Dan's Rosé Soirée Countdown: Michael Croteau, Croteaux Vineyards

Southold’s Croteaux Vineyards owner Michael Croteau says what he’s most looking forward to at Dan’s Rosé Soirée on Memorial Day Weekend (May 28) at the Southampton Arts Center is “kicking off the summer season!” He certainly know s a lot about that and about the East End’s famous pink drink, as he points out, “We’re the only vineyard in America making only rosé. We have delicious still and sparkling versions of the same wines. Long Island is the perfect place to grow and make excellent rosé, oh, and of course, to drink it.” Come and try that for yourself.

When was the moment that you knew you’d have a career in wine?
There wasn’t an exact moment, but many that lead to my wine career. Two of the most important were… as a graphic designer, designing my first wine label in 1987, and buying two farms on the North Fork of Long Island in 1992.

My favorite dish to pair with a fine rosé is: grilled local fish with local greens and vegetables. Oh, and pizza.

What Long Island wines are currently in your home wine library?
Almost all of them.

Why should consumers seek out local produce and wine?
It’s a representation of where they live and the lifestyle surrounding them.

If I got a tattoo tomorrow it would depict: ocean surf.

Tell us about the most memorable wine tasting experience you’ve had.
In New York in 2004, I tasted a merlot rosé from France at Félix in Soho, and realized that amazing rosé can be made with merlot.

What do you have in your pantry right now that would make another wine or food pro jealous?
An endless supply of Vermont maple syrup from a friend’s sugarhouse.

What concept have you learned recently that you’re eager to use?
Trusting the people around you to do great work.

Why has rosé become ubiquitous in the Hamptons?
I don’t think it’s only the Hamptons. It’s New York City, the North Fork, other parts of the country. Is it an obsession, or a discovery of accessible, drinkable wines? Regardless, I feel it will grow in popularity in areas that have yet to discover it.

Find the latest info on all of Dan’s Taste of Summer events this summer—Dan’s Rosé Soirée, the official kickoff event of summer in the Hamptons on Memorial Day Weekend (May 28); the new Dan’s Corona MonTaco presented by Don Julio, a Mexican-themed fiesta at Gurney’s Montauk hosted by Adam Richman, Travel Channel host, author, food & travel explorer on July 7; Dan’s ClambakeMTK at Gurney’s Montauk, back for its second summer on July 8; Dan’s GrillHampton (July 21), celebrating its 5th anniversary; and Dan’s Taste of Two Forks presented by Farrell Building Company (July 22), now in its 7th year—at DansTaste.com.