They might be finished picking the grapes, but they are definitely not finished talking—rhapsodizing might be the better term—about this annus mirabilis in the fields of eastern Long Island. It’s such a pleasure to hear good news.
“This year's season has truly been extraordinary and the result is that we are experiencing the earliest harvest ever on Long.Island. Conditions have been near perfect, with fruit coming into the winery at ripeness levels that are unprecedented for the region. The art of making wine with these grapes is very inspiring!”
--Rich Olsen-Harbich, Winemaker, Bedell Cellars, Cutchogue
“This has been a wonderful growing season and dreamy harvest for us here at Channing Daughters. Many varieties were harvested two-four weeks early. The grapes are extremely ripe, healthy, aromatic and flavorful and should yield dynamite wines. It was a pleasure this year as decisions were free from the many of the typical harvest worries. We had harvested over 175 tons by the 25th of September. Three more small lots came in on the 1st and 2nd of October and our last lot of beautiful Merlot just came in. We are very happy!”
--James Christopher Tracy, Winemaker/Partner, Channing Daughters Winery, Bridgehampton