If I had created the universe, I would have had a “grand opening” celebration.
My plan would have been simple: Show everyone what springtime would look like. There would be lush, green fields and millions of colorful flowers pushing up from the soft, moist earth. The air would be crisp and clean and sunshine would stream through the tall trees and cast their shadows on a pond where ducks and swans paddled slowly.
More specifically, I would show them the East End of Long Island in spring. Those of you who missed the original “grand opening” are in luck, because it’s an annual event.
Like so many beautiful things in this world, however, springtime does not come for free. Winter is the price we pay for it — and, apparently, this year there was a substantial cost increase.
To get your money’s worth, I suggest you come out here as quickly as possible and soak up what you paid for. Of course, it’s not just the earth that comes to life and renews itself. Spring is a new beginning for all of us. It is the season of hope.
Farm fields and vineyards will be coming alive, expecting that nature will grace them with another bountiful harvest. The tasting rooms, restaurants and hotels that have been filled with music during Winterfest will open their doors and their patios, anticipating that you will come visit and share this exciting time with them.
In the words of an anonymous poet:
I saw a sign of Spring today
I know that Spring is on it’s way
I walked down one long row
and saw the buds I know will grow
I saw a sign of Spring today
for all the snow has gone away
the ground is soft and full of life
I showed a crocus to my wife
I saw a sign of Spring today
I want to see another day.
Tomorrow is another day. We hope to see you here.
Sal Diliberto
Diliberto Winery
This letter was originally published in the 2015 spring edition of the Long Island Wine Press
