Home Page
News Lines
Classifieds
Real Estate
Press Releases
Arcade
Business Directory
Automotive
Towns
Long Island New York
Google Web Site
 
 

SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS: GRAPE CULTURE

Focus on LI Business: Grape Culture

Recently, while planning a small get-together, I wrote my usual list:

  • Appetizers-check.
  • Dinner-check.
  • Dessert-check.
  • Drinks-uh....nope.

Sure, I could have accepted a friend’s offer of “what can I bring?” to include the wine but then decided to go to a shop I have been meaning to hit: Grape Culture in St. James.

Wines from around the world


Grape Culture, 248 Lake Avenue, St. James, NY

In addition to a large selection of Long Island wines, Grape Culture offers an extensive line of international vintage. “We have a large supplier base that allows us access to a plethora of wines from around the globe” says owner Scott Chemick. New products are constantly being introduced and the “constant rotation of new brands keeps wine lovers excited” according to Mr. Chemick.

Tips on choosing wine

I had the pleasure of speaking with an employee who gave me some great tips about choosing wine. He suggested that I first decide my price range- $15-$20. Then, think about what type of food I will be serving it with-chicken parm and salad. Thirdly, he had me try to remember a wine I preferred in the past- Chianti. So, with the help of Grape Culture employees, I happily purchased a bottle of Banfi Vintners Chianti Classico, which my guests and I thoroughly enjoyed that evening. “I would recommend going with an Italian wine to go with your Italian dish, not because you have to, but because they work so well together. A good rule of thumb is to use a heartier wine with a hearty sauce and a lighter wine with a light sauce”, added Mr. Chemick.

Above and Beyond

Grape Culture offers online shipping of their products, a monthly newsletter and a section on their website featuring videos and interviews with vineyard owners and winemakers. They also have free wine tastings from 4 till 7 on Fridays and Saturdays.

So, if you are in need of a bottle to bring to a friend’s house (hint-hint) or would like to replenish your own liquor cabinet, Grape Culture is the store to visit.

Grape Culture, 248 Lake Avenue, St. James, NY www.grapeculture.com

If you want to visit a place where it all begins-a vineyard- here are some upcoming wine events to check out:

What: Grape Jammin Annual Harvest Festival, Live music and games
Where: Duck Walk Vineyards, 44535 Main Road, Southold, NY
When: Saturday October 3 from 12 till 5 pm
How much: $10 for logo glass and first glass of wine
For More Info: 631-765-3500 www.duckwalk.com

What: Rock the Harvest Festival, Six live bands, food, raising money for Long Island charity “The Retreat” www.theretreatinc.org to help victims of domestic violence on East End
Where: Pindar Vineyards, 37645 Main Road, Peconic, NY
When: September 26/ Rain Date October 3 from 12 till 6 pm
How much: $20 for logo glass and first glass of wine; $10 for ages 12-20; kids under 12 free
For More Info: 631-734-6200 www.pindar.net

What: 20th Annual Merlot Classic, Sample over 60 different merlots from around the world
Where: Lenz Vineyards, Peconic, NY
When: Saturday September 12 from 5:30 till 8 pm
How Much: $50 or $25 for Lenz subscribers (season passes available for discounts on various Lenz events; call or see website for details)
For More Info: 631-734-6010 www.lenzwine.com

What: Live music, complimentary cheese and crackers, wine sold by the glass
Where: Wolffer Estate Vineyards, 139 Sagg Road, Sagaponack, NY
When: Thursdays from 5 till 7:30 at Sagaponack Vineyard, Fridays from 5:00 till sunset at Wine Stand at Wolffer Estates, 3312 Montauk Highway
How Much: wine sold per glass; prices vary
For More Info: 631-537-5106 www.wolffer.com

   

Donna Amato
Protected Email
September 08, 2009 9:55 AM Eastern

E-mail This Page | Follow Us | Return to My Column

You can Bookmark & Share this article by clicking here: Social Bookmark News

This article is an opinion piece which reflects the views of its author and does not necessarily reflect the views of the site itself, or the owners of Long Island Exchange. For more information please view our terms of service.

 

 
   By using this site you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please exit the service.
   Copyright © 2002 - 2012 Long Island Exchange ® Inc. All rights reserved. Internet Marketing by Searchen Networks ® Inc.