Karim Masood, a winemaker at Paumanok and Palmer Vineyards, and president of Long Island Wine Country, formerly known as the Long Island Wine Council, spoke with Long Island Press for news on the wines and vineyards of Long Island.
What is Long Island Wine Country – not the band, but the region? Long Island Wine Country includes the wine region of Long Island, as defined by the American wine regions, also known as AVAs. This is the American equivalent of European laws on wine names.
What does this mean for the region? This is a federally recognized wine region and you can use this name on your label. All Paumanok and Palmer wines are named North Fork of Long Island. What matters to a consumer who knows this is that the grapes used to make this wine must be 75 per cent within that name. You know that the fruit comes from this region, unlike the Napa Valley or the Sonoma Valley.
What makes Long Island suitable for wine production? We are an island surrounded by water. We have the Long Island Strait, Peconic Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, which create a maritime climate. This reduces the temperature in winter and summer. Soil is the other key part, climate and the human element for wine to happen. People make wine. What is special about the soil of Long Island is its very well-draining nature, due to the fact that Long Island was created during the last ice age. When the glaciers retreated, they left mostly sand. Much of our upper soil is sandy loam and sandy, gravelly subsoil. You can’t beat this for drainage. The vines should be well drained.
Does Long Island Wine Have a Reputation? And who wants wine from Long Island? Long Island has a reputation as a world-class fine wine producer. There is a reason to find wine from Long Island in the best restaurants on Long Island and New York. They want the best wines on their list that complement their cuisine.
Are there any specific competitions or examples of Long Island wines that show that they are world class? There are all kinds of examples. I think the best is New York, in our backyard. They have some of the best restaurants in the world. There is no need to blame us because we are nearby. They pour them because they are excellent wines that go well with their food.
How has the pandemic affected the industry and events? On the contrary, intuitively, I would never have guessed that it would be good for business. In the end, the pandemic was mostly good for most Long Island wineries. Most of us have seen an increase in traffic. Much of this has to do with the fact that many New Yorkers have moved east to the East End. They are not only here in the summer. They are here all year round, plus you have these here in the summer.
As the pandemic receded, how did this affect the region? When we reopened after the pandemic, people weren’t actually traveling, but driving here. We were extremely busy. This momentum has not diminished. This is an exciting time after going through the tragedy of the pandemic.
What are the main things that happen in June in terms of wine and vineyards? June is an important month in the vineyards where the vines are grown. By June, the vines are in full bloom, where there are flowers that eventually turn into grapes. And this is a good month to be here. These are the longest days of the year. You have amazing views. The wineries on our website liwines.com are a resource to find out what’s going on.
What happens to the events in the vineyards? This is again in full swing, weddings and private events. I think there is a delayed search. People book them left and right. I’ve heard that most wineries are busy with a regular tasting room and event business.
Is it easier for vineyards to deliver wine than before the pandemic? In today’s world, most wineries can deliver around the country. Many wineries can deliver to at least a few states without a problem, and other states require more work. It’s like working with 50 countries when it comes to alcohol.
How important are wine clubs for your business? Wine clubs are very important for most small wineries. This is a more intimate relationship with the winery for customers who want it. This is a great way to build your brand and strengthen your customer base. And from a business point of view, if you produce a certain amount of wine every year, it’s like an annuity.
What’s new in terms of delivery? Trellus is a new option. We have it on our website for people. Provides the same day delivery. Trellus offers a platform for execution with a network of drivers who take your order from the winery and deliver it to the customer with same day delivery.
What’s new in terms of technology? There are new things, whether they are machines or processes that are being developed. On the near horizon we ordered several electric tractors in Paumanok. They will be completely autonomous. There is a machine that bathes the vine in ultraviolet light to destroy mold. People are testing it. This could reduce or eliminate the need for certain pesticides. That would be revolutionary.
Is a big anniversary approaching for the region? Next year is the 50th anniversary of Long Island Wine Country. In 1973, Alex and Louise Hargrave planted their first vineyards. We are planning a series of events to celebrate this anniversary.
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