Shinn Estate Vineyards, A Quiet Farmhouse With Lots Inside
Shinn Estate Vineyards is tucked away on Long Island's North Fork, a peaceful little farmhouse with a lot happening inside its doors. The winery offers tours, both self-guided and guided, several events like barrel-tasting dinners or seasonal feasts that serve fresh vegetables grown on-site. Friday nights are for Palm and Tarot card readers in the tasting room, but if you want to know what is in your future, sign up early as this books quickly.
Shinn has guest rooms in its 1880s farmhouse, perfect for a long summer or autumn weekend. One more cool thing: Shinn is also a distillery, producing micro-batches of grape and fruit-based spirits.
Oh, yeah, they make wine, too! The winery produces about 5,000 cases including sparkling, rosé, whites, reds, and dessert wines. A few standouts:
SHINN ESTATE VINEYARDS "First Fruit" Sauvignon Blanc 2011(North Fork, Long Island) $22
This wine is great with fish crudo or tartare or a melon appetizer to draw out the wine's fruity flavor and floral aromas. Find it here.
SHINN ESTATE VINEYARDS Chardonnay 2011 (North Fork, Long Island) $19
This non-oaky chardonnay is the perfect pairing for white fish. It's ever so slightly spicy with mineral characteristics. Find it here.
SHINN ESTATE VINEYARDS "Wild Boar Doe" 2009 (Long Island, New York) $31
Say the name out loud and you'll have a chuckle before you enjoy this merlot, petit verdot, malbec, cabernet franc, and cabernet sauvignon blend. Its peppery flavors make it a wonderful match for Long Island duck. Find it here.