As Long Island residents seek out their turkeys, pies, local vegetables and other necessities to host their family Thanksgiving dinners, finding a wine worthy of its own place of honor on the holiday table ranks high on their lists. There are plenty of vineyards along the eastern north fork wine trail, but for a worthwhile change of pace, consider one critically acclaimed estate vineyard that can be found nestled on Long Island’s south fork.
When Hamburg native entrepreneur Christian Wolffer purchased a 14-acre area of land that was his beloved Long Island vacation retreat in 1978, his vision for its future was a clear reflection of his life philosophy. Life is to be savored with good food, good friends, family, recreation and, of course, good wine. As neighboring parcels of land went on the market, Wolffer acquired them and expanded his estate to more than 170 acres. In addition to his home, the vast locale was also allotted to the Wolffer Estate Stables, a 100-acre equestrian center complete with 80 horse stalls and the east coast’s largest riding ring. Another 55-acres of the estate is home to Wolffer Estate Vineyards, where rows of grapevines now stand at attention over the land where potato farms once thrived and where a portfolio of award-winning wines is produced. The late Christian Wolffer founded the Wolffer Estate Vineyard in 1987.
Today, the vineyard is co-owned by Christian Wolffer’s son, Marc, and daughter, Joey, who strive to carry on their father’s mission to release premium quality wines that deliver elegance and creativity in every bottle. Making this possible is Wolffer Estate’s premier winemaker, Roman Roth, who continues to perform his artistry with each new release. Roth, like Wolffer, originally hails from Germany and has ultimately declared his home on eastern Long Island.
Roth is also responsible for the highly respected wines of Roanoke Vineyards, located on Sound Avenue in Riverhead and owned by Richard Pisacano, who just also happens to be the vineyard manager of Wolffer Estate Vineyards. Roth and Pisacano are the partners in wine whose talents and passion for excellence have brought outstanding wines to both of Long Island’s twin forks.
As certified members of the Long Island Sustainable Winemaking family of wineries, the vineyard employs sustainable farming practices and only estate-grown grapes and locally sourced fruits go into the making of every wine and cider produced at Wolffer Estate Vineyards. The 55 acres successfully grow Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Vignoble and Trebbiano grapes.
A warm and rustic tasting room is the picture of Old-World Europe and provides the ideal cozy ambience for tasting, socializing, sipping and learning about the wines. From May through October, the breathtaking vineyard view from atop of a rise which has been dubbed the Wine Stand offers a relaxing, fresh air spot for enjoying a glass of wine while basking in the sun’s rays or taking in a spectacular evening sunset. Live music is featured at the Wine Stand every Friday and Saturday evening during these months.
With chillier days upon us and the prospect of a lineup of holiday meals just around the corner, an afternoon spent inside the Wolffer Estate Vineyard tasting room promises to be an agreeable way to wile away a weekend afternoon on your quest for that perfect wine to complement the Thanksgiving turkey, Christmas Eve seafood, Christmas Day roast and happy New Year toast. If a bottle of white is your wine of choice for poultry and seafood, consider the outstanding White Mischief. The Grapes of Roth Riesling is an excellent accompaniment with the flavors of fall fare. If you are a red wine devotee, there are plenty to choose from. The Grapes of Roth Merlot and the Fatalis Fatum red blend both graced Newsday’s Top 12 Wine Picks for Long Island. Wolffer Estate Vineyard also produces some sparkling wines for all of life’s celebrations.
No matter which selections you make, any wine from Wolffer Estate is sure to be enjoyed. The American Sommelier Society declared Roman Roth Winemaker of the Year at the East End Food and Wine Awards in 2003, an accolade that was well deserved and continues to shine in all of Roth’s creations. As you uncork the first bottle of local wine this Thanksgiving, give thanks and offer a toast for the Long Island vineyards and wine makers whose efforts make every dinner and social gathering even more special.
Wolffer Estate Vineyards is located at 139 Sagg Road in Sagaponack. Visit www.wolffer.com for tasting room hours, a calendar of winery events, a complete listing of their wine portfolio and information about their wine club options.
When Hamburg native entrepreneur Christian Wolffer purchased a 14-acre area of land that was his beloved Long Island vacation retreat in 1978, his vision for its future was a clear reflection of his life philosophy. Life is to be savored with good food, good friends, family, recreation and, of course, good wine. As neighboring parcels of land went on the market, Wolffer acquired them and expanded his estate to more than 170 acres. In addition to his home, the vast locale was also allotted to the Wolffer Estate Stables, a 100-acre equestrian center complete with 80 horse stalls and the east coast’s largest riding ring. Another 55-acres of the estate is home to Wolffer Estate Vineyards, where rows of grapevines now stand at attention over the land where potato farms once thrived and where a portfolio of award-winning wines is produced. The late Christian Wolffer founded the Wolffer Estate Vineyard in 1987.
Today, the vineyard is co-owned by Christian Wolffer’s son, Marc, and daughter, Joey, who strive to carry on their father’s mission to release premium quality wines that deliver elegance and creativity in every bottle. Making this possible is Wolffer Estate’s premier winemaker, Roman Roth, who continues to perform his artistry with each new release. Roth, like Wolffer, originally hails from Germany and has ultimately declared his home on eastern Long Island.
Roth is also responsible for the highly respected wines of Roanoke Vineyards, located on Sound Avenue in Riverhead and owned by Richard Pisacano, who just also happens to be the vineyard manager of Wolffer Estate Vineyards. Roth and Pisacano are the partners in wine whose talents and passion for excellence have brought outstanding wines to both of Long Island’s twin forks.
As certified members of the Long Island Sustainable Winemaking family of wineries, the vineyard employs sustainable farming practices and only estate-grown grapes and locally sourced fruits go into the making of every wine and cider produced at Wolffer Estate Vineyards. The 55 acres successfully grow Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Vignoble and Trebbiano grapes.
A warm and rustic tasting room is the picture of Old-World Europe and provides the ideal cozy ambience for tasting, socializing, sipping and learning about the wines. From May through October, the breathtaking vineyard view from atop of a rise which has been dubbed the Wine Stand offers a relaxing, fresh air spot for enjoying a glass of wine while basking in the sun’s rays or taking in a spectacular evening sunset. Live music is featured at the Wine Stand every Friday and Saturday evening during these months.
With chillier days upon us and the prospect of a lineup of holiday meals just around the corner, an afternoon spent inside the Wolffer Estate Vineyard tasting room promises to be an agreeable way to wile away a weekend afternoon on your quest for that perfect wine to complement the Thanksgiving turkey, Christmas Eve seafood, Christmas Day roast and happy New Year toast. If a bottle of white is your wine of choice for poultry and seafood, consider the outstanding White Mischief. The Grapes of Roth Riesling is an excellent accompaniment with the flavors of fall fare. If you are a red wine devotee, there are plenty to choose from. The Grapes of Roth Merlot and the Fatalis Fatum red blend both graced Newsday’s Top 12 Wine Picks for Long Island. Wolffer Estate Vineyard also produces some sparkling wines for all of life’s celebrations.
No matter which selections you make, any wine from Wolffer Estate is sure to be enjoyed. The American Sommelier Society declared Roman Roth Winemaker of the Year at the East End Food and Wine Awards in 2003, an accolade that was well deserved and continues to shine in all of Roth’s creations. As you uncork the first bottle of local wine this Thanksgiving, give thanks and offer a toast for the Long Island vineyards and wine makers whose efforts make every dinner and social gathering even more special.
Wolffer Estate Vineyards is located at 139 Sagg Road in Sagaponack. Visit www.wolffer.com for tasting room hours, a calendar of winery events, a complete listing of their wine portfolio and information about their wine club options.