What’s better than a glass of wine and a good book? A Book Place (489 E. Main St., Riverhead, 631-405-7902), Riverhead’s independent bookstore, has found the answer: combine the two.
Launched in January by owner Jocelyn Maningo Kaleita, the Wine ‘Round the North Fork book club brings readers together each month at North Fork vineyards for an afternoon of literary conversation and wine tasting. The events include a meet and greet with a featured author, a book discussion and Q & A, a copy of the author’s book, a wine flight and light bites and a book signing opportunity. Tickets range from $65-72.
The club met at Raphael Vineyards on June 14 to hear Christina Baker Kline discuss her latest historical novel, The Foursome, in conversation with author John Searles. The Foursome tells the story of Chang and Eng, conjoined twins who married a pair of sisters in 19th century North Carolina (whom Baker Kline is distantly related to).
Baker Kline, a bestselling author of ten novels, spoke about discovering the family connection and how it inspired her decision to research and write the book. She describes the Wine ‘Round the North Fork event as “inspiring and convivial,” with a friendly vibe. “I love thinking outside the box; people are primed for enjoyment [at a winery]. It’s a fun addition,” she says.
For Maningo Kaleita, the club has evolved into something larger than a traditional bookstore gathering.
“One of the reasons I love Wine ‘Round the North Fork is that it has grown into so much more than a book club at a bookshop — it’s a community of readers brought together by a shared love of stories,” she says. “There’s something uniquely North Fork about gathering at vineyards, where conversations flow as naturally as the wine.’
That sense of community benefits more than readers. Author events give writers — whether bestselling authors or debut novelists — the opportunity to connect directly with fans, attract new readers and spread the word about their work. Independent bookstores, meanwhile, strengthen their role as cultural gathering spaces while drawing visitors into their stores. And the vineyard setting is even more attractive to readers looking for social connection.
Left, Baker Kline’s latest novel, The Foursome; right, enthusiastic book club members at Raphael Vineyard. (Left Photo Courtesy of HarperCollins; right Photo Courtesy of Jocelyn Maningo Kaleita)
Previous meetings of Wine ‘Round the North Fork were held at Pellegrini Vineyards with authors Chris Pavone (author of The Doorman), Kelly O’Hearn (tarot reader and author of the Arcanum series) in conversation with Veronica Thiers of Hampton Tarot, Jennifer O’Brien (author of The Summer I Found You) and Tom Junod (author of In the Days of My Youth I was Told What It Means to be a Man: A Memoir) in conversation with Julie Satow, award-winning journalist.
The next meetup will be at Raphael Vineyards on July 19 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. with John Searles, author of Single Girls, in conversation with his husband, theater director Thomas Caruso. Searles is a novelist and former Cosmopolitan books editor, who worked with Helen Gurley Brown for more than two decades; the book is a fictionalized account of her work and life set in 1965 Manhattan with plenty of behind-the-scenes drama.
Searles latest novel, Single Girls, the next Wine ‘Round the North Fork book choice. (Photo Courtesy of HarperCollins)
If you’re looking for a different type of book club, fear not. A Book Place also organizes a Rom-Com book club, a Silent book club (where participants meet up to read their own book choices silently), and a Queer book club. Author book signings and craft nights are also on the agenda, and the store’s popular regular monthly book club has 170 members on its email list. Maningo Kaleita says she hopes that the club “might entice you to read something new — something to educate you and push your boundaries.” It seems that quite a few readers are taking her up on that challenge.
To explore the latest book club and event schedule, check A Book Place’s Instagram.
