What better way to unwind than wine? No wait, I'm not that hopelessly devoted. On my third day of freedom, I dusted off the bike and took to the idyllic pasture of the South Fork of eastern long island. After a lobster roll at Sag Harbor, we headed down to Wolffer, The east end winery. Vast lines of grapes stretched all the way to the horizon and they served our tasting to us outside, facing the green-blue vastness.

2005 Reserve Chardonnay: Oak plus steel equals very coiffable for those who don't feel the rapacious need to indulge in complete oak, like some of us.
2004 Estate Selection Chardonnay: Getting warmer. All fermented in French Oak left just a wonderful nose. But it didn't quite follow through for me. It tasted too much like pineapple. Not that I don't like pineapple, but it was a case of wrong place, wrong time.
2003 Estate Selection Merlot: Yummy, not too chewy. Maybe a shade sterile.
2004 Cabernet Franc: They saved the best for last, my companion remarked (he's allergic to sulfites but we let him comment). Slid right now. Perfectly balanced, not bland but not overly complex. Nice notes of brick.

They are known for their summer Rose, which I had last night with my BBQ rib dinner - a definite yes.

Maybe it was the heat, or the mileage. But the Wolffer experience is not to be missed and should be a part of your Hamptons pleasure.