Dear Friends of the Long Island wine region,
Spring is one of the best times of year on the East End. You’re finally free from the shackles of layers of clothing and are able to enjoy the sun’s warm rays. I’m sure plants feel the same way. The gardens, trees, farm fields and vineyards come alive again. Their tender leaves soak up the sun, displaying a beautiful, fresh light-green color that symbolizes new beginnings, youth, hope, immortality and fertility.
Our towns wake up again as the influx of tradesmen, farmers, fishermen, business people, weekenders and tourists bring life to our beloved villages and hamlets, with their farm stands, shops, restaurants, wineries, B&Bs and hotels.
Spring’s arrival on this ever-repeating circle reminds us that we are all connected and should work together and embrace each facet that, when combined, makes the East End so special.
On Monday, April 24, at 10 a.m. we’ll be hosting a panel discussion and spring portfolio tasting for our local trade and media at Hotel Indigo East End in Riverhead. If you would like to attend, email [email protected] with LIWC Trade Tasting in the subject line.
Building a year-round, world-class wine and food destination begins with the local business community. The objective of this event is to encourage more local businesses to show stronger support for our wines and to provide our members with an opportunity to increase their local wholesale portfolio.
Our guest panel includes Long Island restaurateurs Tom Schaudel (Jewel, aMano, aLure) and David Loewenberg (The Beacon, The Bell & Anchor, Fresno); Aimée Lasseigne New (Bottlerocket, NYC); Chad Walsh (Agern Restaurant, NYC); and two members of the local media.
Among the topics to be discussed are purchasing climates/habits, guests’ wine preferences, the perception of Long Island wines on the East End and beyond, what is exciting about Long Island wine and what story lines are important for media.
Following the panel discussion, the LIWC will host a three-hour Spring Portfolio tasting for attendees.
We hope you’re as encouraged and enthusiastic as we are to show visitors and the world that we believe in our region.
Spring is the perfect time to start!
Roman Roth
President, Long Island Wine Council
Partner and winemaker, Wölffer Estate Vineyard
This story was originally published in the spring 2017 edition of the Long Island Wine Press
