In the past, Long Island has been famous for potatoes. The rich soil is a mixture of loam, sand, and gravel. Almost anything can grow out here. The Terroir for the grapes is also greatly influenced by the cool sea breezes coming off the Atlantic Ocean and Long Island sound. The local wine experts will tell you that the latitude and climate is vey similar to the Bordeaux region of France. The first vineyards were planted in the 1970’s and today there are over 40. There are over 25 types of grapes grown in the area. Some do better than others. The blended Bordeaux style wines get a better reception. Wine makers, given more tools, can make a more balanced wine. For some reason, I have wound up with a collection of dessert wines. After going through a tasting of 3 or 4 varietals, which is usually ended with a sampling of a late harvest, sweet wine. In order not to offend your host, one might feel obligated to buy something and the sweet wine isn’t bad. With this said, there is a reason why this collection doesn’t get consumed as quickly as other wines.
The “Usual Suspects” (Janice & Len Lewen, Kathy & Scott Flora, Kathy & Don Bell, Peggy & Phil Rose, photo credit goes to Joe and Amy Chaudoin) enjoying a September afternoon on the North Fork
