The Hidden Vineyard:)

I must begin this blog with a personal statement.... I was brought to tears today visiting the sweet man behind The Hidden Vineyard.

Located off Edwards Avenue on Railroad Avenue sits a Sweet Man and his vines. As you pull off the road onto what is almost a dirt road, down a long driveway, up a little twisting hill you see a large house and some tents. The field of vines has not been treated with weed killer so grass grows.

I pull my car into an informal parking space and proceed to walk under the tent. A group of young people greeted me with warm "Hellos"... they weren't workers they were random people enjoying their time. I walked over to the man behind the counter. The man greeted me with a "Well, hello there little lady:)"  I laugh and say my greetings back. I asked him to tell me about the place:)....and that was how my friendship with Pete began.

I learned about his 6 wines. 3 Red and 3 White. No sulfites or additives. Also, how the wine is kept in the barrel until purchased. Pete bottles it right at that time of purchase. He also makes what ever you want as a personalized label.

 I tried a couple of the Reds. A tasting is $5 a glass is $5 and a personal bottle of any wine is less than $17....I choose the Cabernet Franc. With a personal label that read "North Fork Natasha".

I asked Pete how he thought of doing a vineyard this way... Pete's Father taught him how to make wine. "But not how to grow grapes" Pete says with a smile. He explained that he's still learning that. His fathers method was "Old School Italian". In his second year producing wine he's harvesting about 11 barrels. The first year it was 4 barrels. Sold out by September.

Pete poured me a tasting of his whites and we began to talk. Told me he's a Brooklyn Boy....Sheepshead Bay. Parents came over from Italy. Was married for almost 50 years when he lost his wife. He told some stories about her and the two getting together when she was 16. Told me in great detail how he made the wine itself. Although, I couldn't quite picture the process.

As I sat on a Cloudy North Fork afternoon, in this off the beaten path place..... hearing story after story about his life and his wife's life, I couldn't help but tear up. Such a genuine Human being.

I will say The Hidden Vineyard is not a fancy place. Probably won't find bouquets of flowers on the tables or gourmet cheeses and chocolates...... There isn't a gift shop either.

What you will find is a place... and a man with such SOUL:)

As I was leaving Pete asked me again what my name was and I told him. He said with a wink and a joking smile "I Wont forget an ugly face like yours". He kissed me on both cheeks holding both my hands and Thanked me so much for coming. Thats when my tears really came:)

XOXO Pete:) I will be back to see you soon....

Jamesport Country Store...

The little town of Jamesport:) May be little but the sweet town is home to some wonderful places to visit. From Jamesport Manor Inn to Grana Wood Fire Pizza. The South Jamesport Beach, Bayview Inn. Can't forget the Elbow Room:) The Egg and Raw Milk people up on Sound Ave. Biophilia organic farm and local harvest. Jamesport Vineyard, Sherwood House Tasting room. Duffys Deli, Gabrielson Green House, Harbes......

....and the place I'm choosing to speak about today...The Jamesport Country Store. Located on the South Road (Rt 25) in Jamesport.  With old fashion charm, the store remembers a time much simpler. My kids have gone since they were little kiddies getting old fashion candy. Many chocolate Easter bunnies and Jelly Beans have been purchased by myself and many others throughout the years.

Since 1973 Jamesport Country Store has been offering products that were carefully and lovingly made with great skill and craftsmanship. Things like candy, yummy condiments, local photography, whimsical toys and gifts. Just walking into the red brick store sends you back in time a bit:)

Jamesport Country Store is a place that reminds me of when my 19 year old was a little girl begging for candy. It creates the feeling of nostalgia and is a great place to stop with the family:)

Friendly:) Sherwood House

This Fun and Friendly vineyard located off the North Road (RT 48) in Mattituck was a welcoming place to visit on a HOT afternoon. As I drive down the long, informal drive way, vines growing on both sides.... I could just tell this was going to be a comfortable experience.

As I got closer I saw a group of people laughing and playing with an adorable dog. I find my way and parked in a random open field. I felt I was "In the country" A down home feel. It was close to closing time so I was intending on just a short look around and coming back another day.

Well:) Dave the person pouring for the afternoon said "sit right down and have a tasting already." Dave and his dog Abby... a cute pug, went into the tasting shed and brought out a glass and poured my first pour. He suggested the 2010 Stainless Steel Fermented Chardonnay. What a treat. This wine tasted light and citrusy. Hints of apple and pear. Very yummy.

Dave poured a 2005 Merlot.. said it was Barbara (one of the owners favorite) as it was his as well. So Smooth...was wishing I had a piece of dark chocolate to have with it.

About this time I realize its after closing time. I go to square up and let this nice guy and his doggie go home.... He says to me "You enjoying yourself? Relax and don't rush. I don't mind staying at all."

So for the next 40 minutes or so I tasted and learned all about their delicious wines. Dave shared that the owners, Charles and Barbara truly want the people who visit their place to have fun and enjoy not only the wine but the whole experience of Sherwood House...and that I did.

Sherwood House also has a tasting room in Jamesport. Off the South Road (RT 25) in a Historical 1870s farmhouse called Material Objects.

Sherwood House has a tasting room inside this rustic and trendy place.  Items like high end upholstered pieces to bee skeps. The all over feel...a distressed look.

Again, a friendly smile greeted at this tasting room. Brian (one of the partners) kindly walked with me, showing me some of the interesting features of Material Objects. The Whaling hooks that hung a large mirror to the Ocean Moorings. A late 1800s work bench to the tables out on the deck that were made from wood collected from the Mattituck Schools dating back to the late 1770s!!!!

Sherwood House, whether you go to the breezy Mattituck vineyard or to the tasting room located in Material Objects in Jamesport. The feeling is friendly and fun. The experience and great wine will be a special journey.

Croteaux... a hidden garden treasure

On such a Sweet Summer afternoon I decided to head East on the South road -aka- Rt 58. Just enjoying a nice drive sipping Rosehip, Hibiscus tea. Didn't know exactly where I was headed but knew I wanted to venture to a vineyard I had never been to before.

I pulled off Main road onto South Harbor Road and found myself in a quiet, quaint, garden of flowers and color. Even walking up to Croteaux was a pleasant experience. The gravel path, old bicycle, inviting antique garden art and bright yellow tasting room were so inviting. Must admit....I tripped out of my car I was so engaged:)

Croteaux Vineyard, a sweet "Boutique" vineyard is focused and dedicated to making delicate Rose wine. 

As I walk through the tasting room door. It was all about atmosphere... So unique and garden charming. The late afternoon sun was just beginning to shine through the back door. A little furry, white dog (I find out later is named Sarge) walked out the back. Since there were no people in the tasting room... I followed the dog:)

To my delightful surprise it seemed to be a hidden garden treasure full of wooden tables and bright red chairs, a barn that was built in the 1750s.... and my favorite part.......   A space for peaceful reflection. This, an old barn as well, made into a comfy lounge area. The back "wall" was several bottles hanging in rows with orange fabric placed in front blowing in the breeze. Large pillows and cozy places to sit made this little space so comfortable.

I tasted the Croteaux 'Chloe' Sauvigon Blanc Rose. It was crisp and fruity very refreshing. Perfect for a warm summer afternoon:)

After the taste I wandered the area. Walked back into the lounge area to take a picture of the "bottle wall". As I was trying to take the best picture a conversation was struck up with a lovely couple who sat enjoying a nice bottle of Rose. The space is made for that! Its almost like... to sit there... you sit with everyone else who is enjoying that sweet space. 

To Susanne and Paul:) It was a pleasure spending a bit of time at Croteaux with the two of you. Welcome to the North fork:)

Tractors and Limos

Hope everyones weekend was Happy, Healthy and Fun:)

This afternoon as I was waiting to pull onto Sound Avenue I saw a sight that I have seen far to many times here on the North Fork...and today Im going to chat about it.

  Its hay bailing time so families like the Kujawskis and other local farmers are out on the roads with their tractors. I currently work right on Sound Avenue so I enjoy watching the tractors with wagons full of things go by. Its hay season now, soon it will be pumpkins and other harvest produce.

 Time and time again I see the farmers doing their work, being respectful of the road and driving as far to the right as they can. The issue is drivers who can't pass right away getting annoyed, impatient and sometimes down right rude.

Visitors to the North Fork need to remember the farmers were here first. Farmers built the North Fork. If it weren't for these remarkable, hard working people, the North Fork wouldn't be the the country place it is.... thats why most people come to visit us. Even the vineyard owners are FARMERS. Many come out for the vineyards as well as the "Grown On Long Island" produce:)

So, instead of yelling at the people who have created this wonderful landscape. The people who have made the concept of "Agri-tourism" an enjoyable reality.....Simply smile or wave, even a friendly nod of the head would be nice as you drive by:)

Must complete todays blog with a personal story that makes me smile regarding tractors. It took place last fall during the busiest part of the season. A beautiful, warm Saturday morning as I was out cutting Rosemary......I saw it....

It was a John Deer tractor with a wagon load of pumpkins driving past, a white Hummer limo passing it with a red Lamborghini behind it:)

Now that my friends... is North Fork:)

Happy Hot Friday:)

Summer is Sizzling out here on the North Fork and the weekend is upon us:) Going to be a busy weekend out here and a busy weekend for me... personally. Going to write this evening and be back to writing on Monday.

Here are just a few events going on out here this weekend. There are many more than my list.

Beginning tonight its Friday Night Flights at Castello di Borghese Vineyard with Live music. Also tonight and tomorrow night its the Jamesport Firemans Fair. Roanoke Vineyard stays open late till 8 tonight.

Tomorrow, the Greenport Farmers Market will be around from 8-12. Martha Clara will be hosting Vines and Canines at 11am. A walk with your pooch threw the vines of Martha Clara:)

All weekend Peconic Bay Winery will host live music.

A fun recommendation for a fabulous weekend day trip to the North Fork would be................Begin at Love Lane Kitchen for a late morning breakfast:) Then head to a vineyard. Hmmmmm:) Lets see here:) How about Shinn. Spend a few hours enjoying a glass or two of Vino and see Panda Bear the Border Collie doing her thing. After that stop threw Sparkling Point for a afternoon glass of sparkling wine and enjoy the Brazilian inspired decor and beautiful view. Next... Greeport for a late afternoon stroll threw town...See the boats, hear the music playing at Claudios:)...  Then go to VINe for dinner and see Sweet Sheena.........To finish the night.....DeLattes for a little gelato:)

Sounds like a day Honey and I have had a time or two OR three:)...

HAVE A WONDER WEEKEND ALL:)

Be back on Monday:)

A Personal Favorite....VINe, 1SR

Almost every Saturday night and some Sundays My Honey and I are in Greenport. We almost always go to our favorite spot in that awesome town. VINe:) Ahhhhh just thinking of being there makes me smile.

VINe is located on the corner of 1st and South Streets. As you approach the house with wrap around porch you will notice all the pots of wonderful herbs, heirloom tomatos along with beautiful large Rosemary plants. On all the tables, pots of herbs sit just begging you to rub just a little piece to smell the fresh herb scent. Vines and Rose bushes out line the patio.

 Owner and Sommelier, Joe Watson has created an enviroment that eases the senses. The atmosphere has a sophisticated yet comfortable... warm feel. When Honey and I are there its a mini, few hour get away.

 Beautiful Sheena is the lovely lady who usually greets you. With a casual, natural, easygoing way about her... Sheena makes sure your experience is enjoyable.

The food... in my opinion.... the perfect combination of casual and sophisticated choices. Many Tapas choices such as Charcuterie, olivies, several cheese plates including a Catapano Cheese plate (made right here on the North Fork.) Raw bar of Oysters and clams as well. A focus on local ingredients.

Last weekend Honey and I enjoyed the Pan-Roasted Local Fish Filet (Manchego Polenta, Ranbow Chard and Puttanesca sauce) Along with the Grilled Skirt Steak (Salsa Verde, Local Green and Choice of Fries)

Lets talk fries here:) The choice of Classic, Provencal, Truffle and Sweet Potato. If you have never had Truffle fries..........THEY'RE INCREDIABLE:)

The wines... Sommelier Joe offers over 50 wines. He adds to his wine list often. Finding wines from undiscovered Regions and unique Varietals along with our very own North Fork wines. Wines are available by the taste, the glass or the bottle.  Joe also offers rare, vintage wines from a special library.

VINe has a special place in my heart. When there... I feel Honey and I are amongst friends. This will not be the last time I write about this wonderful place:)

xoxoxo Sheena and Joe:)

Garden of Eve:)

Sometimes we dont check out the resources in your own backyard. In todays blog Im speaking of something thats extremely important to me:) 
The North Fork is rich in resources. If the North Fork was cut off from the rest of the world with no importing.....We could not only survive but live richly. From farms to wine to seafood. Places that offer raw milk and free range, no hormone, antibiotic, grass fed eggs and meat.

I say this often..... WE LIVE IN A PARADISE:) We have the opportunity to eat and drink local:)

I want to make one more point before I speak of my great experience at Garden of Eve. Many of us really love the idea of "organic". I personaly buy almost everything organic. But when something is being shipped in from other states and possibly other countrys... how do we know how organic it is?  When you live in a community such as ours you drive past the farms. You know the people growing and raising your food.

Im not saying everything on the North Fork is organic but if it says it is... it is. If its not organic its still grown in your backyard. So what Im trying to say to the people who can and quite frankly this could apply to people living anywhere. EAT AND DRINK LOCAL:)

For many years I have wanted to go into Garden of Eve but I was always heading somewhere else when I drove passed it and never just stopped the car and went in. Today I did and so happy I did. I strolled slowly threw the Red Barn enjoying the products. I had already purchased the produce I needed for the day but I saw a table of whole grain breads that caught my eye. I choose a whole oat/nut loaf and meandered to the counter. Some cheese with no rBGH and no hormones caught my eye as well. Thats when I met the Lovely Jeenie... She works there and what a great girl. We got to talking (imagine that, me, just randomly talking:) about the place and the the fact she went away to school for 5 years and has now moved back. As I pay for my goods she reaches down and hands me a dozen eggs and says "these are on me":) Wow! Jeenie made my afternoon.

The Garden of Eve is an Organic Farm and Market located in Northville. Offering produce and differerent flours, breads, cheese, eggs, plants, garlic etc. The place is also home to a Labyrinth. Labyinths have been around since ancient times. Used to enhance a contemplative state of mind.

In September Garden of Eve hosts Garlic Fest. I work right up the road and let me just say Garlic Fest draws a crowd!!! Who knew there was different types of Garlic. Theres Romambole, porcelain, purple stripe, German White, softskins, Silverskins and more than I can write. All tasting so very different.

 I have heard that the garlic ice cream is great:)

Ohhhhh Ahhhhhh Blue Sage Day Spa

Greetings from the North Fork:)
Located off the picturesque Love Lane in Mattituck... is a classy and yet country little day spa called Blue Sage. Last Thursday I had my first appointment there. Although I'd been there one other time buying a gift certifcate for my Honeys Christmas gift:)

As you walk in the door you are greeted with pleasant ladies. Calming music plays... Late afternoon sun warmed the atmosphere. Immediately, I felt a homey feel. I felt comfortable. No pretentiousness at all.

I was there for an hour long facial. the lovely technician was prompt. In a laid back fashion she helped me get all comfey:) The facial was delicious. I felt pampered. I can honestly say... my skin..... radient. Even today 5 days later my, skin looks and feels so soft and pretty.

Blue Sage offers a large selection of treatments. Facials, Clinical Facials, Body treatments, Massage, Mani/Pedies. Yum!!!!:)

My Honey had the Hot Stone massage when he visited Blue Sage. His first Hot Stone ever. He was in such a good mood after that. Wish every time he got cranky I could ship him off to Blue Sage:)

I already know my next treatment will be the Essentials body scrub and polish.....and for Honey and my anniversary, the couples massage with cranial sacral and reflexology techniques....

A great idea for a day trip or just a special treat..... For couples or friends. I'd recommend making an earlier appointment for some type of spa service... Then walking around the corner for lunch at Love Lane Kitchen. A sweet stroll down Love Lane stopping by the Sweet Shop for a little chocolate and then The Village Cheese Shop. Pick up some type of unique cheese and bread. Then go to one of the North forks over 40 vineyards and sip a little wine with the cheese and chocolate:)

I just described my perfect day:)

Loving... Bistro 72 and Hotel Indigo

This past weekend was so incredibilly fun:) Today I want to tell you all about Bistro 72 and Hotel Indigo. A modern, artsey, edgy place. Had the great fortune to spend 2 lovely evenings there.

Its located right at the end of the Long Island Expressway... Perfect location to go either North or South fork.

Being that my Honey travels all the way to Downtown Brooklyn and back to the East End EVERY DAY. Its a great meeting spot for us on a Friday night. This past Friday we met for dinner at the Bistro. Honey ordered North Fork Cioppino (Clams, Mussels.Shrimp, Seasonal Fish, Roasted Garlic, Saffron Tomato Broth, Fennel and Toasted Ciabatta Bread) As for myself it was Cavatelli (Spinach & Ricotta, Citrus Chardonnay Jus, Parmesan Reggiano and Toasted Pine nuts. If that doesn't sound like a perfect meal we finished with Sorbet and Cheesecake.... The food...scrumptious... the service.... I'd say... special. Sal and Jon make you feel.....special:) The rest of the staff as well.

So after a long Saturday at my job Sunday rolls around and it's Dear Friend Tanys's birthday. Tanya is from Queens and wanted her birthday to be spent North fork style. After a hot and brilliantly fun day in a vineyard (will talk vineyards in future posts) Tanya booked a night at Hotel Indigo.... Bistro 72 is located in the hotel.
A large group of us over heated, wine drinking, some of us quite loud:) people head into the Bistro.

Jon:) I just want to kiss both your cheeks for being such an incredible and generous host. Our large group decided on sitting outside by the pool. Lounging on large sectional sofas. Ordering drinks and bottles of wine. Everything form the Chicken Drumlets with mango Habanera to Duck Quesadillas. Honey had the Kobe Burger and I had the Chicken Breast Sandwich with Chili Lime Aioli:)

The evening was so wonderful:) As the sun went down Jon found some firewood and lit the large outdoor fireplace.... As we all sat basking in the fun of the day... here comes Jon with a key lime dessert glistening with a sparkling candle:) Awe:) Oh:) Wow:) That pretty much sums up our reactions.

As everyone... including my Honey had to go home:( Tanya, Lauren and Myself retired to the room. Fell asleep VERY QUICKLY... Just to wake the next morning to go back for more delicious food. Blueberry pancakes and Frittata:)... and spend some hours pool side.

What a weekend and what a place to have spent it:)

 I highly recommend Hotel Indigo and Bistro 72.

Lets begin again:)

Greetings from the North Fork.... Lets start this from the beginning as the kinks had to be worked out regarding my blog:)...Fot the past few years people have been asking me to begin this. People who are not from around the North Fork have taken my advise about where to go and eat...what vineyards to check out. So I believe its time I share it with everyone:)

My intention for going on  this endeavor is to share my love for the delightful, very small part of our country that is referred to as the North Fork.... Located in New York State, on Long Island, 120 miles east of NYC.

Such an enchanted place. A coastal paradise thats only 30 miles long surrounded by water, filled with richness beyond belief.

Historicaly the North Fork was mostly potato farms. A few of those still remain... but today its wine. LOTS and LOTS of wine. The micro maratime climate makes this region a perfect place to grow wine.

Beginning in Riverhead and stretching all the way to Orient Point. As you drive east on either the North or South road in season it's vineyards and farmstands....Berries and flowers. Bed & Breakfasts and wonderful restaurants.  Charming little towns so romantic and rich in history.

Long Island sweet corn. Pumpkins in the fall. A beautiful lavender farm on the bay, charming Love Lane. The town of Greenport... being my personal favorite town EVER:) ..............and of course WINE WINE WINE:_

So every day im going to be commited to talking about different and wonderful places out here or tell some cute stories about things that have happened in our little piece of Paradise:)

Welcome to North Fork Natashas Blog:)

xoxoxo