That’s one way to make friends with your neighbors.
Beginning this Friday, Dec. 16, Sannino Bella Vita Vineyard in Peconic will host “NOFO Neighbor Tastings,” offering free wine tastings and wine education to North Fork residents.
The samples will take place every Friday over the next seven weeks and will be followed by a lecture presented by owner Anthony Sannino on the vineyard’s winemaking methods.
The special offer, which runs through Jan. 27, is open to anyone who lives between Aquebogue and Orient. Tastings will be available from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. From 5 to 7 p.m., Sannino will discuss his winemaking methods with his neighbors.
“It’s quieter in the winter and it’s great if we can get the community on board and learn about some new stuff,” he said.
Sannino regularly holds lectures, educating visitors about making wine. This summer, Sannino Bella Vita Vineyard placed in USA Today’s “10 Best Winery Tours” contest.
“My tour, which encompasses everything that we’re going to discuss over the seven weeks, was rated number six in the nation through USA Today and the Reader’s Choice Awards,” Sannino said. “We figured we’d break it apart and offer it for free for the neighbors.”
Each Friday, Sannino will present a different topic on winemaking. The first week will focus on the vineyards, while week two will be about wine barrels.
“We might walk right out into the vineyard,” he said. “We’ll discuss what we grow, how we grow it and why we grow on the North Fork.”
To take advantage of this offer, North Fork residents must present ID in order to show proof of residence. The tastings will include whatever wines Sannino is serving that weekend.
North Fork residents will also receive discounts on their purchases during the events. The fee for non-residents is $20.
Sannino Bella Vita Vineyard is located at 1375 Peconic Lane in Peconic. For more information, call (631) 734-8282 or visit sanninovineyard.com.
