Usually thought of as being of good quality, but too expensive, Long Island wines have often been dismissed. However, a blind tasting in Fall 2009 called that assumption into question. Presented by the Long Island Wine Council, the event featured five flights of wine, each showcasing an individual grape variety. Chardonnay made a double appearance in both oaked and unoaked styles. Each flight included two Long Island wines and two others, from throughout the world.

While some regional characteristics showed through, especially to experienced blind tasters, none of the wines stuck out as being extremely different or of lesser quality. In this regard, the Long Island wines showed quite well and clearly demonstrated their ability to compete on an international stage. More importantly, they were generally less expensive than their international counterparts.

For example, the two Long Island oaked Chardonnays from Pelligrini Estate Vineyards and Castello di Borghese were priced at $14.99 and $25.00, respectively, compared to the Flowers Chardonnay from Sonoma Coast at $47.99 and a Langoureau Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru ‘La Grerenne’ at $57.00.

If you have overlooked Long Island wines, now is a great time to visit the wineries. Through March 21, 2010, the Long Island wineries will celebrate Jazz on the Vine, with free jazz concerts featuring the hottest jazz headliners. This special series provides visitors with an opportunity to taste wonderful wines while listening to great music. Several wineries will welcome the Steinway Series, with musicians playing on donated Steinway baby grands. The full calendar is available online.