Windows on Long Island Wine, the annual gathering to celebrate Long Island Wines, took place Monday, April 29th at Guastavino's on the eastside of Manhattan.

Presented by the Long Island Wine Council, Windows on Long Island Wine showcased wines from 21 Long Island wineries as well as delicacies to compliment the wines prepared by two dozen New York City and Long Island restaurants.

Jane Baxter Lynn/LI Wine Council

The home for this event had always been Windows on the World at the World Trade Center, and after the attacks of September 11th, Jane Baxter Lynn, the Executive Director of the Long Island Wine Council, wondered whether this event would happen, much less, where it would take place.

Though many arrived with heavy hearts and memories of the sweeping views provided by Windows on the World, Guastavino's, which had the impossible task of trying to act as a replacement, proved to be a wonderful alternative. Located beneath the Queensborough Bridge, Guastavino's features the dramatic vaulted ceilings pioneered by the architect Rafael Guastavino, and the smiles that developed on the faces of the approximately 800 in attendance insured that the event had found an appropriate new home.

Senator Charles Schumer congratulates the LI wine Industry

The event benefited Earth Pledge Foundation and Windows of Hope Family Relief Fund (a fund set up to help the families of workers at Windows on the World lost in the World Trade Center tragedy). A silent auction featuring works from Long Island artists raised an additional $12,000.

The growth and improved quality of Long Island wines over the last twenty-five years has been astounding; in attendance, New York Senator Charles Schumer proclaimed that Long Island wines are now, "another great New York industry."

Alexandra Macari & Don of Macari Vineyards

While Long Island has gained notoriety for Merlot, this event proved a chance for some Long Island Chardonnay's to shine. Chardonnay's from Bedell (1998 Reserve), Castello di Borghese (2000 Barrel Fermented) and Sherwood House Vineyards (2000) showed the pure fruit flavors that Long Island Chardonnay's are capable of without the oaky heaviness prevalent in so many of today's Chardonnays. Also, the 2001 Macari Sauvignon Blanc proved to be a worthy successor to their vibrant 2000 vintage.

Some Long Island red wines from the outstanding 1997 vintage that proved noteworthy were the Pellegrini Vintner's Pride Encore and the Palmer Select Reserve Red.

The Smithen's of Sherwood House Vineyard's

The real buzz of the evening, though, was the excitement Long Island vintner's had when discussing the 2000 and 2001 vintages. Both years gave Long Island ideal growing conditions with dry, beautiful harvest seasons. Just a handful of wines from these vintages have been released, and if these early releases are any indication, then the excitement that the winemakers had is understandable.

With thoughts of Windows on the World indelible in our minds, the gathering reminded us all of the horrible events New York has endured since last year, while giving us a chance to give thanks for evenings filled with great wine, delicious food and good friends in wonderful setting.

Mark Lieb & Bernie Susser, Lieb Family Cellars	Jeff and Nora Filippi
Artwork on dosplay for the silent auction	Deborah Wilm of Castello di Borghese pours some Pinot Noir
Window view under the Queensboro Bridge	Raphael Retail Manager Bob Bauman with owners Joan & Jack Petrocelli

Free-lance writer Jeff Filippi is a native of Long Island with a passion for wine & travel. Jeff is a professional television producer with a distinguished career in producing sports shows for cable television and major networks. Jeff is now co-developing Wine Country International television episodes with Chris Davies.