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Wine & Dine: Touring The Wineries
by Carrie Miner
New York State Of Mind
Since the first vineyard was planted on Long Island 1973, the wine industry has grown deep roots on this 120-mile-long island.
Today, this exciting destination has grown to encompass the handcrafted products of more than 30 world-class wineries. Three thousand acres of wine grapes stretch across this viticultural region with the majority of wineries and vineyards located at the East End and on the North and South Forks.
After landing at Long Island Mac Arthur Airport [ISP], get geared up for a scenic drive up Route 48. There are numerous wineries along the way, but you might want to start your tour with a stop at Palmer Vineyards, which wine writer Howard Goldberg described as "Long Island's most important winery."
Palmer's award-winning wines are sold in 23 states and internationally in The United Kingdom, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway and Holland.
A short ten mile drive then takes you to Macari Vineyards & Winery, which recently won International Wine & Spirits Awards' bronze medals for its 2003 Block E and 2001 Bergen Road as well as Decanter International Wine Competition's bronze medals for its Chardonnay Estate 2003 and Block E 2003.
You'll discover several other tempting wineries as you continue to travel up Route 48, one of the most famous being the Castello di Borghese Vineyard & Winery in Cutchogue. Originally founded in 1999 by Prince Marco and Princess Ann Marie Borghese, this royal vineyard continues the tradition of elegant style as Long Island's oldest winery.
After spending a leisurely day on in the bucolic countryside of the North Fork, get some additional rest and relaxation at the Harvest Inn B&B in picturesque Peconic. Or if your feeling adventurous you can take a bike ride along the beach, take a shopping spree or visit Peconic Bay Winery - one of the North Forks first vineyards.
The next day, head back along historic Route 25 where you'll encounter several more award-winning wineries including Laurel Lake Vineyards and Jamesport Vineyards.
Both of these landmark vineyards are among the first planted in Long Island wine country and offer tastings of their award-winning wines.
Dizzying Array Of Choices
No matter which destination you choose, you'll find visiting vineyards by air to be one of the most rewarding getaway excursions general aviation has to offer. Because of their rural locations and well-groomed acreage, wineries offer some of the most beautiful scenery from the air, and pleasing and relaxing vistas from the ground.
And what could be better at the conclusion of a day of flying, than a gourmet feast, a glass of fine cabernet, and a few moments alone with special someone. Flying doesn't get any better than this.
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