The drink–after a sip or two to make sure it was worthy of memorializing!
When we went to Channing Daughters a few weeks ago, we tried a couple of their vermouths, and I took home two bottles, of versions one and two. I had the thought that two, with its spicy taste, might work well in a Bloody Mary. We may have wine almost every night, but we only have cocktails on the weekend, and I had not yet had the opportunity of trying out my theory. However, last week I bought a bottle of V8 juice, so now was a good chance to see if I was right.
My tasting buddy opened the bottle of vermouth, which had a cork—fortunately, I sometimes save stoppers, and found one to fit—and I got out my ingredients. A shot of vermouth, fill the rest of the glass with V8, leaving room for ice, and add Worcestershire sauce, a dash of hot sauce, a squeeze of lime, and a pepperoncini for garnish. I could have added horseradish, but I didn’t think of it till later, but I may try that next time. Because there will certainly be a next time. It was delicious, the spiciness of the vermouth adding more to the flavor of the drink than vodka, and the lower alcohol content leaving space for our usual glass of wine. A few North Fork potato chips made our cocktail hour complete.
One view of the expansive lawn, with the musicians in the distance.
Where do you go when your guests would like to do a tasting, but the party includes a six-year-old and a three-year-old? Fortunately, the weather was warm and sunny, which increased our options, because being outside is best with little ones. We thought about Old Field, but we’d been there last summer, and this family loves music. Aha. Osprey’s Dominion offers a large outside area, plus they usually have music on the weekend, they let you bring your own snacks, and we like their wines (which, the six-year-old observed, was probably the most important part—smart little kid!).
So off we went on this busy four-day weekend, passing winery after winery that looked crowded. Osprey’s was no exception, but we pulled around to the back parking area where we were directed by a genial traffic guy to join a line of cars parked on the grass. The scene before us looked like a party, with many tables filled with happy people, eating snacks they’d brought and listening to the music of a small band (just two people, but they sounded like more). Dogs and children abounded and bounded. Could we find a table in the shade? We did! Leaving most of the group to hold the table, two of us ventured forth. At the gazebo in the middle of the lawn they offered wine by the glass or bottle, so we continued on inside, where it was much more sedate. The busy servers handed us a menu, and soon were ready to help.
Tastings consist of four samples for $18, chosen from their extensive lists. There are eight whites, plus one rosé, and ten reds. We decided to do two tastings, shared, with four whites and four reds, which we marked on sheets sporting four circles, just the right size for a little plastic cup of wine. We requested two extra cups, and carefully carried the tray back to our table, where the little ones had discovered the bag of potato chips and the fruit we’d brought. (If I’d thought carefully, I would have brought more snacks, though Osprey does offer a little menu of snacks one can buy.)
We doled out equal shares of each sample—just enough for a couple of sips each—and as we sat and chatted the little ones ran around and danced to the music.
Inside, it was much calmer.
2023 Fumé Blanc $24
In case you’re wondering, fumé blanc is sauvignon blanc that has been aged in oak. This one has an aroma of pineapple and tastes of grapefruit. It is good and tart.
2022 Unwooded Chardonnay $22
This ended up being our favorite white of the day, a pleasant chard with aromas of pear and a slight funkiness. It tastes crisp, with slight fruitiness, and is, according to one guest, a “perfect chicken wine.”
One bit of the large circular bar.
2021 Gewürztraminer $25
Lovely aroma of honeysuckle and spice made this a wine we let the six-year-old smell—not taste!—as we discussed how you are never supposed to say a wine smells or tastes like grapes. Well, sometimes they do! One guest compared the taste to prickly pear. I say apple-y and pineapple-y.
2021 Riesling $25
“This would be a good lunch wine,” opined one guest, to which the other wondered when she had last had wine with lunch. It has a floral aroma, maybe roses, plus a woodsy cedar smell. The taste is mild, a bit sweet, though this is a dry riesling.
Our two flights. Note that they will place the wines in the order in which you list them, so be careful to list them in a good order for tasting, from lightest to strongest.
2017 Cabernet Franc $27
Now we move on to the reds, after a couple of palate-cleansing potato chips. We don’t detect much aroma, though there is a trace of cinnamon and cigar, maybe herbs. I taste red plums. This was a great year for plums in the farm stands, though the season was too short for me. I did get to make one plum tart.
2015 Meritage “Flight” $35
Delicious aroma of cherries, and, said one of us, “smells grape-y.” We decided it was “promising,” but needs to age some more, since it is very tannic. This is a Bordeaux blend.
2016 Carmenere $25
According to the wine list, Osprey is the only winery to grow this grape on Long Island. Too bad, because it makes a nice wine. We smell cut grass and crushed ferns, and note a cherry licorice taste, plus blackberry and a hint of pepper. I think it would be a good burger wine, and one guest suggests a hearty beef stew. Yep, that would work.
2019 Malbec $27
Another favorite, this has aromas of plums and spice and is dry yet has plenty of fruit. Pork braciole, suggests a guest. Why not!
Reasons to visit: plenty of good wines at reasonable prices, but especially the Unwooded Chardonnay and the Malbec; the Richmond Creek line is particularly well priced; dogs allowed; outside snacks allowed; casual party atmosphere outside, with music on many weekends; good place if you have children in your group (even inside, where the room is large enough for them).
NoFo Wineaux 