George Eldi has secrets he is dying to share.
Dotted throughout the North Fork are wineries still waiting to be discovered by the masses of wine fans. No tasting rooms, no storefronts, these wineries have little more than their bottles and their vision.
This Saturday, Eldi, who owns Wines By Nature in Wading River, will shine a light on these hidden gems. From 1 to 4 p.m., he will host a tasting of selections from seven of the North Fork’s smallest wineries.
“I sought after these guys on my own and I came up with this idea because they need more recognition,” Eldi said. “I don’t know why someone hasn’t done this before. I’ve discovered these wines but not a lot of people have.”
The event will provide an opportunity for Farrm Wine, Reilly Cellars, Montauk Daisy, North Cliff Vineyards, influence vineyards, Leo Family Wines and Onabay Vineyards to connect with one another as well as legions of new followers.
“We’ll have six stations set up around the store where you can go and taste, talk, learn and laugh,” Eldi said.
Of course, selections from each winery will be available for purchase the day of the event and beyond at Wines By Nature.
In the past, the shop has hosted tasting events, but gathering the owners of these small wineries together is a new venture. While it is surely good for business, the endeavor also appears to be a passion project for Eldi rooted in relatability.
“I’m a small business that represents small businesses,” he said. “These guys, they’re the accountant, the winemaker in most cases, the delivery guy, the compliance officer, the designer, they’re the vineyard manager.
“They’re quite busy doing everything except getting the word out, so it’s my job to do that,” he continued. “Once you taste these wines and you have a discussion with the winery owners, you really kind of fall in love with them, they’re really terrific people.”
The event is free to attend, and Eldi has requested people please call 631-886-2800 to reserve a time to come down.
Wines By Nature is located in The Shoppes at East Wind, 5768 NY-25A suite I in Wading River.
