A Taste of Finger Lakes Riesling

With its cool climate and the influence of lakes and hills, the Finger Lakes region in New York is well suited for Riesling. This AVA (American Viticultural Area) is located in the western part of the state, about a five hour drive from New York City. The 2010 Finger Lakes Rieslings are available now and [...]

AG Pick: Heron Hill Chardonnay 2009

Need a break from overly oaked California Chardonnay? Head across the country to upstate New York for Heron Hill Winery’s elegant and satisfying 2009 unoaked Chardonnay. Heron Hill has been producing cool-climate Chardonnay and Riesling for more than 30 years in the Finger Lakes region. The vineyards’ location near Keuka Lake helps protect the vines [...]

New York City Wine & Food Festival: Meatpacking Uncorked

Food and wine fans flocked to New York City’s Meatpacking District over the Columbus Day holiday weekend for the 2010 New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by Food & Wine and Travel + Leisure magazines. Kicking off three days of tastings, seminars and parties was Cooking Channel’s Meatpacking Uncorked.  More than 40 restaurants, [...]

An Interview with Chef Eric Ripert

Chef Eric Ripert needs no introduction.  A French native and world-renowned chef, Ripert is truly a master in the kitchen.  Just one visit to Manhattan’s Le Bernardin where Ripert is executive chef will turn you into a passionate and devoted fan.  You may not need an entire meal — I was hooked after a few [...]

Highlights from the Grand Tasting

If you’re looking for more wines, beers, spirits and small bites than you could ever hope to taste in one afternoon you’ll find it at the New York City Wine & Food Festival’s Grand Tasting. This year’s event featured an impressive selection of familiar labels and brands as well as new or less well-known ones.  [...]

Tour de Beef at DeBragga & Spitler

For years I’d heard the term “dry aged” mentioned at steak houses but wasn’t too familiar with what it meant.  As someone who likes to use the freshest ingredients available when I cook, I didn’t understand why you’d want to eat a piece of meat that had been left out for a month, sometimes more.  [...]

Bubbles & Bivalves at the Oyster Bash

Nothing sets a celebratory mood more than Champagne.  And it’s even better when it’s paired with raw oysters! Enticed by this delicious combination, I eagerly looked forward to the Oyster Bash at the Standard Hotel, one of the 2009 New York City Wine & Food Festival‘s Saturday events.  The afternoon of indulgence featured free-flowing Champagne [...]

More Highlights from the North Fork Wine Trail

If you’re planning a visit to the North Fork of Long Island, here are some more wineries I recommend visiting: I found several nice white wines at Paumanok Vineyards.  It’s one of the first wineries you will encounter on Route 25 if you’re driving from western Long Island. Paumanok is the only winery in the [...]

Long Island Wine Country: Lenz Winery

After a great visit to Shinn Estate Vineyards, I was really looking forward to exploring other wineries on the North Fork of Long Island. Next up: Lenz.  Founded in 1978, the winery has some of the oldest vines in the region. Lenz’s tasting room is located along Route 25 in Peconic.  It resembles Shinn’s cozy [...]

Long Island Wine Country: Shinn Estate Vineyards

New York is producing many exciting wines.  I confirmed this during my recent trip to the North Fork of Long Island. It was my first time visiting Long Island wine country and my first time tasting wines from this region (though I have enjoyed several whites from the Finger Lakes). I went into my adventure [...]