Lighting the Vines at Wölffer Estate

The East End’s famed natural light may fade during the winter, but Wölffer Estate Vineyard has come up with a Rockefeller Center-esque solution to combat the encroaching darkness.

‘Tis the season at the famed Sagaponack vineyard, as the fourth annual lighting of the vines will take place on Saturday, December 1. The festive and frosty spectacular, open to all Hamptonites, celebrates winter and wine and culminates with the rows of grapes becoming awash in the glow of 15,000 LED lights.

“It’s a beautiful event,” says Judy Malone, the executive marketing and communications director at Wölffer. “There will be music, wine and a countdown until we flip the switch.”

This year, a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will go to Maureen’s Haven, an outreach program that provides food and shelter for Eastern Long Island’s homeless.

As has become tradition, guests at the event can expect an illuminated surprise. “Patrick (who’s in charge of the lighting) always includes something extra,” says Malone. Last year, he lit up the gazebo in the middle of the vineyard. The spectacle will be in place through the winter.

As the weather cools and the festive atmosphere heats up, Wölffer also invites everyone to join them for Candlelight Fridays. Held weekly from now until April, the event combats the chill with live music, wines—including warm mulled wine—by the glass and bottle, and cheese and charcuterie plates for purchase. With no cover charge, it’s a popular, casual way to kick off the weekend.

To kick up the celebration a notch as the cold months drag on, Wölffer will also host its annual Mardi-Gras party in February. Expect plenty of costumes and, of course, wine.

For tickets and more information to Wölffer’s events, head to www.wölffer.com or call 631-537-5106. Wölffer Estate Vineyard is located at139 Sagg Road in Sagaponack.