Peconic Businesses Urge Customers to Eat, Drink and Be Merry

Business owners on Peconic Lane are hoping that shoppers enjoy their four-week “Eat, Drink and Be Merry” promotion, which encourages North Fork residents to shop locally.

Owners of The Winemaker Studio, A Taste of the North Fork, White Flower Farmhouse, and Sannino Bella Vita Vineyard have joined forces to bring customers to Peconic to do their holiday shopping. Jeri Woodhouse, owner of Taste of the North Fork, said the holiday season is busy in her shop and this promotion will encourage people to spend their holiday dollars locally.

“We thought we could introduce people to Peconic Lane and encourage people to shop locally,” Woodhouse said.

According to Anthony Nappa of The Winemaker Studio, the event kicks off on Saturday. Visitors can pick up a Christmas stocking in any of the stores and receive a free gift at each location. Ornaments made from corks and locally produced jams are just some of the unique gift offerings.  Nappa said there are many unique gift ideas on Peconic Lane that are produced 100 percent locally.

“A lot of people are out on the day after Thanksgiving. People really get into the holiday mood,” Woodhouse said.

On Dec. 3 the theme is “eat” and each of the businesses will offer a sample of food, according to Lisa Sannino of Sannino Bella Vita Vineyard. Sannino said her tasting room with be giving an exotic chocolate pairing class that weekend and food will be available at all four locations.

The theme continues with “drink” on Saturday, Dec. 10. Each location will offer free samples of local libations including mulled wines.

The final Saturday of the promotion is Dec. 17, where business owners will lure people to Peconic Lane with live music.

Nappa said many cross-promotions are possible. Because his business shares space with A Taste of the North Fork, patrons can purchase wine from his studio and include it in a personalized gift basket from the two shops.

For Sannino, this promotion is crucial to introduce her business to the community. Local residents will be offered free samples of her wines during the holiday season. She said the “adorable” block goes by so quickly and people need to stop and visit the businesses on the lane.

In addition, the businesses are offering classes throughout the month of December. Sign up for

• Dec. 3  Sannino’s will offer an exotic chocolate pairing program ($30 in advance/$35 at the door)
• Dec. 7 from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. A Taste of North Fork is holding an adult craft night ($20)
• Dec. 10 there will be a children’s craft at 10 a.m. at A Taste of the North Fork
• Dec. 17 at 10 a.m. the White Flower Farmhouse will offer a center piece making class
• Dec. 17 at 12 p.m. make a kissing ball at Sannino Bella Vita Vineyard ($35)

 “We’re excited to see how this all comes together,” Sannino said.

Reservations for the classes are required. Call to reserve your spot : Sannino Bella Vita at 734-8282, White Flower Farmhouse at 765-2353, and Taste of the North Fork at 734-6100.