I started writing this a while back and found it hard to put into words.  I kept leaving it and going back to it time and time again.  I would look at it and not see the direction it was going.  I had a point, but I could not get it across.

Then I read this post on the New York Cork Report by Evan Dawson, and it was like he hacked into my Word Press account and read my article.  What he said is what I was trying to say.  As I read through it, and spoke with him on twitter about the article…I was inspired to attempt it again.  So here goes.

This past year has been an eye-opening year for me.  I married the woman I love in September of 2008.  We were married at vineyard on the North Fork and decided to continue our wine theme wedding out on the west coast in California, Napa & Sonoma Wine Country.

We had a great time enjoyed lots of Pinot and Zinfandel.  Some oaky Chardonnay and tongue biting Cabernet’s.  But the one thing we missed was the personal service that I have grown to appreciated and at times maybe a little take for granted.  The only personal service I saw was in two wineries, Alexander Valley Vineyards and Sausal Vineyards.

Here on Long Island, there is a community.  And within that community you will find a beautiful mix of wine makers, vineyard managers, and vineyard owners who are all active and participating in all aspects of the daily going on in each and every vineyard.

I remember talking to my wife about this while on our honeymoon.  I said in so many words, “I find it amazing and awesome and unreal all at the same time.  We are spoiled and fortunate that back home, we can walk into Shinn and find Barbara and David.  I betcha if we walk into Mondavi, we won’t find a Mondavi.”

There truly is something to take a vineyards walk with the vineyard manager.  Or taste wine from barrels with the winemaker.  Or taste a flight with the owner.  All of these things are possible with all of the vineyards and wineries on this beautiful land we call Long Island.

I am so thankful for the opportunities that have been given to me this year.  From tasting wine with big boys and the little guy and everyone in-between this year.  I am thankful for my opportunity to help with harvest, and I am thankful for the opportunity to make wine.

I started this blog back in July.  And from what some of you may have read from these past few months, alot has happened and gone on.   And to those of you, and you know who you are, I am thankful for that opportunity you have all given me.

I am thankful for everyone that I have met along this path thus far.  I know I have not met alot, but those I did meet, thank you for allowing me to talk with you and taste with you.  You are the reason I write about what you do.

Lastly, I am thankful for my wife.   She has allowed me to do this.  Melissa, I know that this may take away from “our” time at times, but thank you for letting me have a little hobby.

And to those of you who I have not met, but plan on meeting you soon, thanks for welcoming me and giving me that opportunity to tell people what goodness comes for Long Island.

Thank you to everyone I have met along this undertaking.  I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to talk, taste and enjoy the chance meetings we have had.  I am glad and thankful for the relationships that we are building.

And lastly, thank you to everyone who is helping make the Long Island Wine Region one of the best regions in the world.  Thank you for making it easy to write.  By growing grapes and producing amazing wines, you make my job easier.  Keep reaching to make every vintage better than the last.

Happy Thanksgiving!