I hosted a tour on Saturday July 11th. Everything went extremely well for me and my 40 tour attendees. We had a sunny and warm day. Got to taste a lot of excellent wines.

I noticed at each stop, an increased amount of limo tours arriving and departing from wineries. Most were well mannered.

But when we were heading home, we stopped at Briermere Farms, a local farmstand and pie shop. The lot was crowded. A white Hummer stretch limo with Yellow New Jersey plates pulled in. Before the Hummer could stop two men jumped out while it was moving each with plastic cups full of red wine. As soon as the Hummer stopped, two young ladies, practically fell out of the vehicle, each with plastic cup full of wine. These folks were extremly drunk.

I went over and tapped on the window to speak with the driver. I told him that I thought that his guests should walk out of the vehicle with wine. He gave me a blank look. Some man inside the limo told him to shut the window.

This is a perfect example of why wineries are not happy with limo groups. These folks were only interested in getting smashed. It is an accident waiting to happen.

Check out a recent article on this subject:  New York Times Article-Tastings gone wild

Long Island Wine Industry Expands in Recession
I just read a Newsday article today stating that the Long Island Wine Industry is struggling. I find that hard to believe after visiting last weekend. The wineries were clogged with people. Winery parking lots were full of cars, busses and limos. Macari Winery and Vineyards is enlarging their winery tasting room and decks. They have also purchased Galluccio Estate Vineyards in Cutchogue and is renovating that property for a June 1st opening.

Delicious New Macari Wine Releases
•2008 Macari Sauvignon Blanc,$22.95, bright with great citrus flavors, gives Marlborough NZ a run for the money. I predict this wine will sell-out soon.
•2008 Sauvignon Blanc One,$26.95 a wooded SB with little hints of Fume.
•2008 Rose,$14.95 dry as a bone, made from a blend of 5 red varietals, serve this chilled on your patio with cheese or BBQ meat.
http://www.macariwines.com

Laurel Lake Vineyards in Laurel, expanded their deck to a double-decker last season. They have just released a Sauvignon Blanc and a Gewurtstraminer wines for the first time. GM Juan Sepulveda is now planning to install a pond and beautified area in the middle of the estate. http://www.llwines.com/

Jason's Vineyard, Jamesport, was established year's ago by Jason Damianos, the highly talented winemaker and enologist, that oversees winemaking at his family's Pindar and Duckwalk vineyards. His award-winning wines have been sold through Pindar and Duckwalk, in addition to being available online.

If you pass his property in Jamesport, you will see a lot of construction going on with several buildings in the final stages of completion. His Brother Alex tells me that Jason is planning to open his tasting room at the end of this month.

Jason's Vineyard
Main Rd
Jamesport, New York
Tel. 631 928-8486
http://www.jasonsvineyard.com/html/philosophy.html


Clovis Point is conveniently located on the south side Main Rd in Jamesport. They operate out of a renovated historic barn with mahogany doors. The folks in the tasting room are quite friendly. Wines include a 2006 Chardonnay fermented in stainless steel $16.50, 2005 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay $24, 2004 Merlot $21, their 2004 Vintners Select Merlot is a knockout at $35. Join their wine club for 20% discounts, free tastings and special activities.

Clovis Point
1935 Main Road
P.O. Box 669
Jamesport, NY 11947
Tel. 631-722-4222
http://www.clovispointwines.com


Coming Soon! One Woman Wines, Southold
While they have been growing grapes and making wine in Southold for a number of years, Claudia and Frank Purita, both successful chefs with strong followings will shortly open a tasting room on Old North Road in Southold. They are retro-fitting a restored barn to be made into their tasting room. Their property is also suitable for large corporate events and functions.
Wine releases include Chardonnay, Gewurtstraminer and Rose.
Visit: http://www.onewomanwines.com/

Touring Long Island Safely
If you do not wish to take a self-guided tour by driving out to the East End, there are several professional tour providers at your service. It is important to note that while many limo companies have jumped on the LIWC tour band wagon, that not all companies or tour groups are welcomed by every winery. To be frank, if you arrive drunk because you were given a bottle of whiskey for sipping along the way, you could be refused to taste.

Most Popular Tour Company:
Long Island Wine Tours
Locally managed. Takes hundreds of people per weekend. Provides hot casserole food & free refrigerator magnet keepsake.
http://www.Longislandwinetours.com

Highest Quality/Education Focused Tour Company:
LongIslandWineCountry.COM
Offers one public tour monthly with expert tour guide and departures from NYC, Nassau & Suffolk. Also specializes in corporate groups of 30 plus. Provides exclusive Wine 101 Course, boutique wineries and gourmet level food. http://www.longislandwinecountry.com/

Ethical, Established Professional Limo Provider
Ultimate Class Limousine
Long Island's leading Limo provider. They offer town cars, stretches and limo busses. http://www.ultimateclasslimo.com/


Coming Soon! Wine Country International's Insider Guides

This economy is taking the bite out of everyone's wallet. And while, the last thing you want to do is stop drinking delicious wine, there are ways to taste smart. Wine Country International ® magazine is now developing a series of Insider's Guides to regional wine tasting. Each guide will include a comprehensive overview of what makes each winery unique and how much it will cost you to taste wine, attend unique wine events and obtain value added benefits. Our Editor's will also include their suggestions and wine reviews. We will also suggest ways to save money and recoup a portion of your tasting costs when you make a purchase.

Touring and tasting is a strenuous job. The Insider Guides will provide valuable tips for taking short cuts, local roads, where to eat, where to sleep and accessing other nearby attractions.

Our first WCI Insider Guide to Long Island Wine Country will be released on June 15, 2009 as a downloadable PDF. Cost: $15

This valuable information will be designed to help you save time and get the best value for your wine tasting buck!

With wine tasting fees now averaging $12 per winery, your investment should pay for itself in your first visit.


Long Island Wine Country VIP Tours

OK. If you passed Wine 101 and know the basics of wine tasting, holding your glass by the stem, swishing, swirling and spitting occasionally...it's now time to get the best taste out of every glass of wine. You simply need to serve your wine at the proper temperature.

If you serve Chardonnay straight out of the frig, it is way to cold. If you live in Phoenix and serve your Cabernet Sauvignon at room temperature your wine is too warm. If you have a basement, that may be the coolest place to store your wines.

If your budget permits, you should look into purchasing a wine refrigerator. We purchased a Haier 42 Bottle unit at Lowe's for $249. It has really done wonders for our wines. The unit has two basic temperature settings Red or White. I suggest that you set yours to Red. You can still obtain great control for your white wines if you store them on the bottom shelves.(Remember heat rises!)

If a wine refrigerator is not in your current budget, you may consider purchasing a wine thermometer. They are available at fine wine stores or online at www.wineenthusiast.com

HERE'S MY SUGGESTED SERVING TEMPERATURES:

Champagne, Sparkling or Dessert Wines 42-45*
(Should be as cold as beer!)

Most Whites 42-45*

Rose and Beaujolais 48-52*

Light Reds (Pinot Noir) 54*

Most Reds 59-64*

If you can obtain these serving temperatures, you will notice a mouthful of delicious fruit and flavor!

Cheers!

THE WORLD OF WINE PRICING AND HOW TO FIND GREAT VALUES!

My wife and I recently visited the sleepy Languedoc region of Southern France with our two Son's. This region is on the Mediterranean Sea between Marseille and the Spanish boarder. Vin de Pays is the major appellation, but our favorite region visited was Côtes de Thongue, which produces wines from grapes grown to the west of Pézenas. The winemakers and proprietors were genuinely friendly and quite happy to offer tastes of their wines without charge! Most people don't know that the Languedoc-Roussillon region is dominated by 740,300 acres of vineyards, which is three times the combined area of the vineyards in Bordeaux!

As one might imagine, the wines are designed to match the region's seafood. Dry Rosé that is fruity but bone dry, is gaining popularity. Cabernet, Merlot, Carignan Noir, Syrah (red and rosé), Pinot noir, Grenache, and Sauvignon are also produced.

We were quite surprised to find that the average price for a Côtes de Thongue wine was Euro 3.99, which at today's currency rate cost only $5.75 US! As the world's largest producer of wine, France's overproduction has greatly benefited wine consumers. The French are even redesigning their labels to help make them more consumer friendly! The market and extreme competition has set the price. Even after an importer adds his profit margin and delivery costs, wines from Côtes de Thongue should cost American consumers less than $15 per bottle.

That my friends represents an extraordinary price to quality value!

People that visit Long Island Wine Country are sometimes put off by the prices. Many of the smaller boutique producers only make 500 cases or less of their wines. They price their wines based on the artisan standards and techniques used to create their wines. And with the dramatically increased flow of tourists to the region, demand is so great that it seems like consumers will tolerate premium prices if they feel that they are getting premium quality.

Does this mean that all Long Island Wines are overpriced? Not at all.

But one must search out some of Long Island's hidden gems to find exceptional values. Here's a few of my recent favorites:

LAUREL LAKE VINEYARDS,LAUREL
2006 Chardonnay $14.99

Unwooded Chardonnay. It's a light crisp and generous fruit-driven wine, abounding in ripe pineapple, fresh lemon and mineral flavors. The palate displays pineapple and mineral characters with soft creamy finish. This chardonnay is ideal for salads and appetizers.


MACARI VINEYARDS & WINERY, MATTITUCK

Collina 48 Merlot $9.99

An enticing nose filled with spice, black olives and a touch of bittersweet chocolate, leads to a palate rich with the flavors of sweet plums, dark cherries and a very round velvety mouthfeel. This wine exhibits a satisfying rich, lingering finish.


2007 Sauvignon Blanc $21.99

This Sauvignon Blanc exhibits a tangy and fragrant bouquet of grapefruit, lime, grass, and lemon blossoms. It has a crisp, vibrant citrus and graphite mineral quality leading to an intense finish.

BEDELL CELLARS,CUTCHOGUE

MAIN ROAD RED $16
Light, fresh and fruity. Cherry, blackberry and raspberry. Racy blends of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.


PINDAR VINEYARDS,PECONIC

PYTHAGORAS $12.99

A non vintage, rich blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Dry, complex, a subtle fruity bouquet dominates the palate. Called Pindar's "Mini-Mythology" after their top of the line Meritage blend.

2007 Johannesburg Riesling
A semi-dry white wine, with peach and pear on the nose. Apricot and melon on the palate. Gold Medal Winner at The 2008 Denver International Wine Competition.

OSPREY'S DOMINION, PECONIC

Regina Maris Chardonnay $10.00
This wine exhibits fresh tropical flavors of apple, melon and a hint of pineapple framed by light butter and toasty oak. A delicious crisp chardonnay

WÖLFFER ESTATE, SAGAPONACK

2004 La Ferme Martin Merlot $15.00

Dark Red Brick in color. The aroma has wonderful red fruit and cloves with hints of vanilla and spice and a fine touch of oak. The mouth-feel is medium bodied with wonderful coffee, dark chocolate and mark characters.89% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 5% Pinot Noir.

PECONIC BAY VINEYARDS, CUTCHOGUE

Local Flavor Merlot 1.5 Liter (Magnum) $16.00
This Merlot possesses delicate hints of plum and blackberry in the nose. This softness carries through to the finish where you'll notice just enough tannin to end on a firm note and maintain the wine's structure. Magnum size equals two standard bottles!

PELLEGRINI VINEYARDS, CUTCHOGUE

2003 East End Select Merlot $14.99
Vibrant berries and upfront fruit. Represents Long Island terroir with an excellent finish.


LIEB CELLARS, MATTITUCK

BRIDGE LANE CABERNET FRANC NV $15.00

On the nose, aromas of cherry, blueberry, and cinnamon are accented by hints of sweet peppers. A soft mid-palate leads to a smooth finish with subtle notes of spiced vanilla. This is a great red wine match for spicy foods.

2006 RESERVE PINOT BLANC $20.00

Soft straw in color this Pinot Blanc exhibits great varietal character. Initial scents of nectarine, pear, and citrus fruits give way to hints of honey and chalk. On the palate this medium-bodied, bold Pinot Blanc is refreshingly crisp with a clean, lingering finish.

JAMESPORT VINEYARDS, JAMESPORT

East End Sauvignon Blanc $15.95
This predominantly stainless steel fermented white has a small portion fermented in oak puncheons. The nose is intensely aromatic with pineapple, mango and key lime.








THE WORLD OF WINE PRICING AND HOW TO FIND GREAT VALUES!

My wife and I recently visited the sleepy Languedoc region of Southern France with our two Son's. This region is on the Mediterranean Sea between Marseille and the Spanish boarder. Vin de Pays is the major appellation, but our favorite region visited was Côtes de Thongue, which produces wines from grapes grown to the west of Pézenas. The winemakers and proprietors were genuinely friendly and quite happy to offer tastes of their wines without charge! Most people don't know that the Languedoc-Roussillon region is dominated by 740,300 acres of vineyards, which is three times the combined area of the vineyards in Bordeaux!

As one might imagine, the wines are designed to match the region's seafood. Dry Rosé that is fruity but bone dry, is gaining popularity. Cabernet, Merlot, Carignan Noir, Syrah (red and rosé), Pinot noir, Grenache, and Sauvignon are also produced.

We were quite surprised to find that the average price for a Côtes de Thongue wine was Euro 3.99, which at today's currency rate cost only $5.75 US! As the world's largest producer of wine, France's overproduction has greatly benefited wine consumers. The French are even redesigning their labels to help make them more consumer friendly! The market and extreme competition has set the price. Even after an importer adds his profit margin and delivery costs, wines from Côtes de Thongue should cost American consumers less than $15 per bottle.

That my friends represents an extraordinary price to quality value!

People that visit Long Island Wine Country are sometimes put off by the prices. Many of the smaller boutique producers only make 500 cases or less of their wines. They price their wines based on the artisan standards and techniques used to create their wines. And with the dramatically increased flow of tourists to the region, demand is so great that it seems like consumers will tolerate premium prices if they feel that they are getting premium quality.

Does this mean that all Long Island Wines are overpriced? Not at all.

But one must search out some of Long Island's hidden gems to find exceptional values. Here's a few of my recent favorites:

LAUREL LAKE VINEYARDS,LAUREL
2006 Chardonnay $14.99

Unwooded Chardonnay. It's a light crisp and generous fruit-driven wine, abounding in ripe pineapple, fresh lemon and mineral flavors. The palate displays pineapple and mineral characters with soft creamy finish. This chardonnay is ideal for salads and appetizers.


MACARI VINEYARDS & WINERY, MATTITUCK

Collina 48 Merlot $9.99

An enticing nose filled with spice, black olives and a touch of bittersweet chocolate, leads to a palate rich with the flavors of sweet plums, dark cherries and a very round velvety mouthfeel. This wine exhibits a satisfying rich, lingering finish.


2007 Sauvignon Blanc $21.99

This Sauvignon Blanc exhibits a tangy and fragrant bouquet of grapefruit, lime, grass, and lemon blossoms. It has a crisp, vibrant citrus and graphite mineral quality leading to an intense finish.

BEDELL CELLARS,CUTCHOGUE

MAIN ROAD RED $16
Light, fresh and fruity. Cherry, blackberry and raspberry. Racy blends of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.


PINDAR VINEYARDS,PECONIC

PYTHAGORAS $12.99

A non vintage, rich blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Dry, complex, a subtle fruity bouquet dominates the palate. Called Pindar's "Mini-Mythology" after their top of the line Meritage blend.

2007 Johannesburg Riesling
A semi-dry white wine, with peach and pear on the nose. Apricot and melon on the palate. Gold Medal Winner at The 2008 Denver International Wine Competition.

OSPREY'S DOMINION, PECONIC

Regina Maris Chardonnay $10.00
This wine exhibits fresh tropical flavors of apple, melon and a hint of pineapple framed by light butter and toasty oak. A delicious crisp chardonnay

WÖLFFER ESTATE, SAGAPONACK

2004 La Ferme Martin Merlot $15.00

Dark Red Brick in color. The aroma has wonderful red fruit and cloves with hints of vanilla and spice and a fine touch of oak. The mouth-feel is medium bodied with wonderful coffee, dark chocolate and mark characters.89% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 5% Pinot Noir.

PECONIC BAY VINEYARDS, CUTCHOGUE

Local Flavor Merlot 1.5 Liter (Magnum) $16.00
This Merlot possesses delicate hints of plum and blackberry in the nose. This softness carries through to the finish where you'll notice just enough tannin to end on a firm note and maintain the wine's structure. Magnum size equals two standard bottles!

PELLEGRINI VINEYARDS, CUTCHOGUE

2003 East End Select Merlot $14.99
Vibrant berries and upfront fruit. Represents Long Island terroir with an excellent finish.


LIEB CELLARS, MATTITUCK

BRIDGE LANE CABERNET FRANC NV $15.00

On the nose, aromas of cherry, blueberry, and cinnamon are accented by hints of sweet peppers. A soft mid-palate leads to a smooth finish with subtle notes of spiced vanilla. This is a great red wine match for spicy foods.

2006 RESERVE PINOT BLANC $20.00

Soft straw in color this Pinot Blanc exhibits great varietal character. Initial scents of nectarine, pear, and citrus fruits give way to hints of honey and chalk. On the palate this medium-bodied, bold Pinot Blanc is refreshingly crisp with a clean, lingering finish.

JAMESPORT VINEYARDS, JAMESPORT

East End Sauvignon Blanc $15.95
This predominantly stainless steel fermented white has a small portion fermented in oak puncheons. The nose is intensely aromatic with pineapple, mango and key lime.

www.longislandwinecountry.com

June 16, 2008

Our telephone is ringing off the wall and our email is clogged with tour requests. Tourism to the Long Island Wine Country is really become popular.

It is getting so crazy...Many people call us asking us to set up a tour with less than a week's notice!

We are the oldest and most professional wine tour and corporate event company serving the region. A recent proliferation of amateur "companies",run by mainly Quito types with a limo or town car, looking to make spare money in between airport runs, has caused an unnecessary price war.

They offer no wine knowledge or guidance, just a ride to popular wineries. Which I might ad, sell mainly consumer/mass market, pedestrian wine. Many of the patrons don't know or care, as long as they catch a buzz.

We own and publish Wine Country International magazine and conduct International wine festivals and competitions. We know all of the premium wine producers, their proprietors and wine makers. http://x.myspace.com/images/blog/smileys/winky.gif
Tony The Limo Driver, know nothing about wine. Ask him about Napa and he will tell that Napa makes great auto parts! Our biggest tour bus competitor is a local boy, that works for UPS loading boxes...since wine is shipped in boxes he thought that makes him qualified to run tours. His tours have no wine education, but he does serve re-heated Lasagna!

We believe that wine is food. And good wine should be served with good food. All of tours include a delicious gourmet restaurant or gourmet boxed lunch.

My company specializes in providing witty and useful education for our customers prior to arriving at the first winery. Every customers receives our Wine 101 Tasting Guide. Our customers are informed ahead of time and arrive at the winery, knowing the basics of wine tasting, thus ensuring that they receive the maximum enjoyment from their experience. And since we also run corporate tours and events for fortune 500 companies, we can insure that everyone is transported safely.

Long Island Wineries say that they discourage Limos, because they feel that folks that use them arrive buzzed before stepping into the first tasting room. That may be partially true, but the wineries have jacked up their wine tasting fees and are now making a big revenue stream on a daily basis. In actuality unlike several years ago, when they would give you a taste in hopes that you purchase a bottle, now they charge as much as $10 per tasting session.

Wineries are now passing these excessive fees on to established tour companies like ours. Since we educate our customers before arrival, our customers know how to spot good wines and tend to purchase more wines than other tour groups. It does not make sense that we should pay a winery these fees so that can sell wine. We receive no commission for the sales we bring into the winery!

If I sound a little like sour grapes, I apologize! I see little loyalty or appreciation for the business that we brought to wineries when they were not crowded! With this uncertain economy, I predict that the days of wine and roses may be dwindling.

We will continue our focus on providing the highest quality experience for our customers and the best value for their wine tasting buck. So if on the surface we appear to be $24 higher priced for a full day, all-inclusive, 7 hour tour, we really are not when you consider that we provide a lot more than just a ride to the wineries.

Please feel free to ad your comments to this blog!

Cheers!

Christopher Davies
CEO, Co-Founder & Publisher
Long Island Wine Country.Com
Wine Country Network, Inc.

www.longislandwinecountry.com

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Surprise Finds from The Finger Lakes
By Christopher J. Davies
Wine Country International® magazine


New York’s wine region with most wineries, The Finger Lakes Wine AVA lies just 6 hours Northwest from Long Island. The wine growing conditions are in most cases more difficult, where vintners face a colder and wetter climate.


If Long Island can be best compared to Bordeaux, The Finger Lakes should be compared to Rheingau region of Germany. And just as the Rheingau has been respected for producing noble Rieslings, The Finger Lakes has cut its teeth making Riesling its signature grape.


I am a big fan of Finger Lake Rieslings. They are the e-harmony of wines… they come in a kaleidoscope of sugar levels from sweet to bone dry. I love their compatibility with just about any food on the planet. With my home now based outside New York, I have found it difficult to find any New York wines for sale in the State of Colorado.


So when I received an invitation from the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance to participate in their Vintner’s Roundtable, I quickly responded yes! A week after receiving the telephone call, UPS arrived with a box containing six different wines. After opening the carton, I was surprised that it contained 6 different RED wines from the Finger Lakes. Could this be a mistake? Obviously not!


The Finger Lakes Vintner’s Roundtable was an imaginative way to guide wine reviewers across the country to taste wines with the winemakers and proprietors almost virtually. The tasting was conducted from a remote location in upstate New York, while wine writers including myself called into a toll free number and were patched in live to the presenters.


The instructions that came with my wines were simple:

Have a corkscrew and glasses available.


Not a problem for me!

One by one we tasted 6 different red wines over the telephone with the Finger Lakes producers. The tastings, questions and answers took approximately 90 minutes. I am glad that they took the time to expose us to these delicious wines!

Hats off for the most imaginative form of Guerilla Marketing ™ that I have seen in the wine business this year!


Surprise Finds! Finger Lakes Red Wines


Billsboro 2006 Cabernet Franc, Finger Lakes, 13%, $18
A light red that spent 5 ½ months in light oak (neutral & new French barrels). This is the winemaker’s first vintage of Cabernet Franc, harvested in a difficult year. The result is a light and refreshing red with finesse. Pair with Portobello mushrooms or mild fish dishes.


Fox Run 2005 Reserve Cabernet Franc, Finger Lakes, 12%, $24
A rich and wonderfully flavored wine made from 100% estate grown grapes. This wine is reminiscent of an elegant Bordeaux. Blend of 77% Cab Franc, 15% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon. Open one hour in advance of your tasting for maximum enjoyment. Try with Lamb chops or red sauces.


Hunt Country Vineyards, 2005 Cabernet Franc, Finger Lakes, 13%, $22
100% Cabernet Franc harvested during a very dry season. The wine is medium bodied, with a beautiful ruby color and hints of pepper and smoky flavors. If you are a fan of Syrah this will be a pleasant alternative. Pair with fine cuts of lamb or beef, eggplant and soft, creamy cheeses.


Sheldrake Point, 2005 Cabernet Franc, Finger Lakes, 12.5%, $17
A very interesting, one time blend of grapes from the Finger Lakes with grapes from California: 87% Cabernet Franc, 4.5% Cabernet Sauvignon & 8.5% California Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged in a combination of old & new oak. Excellent color, tannins and long finish. This wine is versatile with foods. Try it with steak, Italian red sauces and hearty meats.


Ravines, 2005 Meritage, Finger Lakes, 12.5%, $25
A classic Bordeaux barrel blended wine made from Finger Lakes grapes.
45% Cabernet Franc, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon and 23% Merlot. European born Morten Hallgren has seamlessly transferred his winemaking style from Provence to the Finger Lakes. The result is a bold and big red that is fruit forward with great balance. This wine has great potential for cellaring. Pair with Prime Rib, Lamb or Pork Loin.


Standing Stone Vineyards, Pinnacle, Finger Lakes, 12.5%, $21
Estate harvested and appropriately named for achieving greatness by growing Cabernet Sauvignon in the Finger Lakes! Mae West bodied, consisting of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and 3% Merlot. The result is a bright tasting, colorful wine with European elegance. Pair with venison, cheese or even the proprietors’ favorite Asian cuisine!



I have now become a true believer in the potential and possibilities of Finger Lakes reds. I only wish that they produced a greater quantity. I guess I now have found a new excuse to visit Finger Lakes Wine Country this summer!


CD


Editors note:
If you reside in New York State you can order these wines directly from the producers. They may also be found at select wine stores & restaurants. The biggest seller of New York wines is Vintage New York, which has two retail locations in Manhattan (SoHo & Uptown). Visit them online:
Vintage New York

Our 2008 season has officially kicked off! Yesterday, we hosted our Wine Lovers tour. We visited Laurel Lake Vineyards, The new Duck Walk North and Macari Vineyards.

LongIslandWineCountry.COM tickets


Our next guided tour is on April 12, 2008.

You're Invited!

"Bud Break" VIP Tour of Long Island Wine Country
Saturday April 12, 2008




Bud break is not a beer tasting!!! It is the first emergence of
the shoots that will grow to bear grapes. Join us as we celebrate the
time of bud break in Long Island Vineyards.



Details: Three North Fork wineries, gourmet restaurant lunch, artisnal
cheese tasting prior to departure.


If you are looking to increase your knowledge of wine, join us
for a wonderful day of delicious wine and cuisine in America's
Bordeaux. Imagine that only 90 miles from Manhattan, lies Long Island
Wine Country, a World-Class wine-growing region with a microclimate
almost identical to Bordeaux, France.




Our "Bud Break" Tour will whisk you to Long Island Wine Country
in a comfortable luxury motor coach. Along the way, your expert tour
guide will share some witty and attitude-free information about wines
and the local region.



Wine Country Network, Inc, a global media and event company
dedicated to providing education about wine, food and travel, hosts
your tour. Our expert staff personally selects three premium wine
estates for every tour. Selections are based on quality of wine,
exclusive activities that can be arranged and an overall quality
experience.



Gourmet Restaurant Lunch Included!


For 2008, we have significantly upgraded our lunch program to include
a multi-course lunch at the acclaimed Jedediah Hawkins Inn. Here you
will be immersed in the rich tradition of the past while at the same
time enjoy the indulgences of the 21st century in a restored, historic
landmark mansion.


Award-winning chef Tom Schaudel is offering the finest local seasonal
cuisine and exceptional service in a remarkable setting. Tom and chef
de cuisine Michael Ross are using traditional techniques, with the
freshest ingredients of local origin, and cooking seasonally. They
term this "vineyard driven cuisine". The two chefs are excited to
provide their guests with this refined and regionally inspired
experience.



The tour schedule is paced to be comfortable, but timely. An artisan
cheese course is served at the last winery prior to departure.
Special-purchasing opportunities available at winery gift shops.




All attendees receive complimentary copies of our exclusive Wine
101 Guide and our highly acclaimed print magazine Wine Country
International®.



Cost: $149 per person (all-inclusive).

Reservations required. Limited to only 50 wine lovers! (Only 21 seats
remaining.)

Departures from Manhattan(Soho & Grand Central Station), Hicksville,
Dix Hills/Commack and Farmingville.

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cLongIslandWineCountry.COM

Calling all "Wine Lovers"! Celebrate Valentines Day Weekend with us in the LIWC on Saturday February 9,2008. We will whisk you away to Long Island Wine Country in a luxury Motor Coach. You will visit three delicious wine estates for exclusive tastings of reserve wines, a delicious 3 course lunch at Jedediah Hawkins Inn and a grand finale Cheese Course. We are expecting this tour to sell out so please sign up soon.

Cheers!
Christopher

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The 2007 season is finally concluding! It has been a great one with fantastic weather and a tremendous harvest. This great weather has contributed to a greater increase in tourism to the regions. Wineries have been slammed on the weekends.

We have encountered more tours this year, which has caused me to rethink our approach for 2008 and beyond. When we first started, we were the only company providing dedicated tours from NYC to LIWC. Now everyone with a limo or bus is trying to steal business from each other.

Our company is dedicated to guality, not guantity. So we are looking for ways to upscale and create an even more exclusive experience for our guests. One drastic improvement will be the elimination of boxed lunches and upgrading to a gourmet restaurant lunch. This will increase our cost by $25, but we feel that people are willing to pay for this upgrade.

Check out our 2008 tour schedule on our website.

LongIslandWineCountry.COM