Visit Your Local Wine Gallery

With a last name like Nappa, it’s only natural he’d be a winemaker. Now Anthony Nappa’s got the space to let his and his colleague’s wines shine…

He and partner Sarah Evans, former sous chef at the North Fork Table and now private caterer, took what was once The Tasting Room and transformed it into the boutique-ey Winemaker Studio on the North Fork of Long Island on Peconic Lane in…you guessed it, Peconic. And it’s such a neat concept – an art gallery for local wines. The artists? Four local winemakers!

This vine-centric hub was designed to elevate a sense of camaraderie within the wine making and hospitality realms on the East End and further boost the wine industry in New York. Local wine offerings are rotated and include winemaker’s private labels, library selections and hard-to-find bottles. It’s also a really cool place where the masters can showcase their talents. Pushing the limits is highly encouraged – watch out for creative winemakers on the loose! The best part? Guests get to taste the fabulous results. I thoroughly enjoyed Anthony Nappa’s Anomaly, a lush white wine made with Pinot Noir grapes. It had an appropriate punch of acidity along with delicious essences of white cherry and strawberry. I purchased a few bottles and plan on serving it at my next Miss Ciao soiree.

Some cozy tables and a few resident pups make it easy to settle in with a glass or two of wine or even local beer. Local art from Corey Solinger enhances the pretty space. Small noshies from Chef Evans are planned to be offered in warmer months. So if you visit the North Fork, make the Winemaker Studio a must-stop on your vineyard trail. I’d love to hear feedback on any obscure wines you’ve tasted there. And no, James Lipton will not be present. I hear he drinks tea…