Wine Camp!

Kim and I just got back from a memorable four days in Long Island where we attended Wine Camp in the North Fork wine region.  We knew nothing about the area and had literally never tried their wine before, but I can now say without hesitation that the place is a hidden gem.  The cool climate there surrounded by water on three sides allows them to grow many of the world’s most popular varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cab Franc, Chardonnay, and even a little Pinot Noir.  What’s more, it is a charming area, with a number of nice restaurants and bed and breakfasts, and, particularly unique for a wine region, beautiful beaches five minutes away.

Working the vines.

Castillo di Borghese

Typical Long Island beach.

Art of wine tasting.

At the wine camp, we were joined by 14 other enthusiasts who were given considerable access to the most respected winemakers and winery owners in the area, each leading discussions on a different topic, ranging from how to taste wine, the chemistry of making wine, how to prune the vines, how to blend, etc.  Every session was enjoyable, but the highlight was probably the farewell dinner, where we were joined by an actual Italian Prince and Princess, Ann Marie and Marco Borghese, owners of Castillo de Borghese, for an amazing five course food and wine pairing.  We even happened to be featured in the local Long Island press.  (Here’s the link.)  

For anyone interested in a unique wine vacation, I highly recommend this trip. 

Winemaker Anthony Nappa.

Believe me, we weren’t there long before I started looking into acreage cost for undeveloped land, and while I wouldn’t necessarily say I loved it more than the Willamette Valley, I also wouldn’t say I didn’t.  And considering that having a winery in Willamette Valley has been my life’s ambition for the last ten years, that’s definitely saying something.