Sparkling season, a new Chenin Blanc release, and where to eat between tastings

What's in the glass

Sparkling season on Long Island is quietly one of the great secrets of the East Coast. Two new pét-nats — one from a small Cutchogue producer, one from a larger Peconic estate — hit shelves this week. Both under $30, both worth the drive.

Paumanok also released the 2025 Chenin Blanc, a week ahead of schedule. It's brighter than the 2024, with a chalky, saline finish that begs for oysters. Buy two bottles.

Where to eat between tastings

North Fork lunches that don't wreck your palate: North Fork Table & Inn's outdoor menu, the raw bar at Little Creek Oyster Company in Greenport, or a Lucharito's fish taco if you're between Southold and Greenport. Save the tannic reds for after lunch.

In the Hamptons, Nick & Toni's is still the reservation to make on a Saturday. Their wine list leans local, and the pizza oven is running at lunch too.

One event to book

Sparkling on the Sound at Kontokosta Winery is Sunday, June 22. It's the only event I know of where you taste six local sparkling wines against the actual Long Island Sound. Bring layers — the wind picks up after 4pm.