Clovis Point Vineyards

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ABF & I ventured out east to visit a new spot: Clovis Point Vineyards. I'd purchased a private tasting/cheese plate/tour combo from them via Living Social, but we hadn't been able to get out there until today. We ended up getting there just about 20 minutes before closing, and Brian, the sole worker at that point, told us we could easily reschedule. They have been incredibly nice about extending the coupon and accomodating us, and they really didn't have to be. ABF & I appreciated that.

Brian asked if we'd still like to do a tasting, and of course we said yes! We started with the whites, beginning with their 2008 Chardonnay which is just over 1 percent Gewurztraminer (I love Gewurztraminer!) I took a sip of this and said "I may have to stop saying I don't like chardonnay."

This was fantastic--crisp, light, and not at all oaky. Brian explained that this chardonnay is fermented only in a stainless steel container--no barrel aging here.

We moved on next to the 2007 Chardonnays--these were also lovely, but the 2008 was by far my favorite, and I bought a bottle of the 2008 home with me.

The tasting room was empty at that time, giving me plenty of freedom to take in all the surroundings. There are a few indoor tables, and even more seating out on the covered porch, which looks out onto the vines. It was lovely with all the snow still on the ground--I'm sure it's even prettier in the warmer months.

There's a piano in one corner, with a flat screen TV as well (the Jets-Patriots game was on at the time, so ABF was happy with football AND wine).

A few moments later, we moved on to the reds.

We started with the 2005 Artifact, a blend of their Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet franc. This was fabulous--surprisingly peppery and had a good bite. Every red was delicious, but this was my favorite. ABF brought home a bottle of this blend.

I didn't take any photos of the actual glasses--we were short on time and I didn't want to make it take too long, since we were keeping Brian a little late--though he was more than gracious. It was clear that Brian has a passion for wine, and he was more than happy to answer our (many) questions about wine, how long you age a bottle, etc. He didn't rush us in the slightest, and he was the sort of person who was clearly knowledgeable about his work because he loved it and wanted to share that with others.

As we left, ABF & I agreed that this is one of the best, if not THE best, wine tastings we've had on Long Island. We will definitely be back (this Saturday, in fact), for our full wine tasting/cheese platter. If you're anywhere near LI, you must visit Clovis Point. Save me a seat--and a glass!

Clovis Point
1915 Main Road
Jamesport, NY 11947
(631) 722-4222