Time To Wine Down

It's that tranquil time on the East End when the cool crisp autumn breeze replaces the hot summer air. Aside from the various farms and street fairs that often occupy the time of families, there's Long Island Wine Country! And we've got your go-to list on the North Fork. Events are aplenty in Wine Country this Fall. Take in a vineyard walk on Saturdays with Barbara Shinn -- owner, viticulturist, and winegrower -- at Shinn Estate Vineyards in Mattituck. Visit www.shinnestatevineyards.com for more info. Looking for a foodie event this weekend? Friday is the Harvest Moon dinner at Sannino Bella Vita Vineyards in Peconic which includes a four-course dinner by Chef Christopher Kar paired with wines from 6:30 to 9 PM. For tickets visit www.sanninovineyard.com. On Sunday, Sparkling Pointe in Southold hosts its Local Oyster Showcase from 2 to 5 PM. Enjoy wine and jazz. Visit www.sparklingpointe.com for tickets. On Saturday it's the 27th Annual Lenz World Merlot Classic in Peconic. The vineyard joins together some of the worlds best merlots for guests to taste and experience starting at 5:30 PM. To RSVP call 631-734-6010. Martha Clara Vineyard in Riverhead hosts a concert series throughout the Fall. Performances include New Life Crisis, Four Way Street, and The Fast Lane. Visit www.marthaclaravineyards.com. Jump ahead to November, it's the time of year when many vineyards host barrel tastings. Such as Paumanok Vineyard in Aquebogue, which hosts tastings throughout the month. Visit www.paumanok.com for more info. According to www.LIwines.com, if you're looking to go with a group then head to Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard in Calverton, Bridge Lane Wine in Mattituck, Martha Clara Vineyards in Riverhead, Osprey's Dominion in Peconic, and Pugliese Vineyards in Cutchogue. Always be sure to call the vineyard of your choice ahead of time, especially when scheduling a tasting with a limo or bus full of friends. Many will require advanced reservations, while others do not accept limos or buses. For a more intimate toast www.LIwines.com recommends Winemakers Studio located in Peconic, Clovis Point Vineyard and Winery, Diliiberto Winery, and Sherwood House Vineyards located in Jamesport. In Southold there are Corey Creek, Croteaux Vineyards (the only exclusive Rose wine producer in the United States), Mattebella Vineyard, and One Woman. In Mattituck you can find Harbes Family Vineyard, Scarola Vineyards, and Shinn Estate Vineyards. In Cutchogue you can easily hop around to Lieb Cellars, McCall Wines, Pellegrini Vineyards, Macari Vineyards, and Pugliese Vineyards. If you're seeking an upscale experience with your glass of vino, head to Bedell Cellars or Macari Vineyards in Cutchogue, Kontokosta Winery in Greenport, Macari Vineyards in Mattituck, Raphael Vineyard and Winery in Peconic, Sherwood House Vineyards in Jamesport, and Sparkling Pointe located in Southold, says www.LIwines.com. Raise a glass to the new season ahead and drive safe everyone. Cheers! You can follow more stories from Nicole Teitler on Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat as Nikki On The Daily.