Wine tasting isn’t just for the fall or winter months. Summer brings new chances to enjoy white wines and sweeter wines that pair well with summer dishes. Long Island produces the most significant number of European wine grapes on the East Coast, which leaves a fair amount of wineries that will offer a fantastic wine tasting experience. Chilled white wine can make a great addition to any summer dinner, matching well with certain fish and cheese dishes. Wine tasting is also a great outing that can lead to some fantastic drinks and delicious food.
How to Throw a Fabulous Summer Wine Tasting Party
Some of the best summer wines include Moscato, Pinot Noir, Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Chardonnay, to name a few. The best way to work around what wine to serve is to cater to everyone’s taste by having a few choices, but mainly, you’ll want to think about what kind of food you’ll be serving. If you’re serving a delicate fish, veggies, or chicken, you should go with a lighter white wine. For more hearty foods like burgers and steaks, you’ll want a more robust and more full-bodied wine. Wine pairing is a difficult task unless you’re a professional, so try not to worry too hard. Pick several different options and have them all available for your guests to drink.
The 10 Best Long Island Wineries for White Wine
Creating delicious beverages since 1970, Long Island has a strong history of attracting wine enthusiasts to its hills. White wine is the wine of choice during the summer months as it offers a lighter taste, softer mouthfeel, and palette cleansing. For white wine lovers looking to explore new wineries this summer, the following wineries are not to be missed.
Shinn Estate Vineyards & Farmhouse
Long Island’s Wine Scene
Long Island’s wine scene has seen a vast transformation over the past several decades. Vineyards across the region have acquired more grape varieties and have altered the way they produce different wines. Currently, some of the country’s best wine can be found in local restaurants, with some even making international acclaim. Owning a vineyard in Long Island allows owners much more freedom than in other locations. There are only a few rules when it comes to producing wine, the main stipulation being that 85% of the fruit used in the process must be grown within the region.
The vineyards on Long Island are known for producing some of the best Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Carmenère, Petit Verdot, and Sauvignon Blanc. However, that is not all. Many vineyards have started to add sparkling wines to their repertoire from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to Pinot Meunier.
Long Island’s Luxury Wine Tasting Program
If you’re looking for a great place to taste wine, Long Island is a great East Coast alternative to Napa Valley. Stay in a charming bed and breakfast while exploring the quaint towns full of restaurants offering local fare. Most wineries allow guests to walk throughout the vineyards and get a first-hand look at the grapes used in the process of making wine. Walking throughout a vineyard is also an excellent place for photos due to the lush scenery.
While most wineries offer tasting rooms, some offer an exclusive membership that provides perks such as discount bottles and wine tasting dinners. You can sample many wines to get a better understanding of your specific wine preference and ultimately enjoy the pairing of food and wine.
Wine tasting can be the perfect excuse for a summer getaway. Travel to Long Island for the picturesque scenery, lovely hotels and inns, and the delicious fresh food. You can have your very own wine tasting experience at any number of wineries that offer a diverse grape profile. So grab your mask and book a room at one of the many accommodations on Long Island and enjoy yourself!
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