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....