Merliance—Top Secret Wine on the North Fork
To some, the North Fork is a land of slumber compared to the Hamptons to the south, but true East Enders—resident or visitor—know that’s just not true. Local wineries and vineyards have grown so popular that a ride along Main or Sound Road reveals scores of visitors and their vehicles littering the roadside. But some things in wine country remain only for those in the know.
For instance, who ever heard of Merliance? What is this? Where is this? And, where can we get some? Merliance is a coalition of Long Island Merlot and Merlot-based blend wine producers, and they’re holding a top-secret event at Raphael Vineyards in Peconic on June 7.
This secret tasting of the group’s best signature wines—including several rare or not-yet released wines by Merliance members—will be open to the public, starting at 7 p.m. But the real coup de grâce is the unveiling of their 2010 Merliance, the only cooperative blend made on Long Island.
Only those who choose to go ‘undercover’ and sample these special wines and hors d’oeuvres need apply. So show up and pay the $40 ticket fee for a delightful evening. Bring $40 for a ticket and leave your secret agent gear at home.
Visit longislandmerlot.com/topsecret for more info.
Raphael Vineyards is located at 39390 Main Road in Peconic on the North Fork, raphaelwine.com. The event begins at 7 p.m. tonight, Friday, June 7.