NORTH FORK WINERIES

Many jet setters are unaware that the North Fork of Long Island in New York is considered Wine Country (basically our own version of California's Napa Valley or Santa Barbara's Wine Country but in New York). In fact, there are more than 30 wineries to choose from, each with its own personality. Here's a list of the wineries I visited over the July 4th Holiday weekend out on the North Fork, and a little about what I thought of each of them. My two favorites were McCall and One Woman. Shinn was also very cool, but more for its indoor space than outdoor which is a waste if you get a nice day. I like Bedell (and its related property Corey Creek). The one to stay away from on this list, in my mind, would be Raphael as it's too corporate. I hope to visit more of them in the near future...so stay tuned for Jet Set Smart's next North Fork Wineries List.1- Shinn Estate Vineyards: This place has good wines and a nice laid back feel. It's located on Oregon Road which is a pretty road, and is not on one of the two main roads on the North Fork, so I feel like it's more secluded. Tasting hours are Monday-Sunday 12pm-5pm.2- Raphael: The setting here is as if you are in an old Italian villa in Tuscany. It's beautiful and is considered (by many of the locals) to be one of the best tasting rooms on Long Island. They have very good quality wine at a reasonable price. Tasting hours are Sunday-Friday 11am-5pm; Saturday by appointment only.3- Bedell Cellars: Bedell has a huge outdoor deck complete with a tasting bar and a great view of the vineyards. The inside is decorated in a modern style with some interesting art. If it's a nice day, I'd highly recommend grabbing a seat outside, grabbing a bottle, and just enjoying the setting. Tasting hours are Monday-Sunday 11am-5pm.4- Corey Creek Vineyards: This is the sister vineyard of Bedell at only a fraction of the size. The view from the porch at Corey Creek is one of the best on the North Fork. The rows of vines seem to extend endlessly. The tasting room itself is fairly... should I say "intimate"? While Corey Creek doesn't lend itself well to large parties (buses are not allowed), I'd definitely recommend it for smaller parties or couples. Tasting hours are Monday-Thursday 11am-5pm, and Friday and Saturday 11am-6pm.5- Laurel Lake Vineyards: This is a must stop on your wine tour. It is a very small place and not on the very fancy side but the wine speaks for it's self, plus the two outside decks face right out onto the vineyards. Tasting hours are Monday-Sunday 11am-6pm.6- Pellegrini Winery: I would say this winery was okay. Most of the sitting area is in a large patio area that's pretty much enclosed by the tasting room building. There are only a handful of tables that actually taste the vineyards. As for the wine itself, nothing to rave about. Tasting hours are Monday through Saturday 11am-5pm.7- Pugliese Vineyards: Pronounced (pull-yay-zee). The scenery here is nice, you can sit outside and look out onto a pond filled with koi fish while you are sipping your wine. We enjoyed a nice bottle of Sparkling Merlot, something I've never had before, and it was refreshing and light. Tasting hours are Monday through Sunday 10am-5pm.8- One Woman: This winery has only been open for a little over a year. It is a winery and vineyard run by one woman and her daughter. It's definitely rustic and beautiful, and the wines are fantastic. Tasting hours are Friday through Monday 12pm-6pm.9- McCall Vineyards: This is also a new winery; their tasting room (set in a beautifully restored barn) just opened in May of this year. They only have three wines so far and they are all very good.

KOBUCHIZAWA, JAPAN- DAY 10

After a wonderful night's sleep at Hide-san and Choco-san's beautiful home in the Alps, we had a delicious home-cooked breakfast before heading out to check out a Sake factory. The Sake factory is in a building which used to be some one's home, so as always, the inside was simple, and there was a beautiful Japanese garden. We got to try all different kinds of sake from sweet to dry...they were all very good.

After that, we headed over to the Suntory Whiskey Factory which is set in the middle of a forest...it's so pretty there. We toured the factory, and got to sample some of the whiskey. If the name Suntory may sound familiar to you, its probably because you heard Bill Murray say it in the 2003 hit Lost in Translation - "For relaxing times, make it Suntory times." Next we went to see Matsumoto-jo Castle in the town of Matsumoto. Matsumoto-jo (started in 1505) is nicknamed Karasu-jo or Crow Castle for its black walls. This castle was very interesting to see, because unlike any of the other ones we saw one the trip, we were allowed inside of Matsumoto-jo. I have to tell you, however, that it's quite a climb up to the top as there are very steep stairs. But, it's all worth it when you get to the top and can look out onto the gorgeous view of the surrounding mountains.

We had certainly worked up a bit of an appetite after the climb and headed to this nearby restaurant for some ice cream. I am not that much of an ice cream person, but the ice cream in Japan was some of the best I have ever had...it was so creamy.For dinner that night we went to a restaurant back in Kobuchizawa that only serves eel.

You must be prepared to wait awhile for your food, as the eel is pulled from the tank and prepared fresh to order. The eel came prepared two ways, one was pan fried in a sweet sauce and was served over white rice...The other was grilled and served with a piece of line and some fresh sahved wasabi...both were amazing beyond belief!!! The day in the Alps was one of the best in Japan. It was so incredible to have the personal tour guides of Hide-San, Choco-San and Annika, showing us the best of this part of the country from the sites to the the food. Stay tuned for a little more from Kobuchizawa, and also our visit to Mt. Fuji!