North Fork Autism Benefit Set for Saturday

On Saturday, wine lovers will gather at Peconic Bay Winery in Cutchogue to raise money for autism research at a fundraiser set up between the winery, local wine blog New York Cork Report and Lacrosse for Autism.

The event, which kicks off at 1 p.m., charges $40 at the door and will offer $2 glasses of wine as well as a silent auction on a slate of Long Island wines from producers such as , and as well as wines from a few producers in the Finger Lakes region of New York.

The bulk of the proceeds will support the The Cody Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities at Stony Brook University.

"There are some really special lots that I know I'll be bidding on myself," said New York Cork Report founder Lenn Thompson, who came up with the idea for the fundraiser.

"Philanthropy is very important to me and my wife Nena – who is really a driving force behind this event. Over the years, I've been able to create a great little community of readers and friends via the New York Cork Report and it's great to be able to move that community to charity with these events," he said.

In addition to hosting the event, Peconic Bay Winery said it will donate $100 to the charity for every person who signs up for their wine club.

“Peconic Bay Winery is frequently the host for charitable events but we are particularly proud to host Lacrosse for Autism, a local Long Island group that is working hard to help grow awareness of autism and other pervasive developmental disorders," said Jim Silver, the winery's general.

"It will be a great day to come out and bid on locally sourced and donated wines from the East End," he said.

The event wraps up at 4 p.m., and attendees must buy tickets ahead of time. Call Valerie Hallock at Peconic Bay Winery 631-734-7361 for details.