Last Friday (15 Aug) a friend invited me to a "barbeque" run at McCalls, where you sampled their wine and a vendor set up a hamburger stand (out of a truck) to serve grass fed burgers. He had attended this offering a previous Friday and was greatly impressed by it. My experience was otherwise. Should have figured something was amiss when the McCall people did not honor our reservation (for a table). Fortunately, my friend had brought a folding table, so all was not lost. The burger van couldn't keep up with the orders and we waited over an hour to get our order in and wait for the food. Evidently, their deep fryer couldn't be used so they couldn't prepare the French Fries that were on the menu. We didn't get to eat until twilight. McCalls didn't provide lighting in the picnic area. I had to walk to my car in the dark. When the food that they could prepare got out, the hamburger might have been tasty, but one couldn't tell because it came in a huge bun that dominated the taste experience. Did I mention that it was a rather small piece of meat? It was not a $10. burger, but that was the price. Also, unless you want a dining experience which allows for minimally supervised children running around throwing footballs, you can do better. Try "Snack Bar" further west. The McCall's wines that we had (a red, a white and a Rose) were good, if pricy. I can only give the overall experience 2-stars. 4-stars for the wine, 3 stars for the price. 1 star for the hamburger experience and 1 star for...
Read moreMcCall Wines in Cutchogue, Long Island, is a hidden gem that promises an exceptional experience for wine enthusiasts, especially those who appreciate dry, robust reds. Specializing in expressive, full-bodied wines, McCall's focus is on crafting elegant, flavorful offerings that highlight the unique terroir of the North Fork.
During my recent visit, I had the pleasure of enjoying a glass of their 2015 Ben's Blend—a stunning wine that perfectly embodies McCall's dedication to quality. This blend delivers a beautifully dry and acidic profile, with a complex structure that evolves on the palate. Rich, layered notes of dark fruit, tobacco, and a subtle earthiness create a harmonious balance that will satisfy even the most discerning red wine lover. It’s the kind of wine that lingers long after the last sip, inviting you to savor its depth.
The winery itself offers a serene, inviting environment. With its picturesque vineyard setting, rustic charm, and knowledgeable staff, McCall’s provides an ideal backdrop for a relaxed and intimate tasting experience. Whether you’re a local or visiting Long Island’s wine country, McCall Wines is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates dry, expressive red wines. Their Ben's Blend alone is worth the trip, and I would highly recommend it to any lover of bold,...
Read moreThis was the second winery we visited during the Vintage Tours. It is a lovely, quaint winery, and they have been growing and sellig mainly Pinot Noir and Merlot since the mid 90s. When we arrived, the owner, Russ, came out to greet us and tell us a bit about his wines, winery, and ranch. Yes, they have a ranch here as well! He told us we could walk over to see the cows if we wanted to.
Their winery have a very cute and unique look: cute barn and large yard with picnic tables, therefore comes with plenty of outdoor seating. But, if you prefer to sit inside, or if it happens to be a rainy day, there are plenty of seats inside this barn.
We got to taste Sauvignon Blanc, Marjorie’s Rosé, and Cabernet Franc Reserve. They were clean, crisp, and refreshing.
Next to their vineyards were very white cows. They raise these cows completely organic, grass fed, and natural. (And I believe you can buy the meat addition to their wines)
Overall, this one very interesting and fun tour of vineyards. Jo Ann of Vintage Tours made sure we will have a relaxing time here, and we did certainly enjoyed our time here. Read my full review of this winery and wines on my food blog,...
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