Two Great Vineyards on Long Island’s North Fork
Fall is a great time of year to head out to the wine country on Long Island’s scenic North Fork. You can take a tour of the vineyards and taste some delicious wine in the process.
Castello di Borghese Vineyards
Castello di Borghese Vineyards of Cutchogue offers guests a piece of history with their wine. The vineyard is one of Long Island’s oldest and most respected. Castello di Borghese stands for Castle of the Borgheses. While you’re at the vineyard, you’ll feel like royalty.
“People can expect to be well taken care of by our expert staff,” Ann Marie Borghese, owner of Castello di Borghese continues, “We like to help people understand their wine style and will help you pick out the right tasting for you to enjoy.”
In the process, you’ll give your palate a wide variety of tastes. The Riesling 2009 Estate has aromas of jasmine and orange peel with hints of rose petals and orange peel. The Chardonnay 2009 has hints of lemon, butter, cream and vanilla. The vineyard also boasts a great red wine selection. The Borghese 2001 Private Reserve is aged for two years in French Oak. This full-bodied wine is a blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. It is also very popular! The Borghese Meritage 2005 is also a very popular wine. It is a Bordeaux blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20 % Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc.
While you’re visiting, you can also take the “Winemaker’s Walk”, which gives you a tour of the vineyard and production facility. You can actually see the unique process of winemaking.
“We are open all year round and do our Winemaker’s Walk every week. It is at 1pm sharp on Saturday starting in November and on Thursday and Sunday for the rest of October.” Ann Marie Borghese says.
The vineyard will also host a wine and cheese pairing class happening on October 23rd.
For more information you can go to their website: www.castellodiborghese.com
Castello di Borghese Vineyards
Route 48 (Sound Ave) and Alvah’s Lane; P.O. Box 957
Cutchogue, NY 11935
Phone: (631) 734-5111
Martha Clara Vineyards
Martha Clara Vineyards of Riverhead is another spot on the east end filled with rich history. So rich in fact, the owner is Robert Entennman of the famous Entennman’s baked goods company. He named the vineyard after his mother, Martha Clara. Today, Robert’s daughter Jacqueline runs the 200-acre farm alongside him. The family roots run deep at this vineyard, which makes the wine even more exciting to taste.
The 2009 Sauvignon Blanc is a new release. It boasts aromas of cut grass and grapefruit. The 2009 Five-O Rose is another new release featuring rhubarb, strawberry, citrus peel and watermelon flavors. The 2005 Estate Reserve Merlot is a popular favorite. This particular wine offers a medley of spices and raspberry for your palate.
Martha Clara Vineyards also hosts a variety of events. You can catch the Long Island Comedy Festival on October 16th and the Strings, Vines, Music Wine and Delicacies Batson Guitar Show on October 17th.
For more information you can log onto their website: www.marthaclaravineyards.com
Martha Clara Vineyards
6025 Sound Avenue
Riverhead, NY 11901
Phone: (631) 298-0075
