A relatively little known new add to the tasting scene is Mattebella Vineyards in Southold. Since August, Mattebella has been entertaining guests out of their quaint tasting shed while showcasing their wines which are cheerfully advertised as being produced "the old fashioned way". The wines are harvested sans machinery and the vineyard is "committed to using sustainable viticulturural practices, while incorporating as many organic practices as possible into their farming method".
Mattebella has prided themselves on a more friendly, laid back environment and it shows. The shed and accomodations are simple yet effective. While they are open through December, this is purely a seasonal establishment. Figuring that it will take a few seasons to work out the kinks, I still suggest stopping in to say "Hi" and grabbing a bottle on the go. Unless of course the sun is shining and your lucky enough to grab one of the Adirondack chairs out back.
The second stop of the day was a few clicks down the road @ Sherwood House in Jamesport. The tasting house is a converted 1860's farmhouse complete with fireplace, deck and event barn.
From the second you arrive you feel as if you've stepped into a Williams Sonoma catalog. The farmhouse chic decor spills out to a patio complete with raw bar featuring local oysters & clams. For me, that's as close to heaven as I'll ever get. The wine isn't so bad either.
In all seriousness, if you enjoy the scenery as much as you enjoy wine, Sherwood is the place for you. Dan's paper has rated them among the very best in multiple categories the last few years and I tend to agree with their asessment. Some vineyards pride themselves on style over substance, but in this particular instance Sherwood has acheived both near perfection.
TWO TASTING ROOMS:
1291 Main Road, Jamesport & Oregon Road, Mattituck
http://www.sherwoodhousevineyards.com/
http://www.sherwoodhousevineyards.com/
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