Cheers! Salud! Skool! Nostrovia! Prost! Hopa! The toasting can commence two-fold at our local wineries thanks to a new state law that allows them to open the doors to the tasting rooms and serve hard liquor during private, catered events that take place on the premises. Governor Spitzer signed the legislation last week and props are due to New York Senator Kenneth P. Lavalle and Assemblyman Marc Alessi for pushing the bill onto his plate. Previous law stated that two liquor licenses can't be simultaneously used on the same premise. So, when the Group for the East End held it's annual gala at Wolffer back in June, the winery could not utilize its liquor license at the same time during which the caterer of the gala was using its temporary one-day license to server liquor on the same grounds. Now, Wolffer, Channing Daughters, Duckwalk, and the multitude of wineries on the North Fork will be allowed to host wine tastings and unload some palate-pleasing bottles and cases while weddings, galas, and any other private, mass-attended events take place nearby. By opening a new door for selling local libations, the law provides a potential boost to the local economy and farmers which will support the preservation of the vineyard's beautiful and precious space. Hence, it's great news for the region. And how did our local officials and winery peops celebrate? On Monday, during the press conference to announce the news, they raised their glasses of Long Island white wine at Martha Clara Vineyards.
The only dilemma we foresee coming out of this? Keeping the tipsy wine tasters out of Uncle Fred and Aunt Abby's wedding across the hall, and vice versa.
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