Long Island Wine Country Can Feel Like You're in Tuscany, Italy

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You don't have to travel to Italy to feel like you're in Tuscany. Just take a ride out to wine country on the North Fork of Long Island. If you time it right, you can beat the traffic, and the ride is sublime as you take in the sights of this splendid landscape.

Long Island's wine country is home to more than 30 vineyards. Most are family owned and operated producing some of the best wine in the region. These wines demonstrate the deep, seasonal connection held between land and table. Local products and dedication to boosting agriculture highlight a decades-long relationship between what is grown here and what you can eat and drink as well. Food, wine, culture, and craft are all together in our own backyard. 

On Friday, we headed out early to the North Fork. I had a particular vineyard in mind. We pulled up to Rafael Vineyard and Winery and immediately it felt like we were in Tuscany, Italy. This expansive vineyard stretches out across more than 50 acres of lush grape vines. The winemaking philosophy is based on an understanding of the cycle of nature, the climate and soil, the ripeness of the grapes and the success of time-honored techniques. Utilizing gravity flow and a natural winemaking philosophy, Raphael wines are produced sustainably, utilizing controlled fermentation with little fining and filtration resulting in wines that purely express the local terroir; the complete natural environment in which a particular wine is produced, including factors such as the soil, topography, and climate. 

Rafael Vineyard and Winery was designed by John Petrocelli who was inspired by the Italian monasteries of his ancestral home. The production facility blends classic Mediterranean architecture with modern winemaking equipment. By building the winery 12 feet underground, they are not only able to make wines using a gentle gravity-flow method, but they are able to construct an energy-efficient building using the earth’s natural 55F temperature to cool the winery in the summer and warm it in the winter. 

Throughout the seasons, the devoted vineyard staff carries out the rigorous work of caring for the vines. The vineyard manager Stephen Mudd, is dedicated to sustainable agriculture, safeguarding the quality of the wine and raising it to its utmost perfection. Stephen brings over 30 years of experience in managing vineyards and is considered one of the pioneers of Long Island grape growing. Most of the work is done by hand, year-round; from pruning to leaf pulling. The ancient practice of fruit thinning is carried out during the summer and fall. Approximately half of the crop is sacrificed every year to ensure that the remaining fruit will reach the ultimate peak of ripeness. Raphael is one of the few wine estates in the United States that harvest entirely by hand. Work carries on until the carefully chosen moment-when the harvest starts, and the grapes are gathered by hand in the traditional and time-honored way. Only the very best fruit makes it into the Rafael brand of wines. Maybe one day, I'll take up smashing grapes. I have Italian feet.

When you need to escape, and you don't want to book a flight, get in your car and take yourself on a journey east to Long Island's wine country. It doesn't require packing a bag, but it does require developing your palate. I recommend Rafael's Rose Pinot Noir. It's light and smooth with a subtle bite, and it goes to your head like you've taken flight. Cin! Cin!

Peace and Love, 

Skylark

At 60 and beyond, sipping wine on a vineyard while looking out at a beautiful landscape can make you feel ageless.

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I am a columnist with Skylark Live Town News (SLTN) and write short, poetic articles geared to the 60 and beyond population. Topics include human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, music, and events in and around Bay Shore. I also write about restaurants and stores I've been to in the area. You can also watch my first Monday-of-the-month vlog, “60 and Beyond with Skylark" on my YouTube Channel, Skylark Live, that features my articles from SLTN. Please subscribe to my free STLN newsletter that gets delivered directly to your email each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. To support SLTN, you can make a recurring monthly donation ($5 Friend or $15 Advocate) or a one-time donation of any amount. It's up to you, and it's easy to do on my feed. You can also advertise your business or event here as well. Please follow me on YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn under my brand, Skylark Live. Thank you for your support.