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Comtesse Therese Review

Comtesse Therese Review

Address: 739 Main Rd Aquebogue,New York 11901.
Phone Number: 631-252-4225
Tasting Hours: Fri-Sun 12:00-5:00

Region: Long Island AVA, North Fork of Long Island AVA, New York
Reviewer: Joanne Dunne
Review Date: 5/1/2012
Reviewer: Joanne Dunne
Rating: 5

The Review

The Place: &nbspOne of the first wineries one comes across when driving along the North Fork Wine Trail, Comtesse Therese is one of the Island’s best-kept secrets, as it is easily passed by wine travelers in favor of larger, more well-known vineyards and wineries just down the road. Unobtrusive and smaller in size, Comtesse Therese is a wine tasting room within a restored 1830’s home. Comtesse Therese opened as a winery and bistro in 2010, although they have been producing wine for over 10 years.

The most notable factor of this cozy location is the restaurant – yes, a wine tasting room with a real restaurant! Comtesse Therese is the ONLY Long Island vineyard with a restaurant. The french-inspired bistro can seat up to 28 people, and the menu favors local specialties including Long Island duck and local seafood created by their chef Ari Pavlou. There is also a private dining room upstairs for special gatherings that seats up to 12 comfortably, or 16 “uncomfortably”. In addition, there is another small room upstairs with two intimate tables which then leads to the outdoor rooftop deck.

The inside coziness and relaxing atmosphere lends itself to the outside as well. Comtesse Therese has a little something for everyone, from it’s outside picnic-like area with outdoor tasting bar (in season only), to it’s very small rooftop deck.

The Experience: &nbspStopping in on an early Friday afternoon, the little house was empty, which allowed for me and my wine tasting partner to virtually run around like children and peek into every room, as each was unique and, while quiet, welcoming. Upon entering, one could hear the creak of the old wood floors, and we were greeted warmly by a Comtesse Therese employee, Katie, who explained she is an “Ambassador”, and would be our host for our tasting. The tasting bar is a huge bar, with comfy chairs. A long mirror lines the back of the bar, and the windows provide just enough light to really make one want to stay for a wonderfully long, lingering time.

The Ambassador, Katie, was a pleasure to talk with and she was extremely knowledgeable about all of the wines and seemed to enjoy her job. The tastings were generous, and she was able to explain each one wine and take us through the flight without any rush. One senses that the people here really care that you enjoy the wine tasting and want you to come back – it was never about the “sale”. Our palates were cleansed to get ready for our next visit with a delicious, complimentary plate of candied oranges from the restaurant. They were delicious and just another way Comtesse Therese set itself apart from the rest of the wineries along the North Fork Trail.

The Wines: &nbspComtesse Therese has 22 planted acres from which to create their wines. Most of their wines fall to the drier side. The Hungarian Oak Merlot is a best-seller, probably due to the fact that it won as a top New York State Wine in 2004. For my tasting, this was definitely the most distinctive. One can choose to order by flights, such as a “Flight of Fancy” for $8, or a “Flight of Elegance,” for $6. Wines can be ordered by the glass or the bottle, and cases may be purchased. There are eleven wines to choose from. Prices range from $16 for a bottle of their 2010 Rose wine, to $30 for two of their Cabernet Sauvignon‘s and Merlot‘s. Red wine lovers will adore Comtesse Therese’s varieties. Another great aspect of this wine tasting room/restaurant is that because they have a full-service restaurant on-site, you may also find a small selection of New York State beers by the bottle, as well as NYS bar liquors like vodka – wonderful if you are traveling in a group that includes a “non” wine drinker or two.

Bistro: Lunch served Sat. and Sun. from 12 noon; Dinner served Wed – Fri. from 5pm, Sat. and Sun. from 12noon. Reservations not necessary, but suggested. Phone or email at reservations@comtessetherese.com