Vine Speak

Last Updated on Wednesday, 19 August 2009 17:51 By Heather Muhleman Monday, 17 August 2009 18:44

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Summertime Sips at Wolffer Estates

Summer months on the Island bring visions of endless days at the beach, lazy Sunday brunches in town, and evenings relaxing on the water in your trusty sailboat. One activity that needs to be added to your romps to the Hamptons is wine tasting at South Fork’s extraordinary Wölffer Vineyards, conveniently located in Sagaponack, NY.
One of three wineries located on the South Fork of the Island, Wölffer Estates is a leader in Long Island wines. In 1988 founder and owner Christian Wölffer dedicated himself to perfecting what he always knew was there, but wasn’t always obvious – well tended vineyards that yielded amazing wines. All the grapes come from the local land and in natural fashion. The vines offer themselves to vineyard manager Richard Pisacano and winemaker Roman Roth who develop the grapes into wines of numerous styles and tastes.
As pioneers in Long Island winemaking the two men have created amazing merlots, chardonnays and a highly sought-after rosé, among others, over the past 20 years. With close attention to what the terroir can do, these men have perfected the grape-growing process in Long Island’s sometimes finicky temperatures. Wölffer’s Premier Cru Merlot is one of the most expensive bottles on the Island at more than $100 a bottle, and their rosé is one of the most popular.
The tasting room is reminiscent of a Tuscan villa, perfectly suited to a leisurely sampling of some of the Island’s very best wines. With a number of tasting menus available (including cheeses and chocolates), the tasting tables and bar offer up an opportunity to slow down and really enjoy what is in front of you – the wine, the cheese, the company. This summer, the Wölffer tasting room is home to Twilight Thursdays and Sunset Fridays, offering guests live music and a striking summer sunset across the vineyard.
Wölffer Estates is located at 139 Sagg Road in Sagaponack, NY. For further information, visit www.Wolffer.com. Group tours of the vineyard and facility are available with an appointment.

Highly recommended wines from Wölffer:

2008 Rosé  – light, refreshing and fruity, very fresh and well balanced. $16

2005 Estate Selection Chardonnay – clean, with a hint of vanilla and balanced oak. $29

2005 Cabernet Franc – dark fruit flavor with vanilla and cedar tones.  $22

2004 Premier Cru Merlot – toasty and woodsy, a touch of anise with a long, smooth finish. $100