Tag: Lenn Thompson

Ripening grapes at Palmer Vineyards in the rain. (Credit: Grant Parpan)

You’ve probably noticed that over the past month or so our local vineyards have gone from brown and drab to green and vibrant, with shoots reaching farther toward the sky every day. That’s because bud break arrived in early May, starting with early varieties during the first week of and others since then.

Bud break is the first stage of the grapevine growing cycle that — if all goes well — results in ripe, flavorful grapes in the fall, which our local vintners then turn into the wines we all enjoy. (more…)

Kids at a burger night at McCall Wines in Cutchogue. (Credit: Randee Daddona)

I’ve written about this before, a few years ago, and the response — not unexpectedly — was mixed. But I still maintain that it’s OK to go wine tasting with your children.

Not at any winery or with any children, mind you. And you need a serious dose of self-awareness to know if you’re the kind of parent who can or should attempt it. But under the right circumstances, I’d argue it’s a good idea and beneficial for all involved. Parents get a little relaxation. Kids learn about local agriculture and responsible consumption. Wineries make some money. (more…)

Last week, I received an email from a wine industry friend on the West Coast. He’s been reading my ramblings about New York wine for a long time, but still has never tasted one. The last line of his email read: “If I were to buy a case of Long Island wine with the goal of understanding what matters there, what would be in that case?”

After initially telling him that I think it’s impossible to encapsulate an entire region, even a relatively small one like Long Island, in 12 bottles, I decided that I’d take on his challenge to do so — with some ground rules. (more…)

Most of the time, when I write about the local wine industry, it’s about things that are happening today — things like the current growing season, how certain wines are tasting today or how the industry is changing or has changed since I started. I’m not a reporter, per se, but I am an observer and a critic. Sometimes I’m more observer. Sometimes I’m more a critic.

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