Patch Blogger Goes Inside the Bottle and Explores North Fork Late Nights

I have lived on the East End of Long Island for about fifteen years and I can very clearly remember a time when friends would ask, "What do you do out there for fun?" There was always the question, "Doesn't everything shut down at night?" 

Well, there was a time when options were limited but over the last five years (approximately) the North Fork has experienced a clear boom in foodie culture and dining hot spots as well as a noted increase in wine country happenings. Not only do vineyard tasting rooms offer education through wine tastings but now, to appeal to a broader market, many have joined the nighttime entertainment scene.

For local folks, it's as easy as packing a bag of goods and heading over to their nearest winery after work. Vacationers can plan on live music and dancing at some of the most breathtaking vineyard-scapes on the island. There are scenic views that are best at sunset!

Raphael vineyard and winery estate in Peconic, hosts their reveled weekly summer event known as Late Night Thursdays. Every Thursday, from July Fourth weekend through Labor Day weekend, the tasting room remains open and offers live music by Heat Wave from 6-10 p.m. The band cranks up the crowd and gets everyone on their feet. Guests are encouraged to bring their dinners or wine-pairing snacks to enjoy for the evening. (Although, there is always a cheese assortment available.) The wines, for purchase by the glass or by the bottle, are the perfect chilled varieties for those hot nights. Of course, for red wine fans, there is a full menu for you too.

Other must-try, twilight events can be found at Corey Creek Vineyard in Southold. They are also a favorite for Moonlight Mondays and Twilight Tuesdays featuring live music from 5-9 p.m. with wood-fired pizza available on Tuesdays from Rolling-in-Dough pizza truck. Wine lovers can enjoy late tastings and specials by the glass or by the bottle.

Sparkling Pointe in Southold, known for their elite line of sparkling wines, now presents Bossanova Fridays from 5:30-8:30 p.m. with the band Ludmilla Brazil. There are many more of these to choose from such as Osprey's Dominion, open until 9 with live music on Fridays, or if you would simply like the opportunity for a Happy Hour into the late hours dedicated to sipping wines in a vineyard setting, try Roanoake Vineyards, open until 7 during the week, 8 on Friday and 9 on Saturday.

So, it's apparent that there's plenty more to do now on the North Fork Wine Trail. In fact, you've decided to plan on one of these this week. Excellent! Now, what to do about those late night munchies...need suggestions? Your classic choice is always to pack a picnic basket approach to dinner with sandwiches, chips, cheese and fruit. However, to try something different, carry out one of these to enjoy at your wine event:

• Wood fired pizza from , Jamesport
• Gourmet cheeses and olives from , Mattituck
• Seafood fix from Braun's To Go, Cutchogue
• Heroes (hot or cold) from , Southold
• Burger platter from , Southold

I hope you get to enjoy one of these evening events. Whether you are trying to unwind from a hectic day or you are looking for amazing wine mixed with some excitement, Local Late Nights feature something to suit everyone. Don't miss out!