Bundle up on a cloudless North Fork winter night, head down to Laurel Lake Vineyards and take in all the cosmos have to offer.
For a second year the Laurel vineyard is hosting a stargazing series with Charles A. Cardona III, the former president of the Custer Institute and Observatory and author of Star Clusters.
On four Saturday evenings in January and February, Cardona will give an astronomy lecture and binoculars and telescopes will be available for patrons. Cardona will host an indoor presentation in case of inclement weather.
“This time of year you have to get creative to get people out of the house,” said Laurel Lake tasting room manager Derek Gerard. “It’s a very relaxing sort of thing. Last year, we had people who were really interested and people who didn’t think they were, who wound up having a great time.”
Gerard noted the vineyard offers an unobstructed view and participants can gaze from the Laurel Lake’s second floor deck.
Wine will be available for purchase and participants are encouraged to bring their own food.
The cost is $20 per person or $15 per person for wine clubs members or Custer members.
The event will run Jan. 24, Jan. 31, Feb. 7 and Feb. 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. It is limited to 24 people. Call (631) 298-1420 for reservations.
Laurel Lake Vineyards is located at 3165 Main Road in Laurel.