Mattituck native Allissa Goodale has been a tasting room associate at Martha Clara Vineyard in Riverhead for nearly three years. During that time she has served up a lot of wine to tasting novices and professionals alike.
And, now she is sharing some of her experience.
We caught up with her on a quiet Wednesday afternoon and asked her about the wine selection, items she likes best, the most challenging part of her job and how to get the most out of your tasting.
Q: What’s your Martha Clara wine?
A: My favorite wine is our 2010 Estate Reserve Merlot. It is a really nice smooth red. It spent 20 months in oak barrels and has hints of dark chocolate and cedar. It’s like liquid velvet.
Q: What’s the best part about working here?
A: I love being in the wine industry. The customers that we have, the wine club members, the tasting room staff — I just like everything about it. I love being out here in wine country.
Q: And the most challenging?
A: It gets really crazy here especially on weekends in the summertime. So, I try to multitask and get everything done without any problems. Usually, we will have a full bar and then a keg will need to be changed when I am helping out customers. That gets pretty hectic.
Q: There are so many wineries on the North Fork. What makes Martha Clara unique?
A: The fact that we are a family friendly vineyard. We have live music every Saturday and Sunday. We are open throughout the year, seven days a week. We have animals, so, there is a little petting zoo with goats, pigs, sheep, cows. There is something for everybody.
Q: Do you have any tips for making the most of your wine tasting experience?
A: Everyone has their own preference. There is no right or wrong way to taste. Professionals have their way, but it is really meant to be enjoyable.
