We finally reached that parenting triumvirate – screaming baby on a plane (check), kid in a highchair at a fine restaurant (check), kids at a vineyard (check). Before you call child welfare on us, we actually thought we would be able to have the kids run around the vineyard while we did a tasting at Wölffer Estate Vineyard in Sagaponack, New York.
Wölffer Estate Vineyard includes a 100+ acre horse farm. I thought if there are ponies – it must be child friendly!
We were comforted by the sight of strollers and toddlers (yep, folks more inappropriate than us). The tasting room is beautiful. High ceilings, wood beams, and earth tones evoke a Tuscan feel. The tasting room was crowded but staffing seemed to be sparse.
We chose a table at the outdoor patio. Unfortunately, our server, although pleasant, was overwhelmed. Four wines are featured in each tasting. The prices ranged from $12-18 per person. Wine club members are offered tastings that are complimentary or up to $9 per person, depending on the selection. There are a few featured wines that can be purchased by the glass.
The views from the patio were spectacular. The seating area makes it a nice place to gather with friends should you decide to visit, but overall it was not a great wine education experience.
We opted to do the “Harvest in the Hamptons Tasting” which featured
Perle Chardonnay 2007
Lambardo Merlot 2005
Fatalis Fatum 2007
Cassango Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Our favorites (drum roll please)…
The Perle has a citrus aroma and a light taste. Our server recommended pairing it with white meats and fish. It sells for $30 a bottle (gulp).
Fatalis Fatum – named for one of the horses at Wölffer Stables is a robust red consisting of 43% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Franc, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Barbera. A whiff of this and I was floating through fields of blackberries, strawberries and blueberries. Our server recommended pairing Fatalis Fatum with grilled meats. It sells for $40 a bottle. 
I know you are thinking…where are the kids during all this tasting…Well, they tried to amuse themselves with my iPhone and their Nintendo DSI….but alas the sulking God appeared. 
(Note to self – kids hate wine tastings – must get a babysitter.)
I first tried to make them happy by offering them a glass of water. (Please stop snickering and read on.) When that didn’t work, I ordered them a glass of Verjus (non-alcoholic grape juice). Okay, stop laughing! I finally got out of this mess by promising to take the kids to Dylan’s Candy Bar in East Hampton. 
Twelve dollars later, they were all smiles, had a fist full of M&Ms, mints and chocolate covered pretzels. Thank you Candy God!
Glad you enjoyed the wine tasting experience without your drinking buddy and #2 fan!
Hey – we drove by the house to pick you up…but you weren’t there. This wine tasting is hard work and we need all the help we can get!
Ann
I also had wine tasting experience when my family visited my uncle’s vineyard in our province. Its really great. I was still a kid back then and they tried to let me taste. My also older brothers tried to bring some for themselves and they drank with my cousins at night.
Okay Fredrick – you had me at “my uncle’s vineyard.” Please do tell me where! I know Heritage Link Brands represents wine makers from the African diaspora. I am intrigued!
Ann, i don’t own the company. I’m just a big fan of this wine. And my uncle’s vineyard in michigan is now gone. Lets just let each other enjoy wine. 🙂
Fredrick- I’m having a glass right now! Cheers.