Exciting New Eight-Week Certificate Series Coming in Fall 2007
Registration for this series now full. Please check out our other exciting offers!
Wine Expertise Certificate Course: Fall 2007
Sommelier and instructor, Christopher Miller, led the first class of the newly launched Certificate Series at the Southampton Campus. Participants took part in a blind tasting and evaluation session where they were guided on learning how to identify wines and their place of origin by the taste, balance, and length.
If you are interested in this series and would like to see it offered in the spring of 2008, please e-mail ginny.clancy@stonybrook.edu and type "Spring 2008 Class" in the subject line. This will put you on the first list notification for the series.
Wine Expertise Certificate Course
Time: Eight Tuesday evenings from 7:00–9:00 p.m., September 25 to November 13, 2007
Your e-mail confirmation is your proof of registration. No ticket will be mailed. Your name will be at the door of your chosen session, and no other documentation is necessary.Instructors: Louisa Thomas Hargrave* directs, with professional instructors Cliff Batuello and Christopher Miller (see bios below)
Refunds: Sessions cannot be taken individually. Refunds are only available with cancellation more than 48 hours before the start of the series; no refunds are available for missed sessions.
Course Description: This eight-session course is intended for those who wish to expand their expertise in wine from an elementary to an intermediate level. Topics covered will include sensory evaluation, fundamentals of viticulture and winemaking, important grape varieties from leading wine regions, industry trends, cultural connections, wine and food pairing, and wine marketing concepts. Each session will include wine tasting. Participants who successfully complete the course will receive the Stony Brook University Center for Wine, Food, and Culture Wine Expertise Certificate.
Course Requirements: Attendees must be over 21 years of age. The instructor reserves the right to exclude participation of any attendee who abuses the privilege of wine tasting.**
**All participants must sign the standard New York State "Hold Harmless" waiver for wine education class participation.
To earn the certificate, attendees must attend all sessions and pass a one-hour, 50-question multiple choice exam to be administered on the last day of class. The instructor will consider excusing a single absence providing the participant can satisfactorily demonstrate knowledge of topics covered in the session missed.
Text (provided): The University Wine Course by Marian W. Baldy
Class schedule (topics subject to change)
September 25
Introduction to sensory evaluation
October 2
Understanding fundamental influences of viticulture and winemaking
October 9
Dry “standard bearers” (Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillion) to demonstrate acidity, balance, that “oak thing”
October 16
Aromatic White wines (Riesling, Gewurtz)—perception of sweetness; mouthfeel; restaurant wine service
October 23
Light reds and roses; cool climate; marketing
October 30
Big reds; hot climate; influence of scoring
November 6
Sparkling wines; wine technologies
November 13
Review and exam
* Louisa Thomas Hargrave, Director of the Stony Brook University Center for Wine, Food, and Culture, was the co-founder of the Long Island wine industry, planting the first wine grapes on the North Fork in 1973. Having sold her winery in 1999, she became a writer, columnist, wine judge, and consultant. Her memoir, The Vineyard, was published by Viking/Penguin in 1993.
Cliff Batuello owns a vineyard in Cutchogue. A professional wine wholesaler and sommelier with experience at New York’s Gramercy Tavern, he currently represents wines for Michael Skurnik.
Christopher S. Miller has been the sommelier for The 21 Club, The American Hotel (Sag Harbor) and consulted as a sommelier for 75 Main (Southampton) and The Stone Creek Inn (East Quogue). Trained at the Culinary Institute of America and in Europe, his experiences also include Chef-Owner of a four-star restaurant and Saucier Chef at a four-star hotel in Switzerland. Currently Christopher is an Advanced Sommelier and a Master Sommelier Candidate in the Court of Master Sommeliers program. His experience as a wine educator is extensive.
Sustaining the Good Life:
A Symposium, Celebration, and Tour
Stony Brook Southampton Campus
Saturday–Sunday, September 16–17, 2006
Stony Brook University's Center for Wine, Food, and Culture will host a weekend symposium, Sustaining The Good Life, on September 16 and 17 in Chancellor's Hall at Stony Brook Southampton (formerly Southampton College). Over 200 East End residents and weekend visitors are expected to attend the event, which will highlight the University's planned curriculum focusing on sustainability: meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The event runs from 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 16 and 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 17.
Long Island wine industry pioneer and Center Director Louisa Hargrave will preside over the two-day program. Saturday morning will feature excursions aboard the University's Marine Sciences Research Center's vessels and hands-on discovery activities with Stony Brook marine scientists. After a picnic lunch and welcome from Stony Brook President Shirley Strum Kenny, the legendary environmentalist and author Peter Matthiessen will give a keynote address titled Greed and Heritage.
Following the keynote address, regional farmers, fishermen, chefs, designers, educators, and preservationists will address East End sustainability issues in a series of panel discussions: What Have We Got To Lose? The Resources that Make Life Good; What Role Do Education, Politics, And Culture Play? Taking Care of the Next Generation; and How Can We Plan For The Future? A Visionary Prescription. The day concludes with a Harvest Reception, a walkabout tasting hosted by 16 leading East End wineries and restaurants and accompanied by music provided by a Stony Brook University String Ensemble.
On Sunday afternoon, selected artisanal producers, farms, and wineries on the North and South Forks will participate in an exclusive tour, with special tastings for symposium participants. Admission is open to the general public.
Saturday: Entire Day’s Activities: $75 per person (includes Harvest Reception)
Harvest Reception Only: $45 per person
East End Tour Only: $35 per person
Full Weekend Package includes both days at $100.00 per person.
Register now with secure online payment. Registration and payment are required for attendance. Registered participants will be sent colored wristbands as proof of payment. Please register as early as possible, as space is limited, and note that the Center has a 48 hour pre-event cancellation policy.
We are very grateful to our generous sponsors:
Chartwells
Citibank
Hampton Jitney
First Pioneer Farm Credit
Betty Schlein and Fredric Weinberg
Bridgehampton National Bank
Radisson Hotel MacArthur Airport
Wild by Nature
Event Schedule
September 16: Agenda and Speakers for Symposium Sessions
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Marine Science Research Vessel Excursions: First boat departs 10:15 a.m.;
Second boat departs 10:45 a.m.
Hands-on Discovery Activities with Stony Brook Marine Scientists will be ongoing before, during, and after boat departure times.
Those interested in participating in the Marine Science Research Center Trips must be registered and checked in before departure.
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m. Picnic Box Lunch
1:00 p.m. Welcome by Dr. Shirley Kenny, President, Stony Brook University
1:15–1:45 p.m. Keynote Address: Peter Matthiessen, author and environmentalist
2:00–2:45 p.m.
What Have We Got To Lose? The Resources that Make Life Good
Lauren Jarrett, EECO Farm (the CSA model)
Ken Gall, NY Sea Grant
Roger Tollefsen, NY State Seafood Council
Gerry Hayden, chef/owner, North Fork Table & Inn
Joseph Gergela, Director, LI Farm Bureau ("Savor LI")
Jim Grathwohl, The Old House and SPLIA (moderator)
Peter Wolf, Guild Hall trustee; Moran House
Leslie Hoffman, Earth Pledge Foundation
3:00–3:45 p.m.
What Role Do Education, Politics, And Culture Play? Taking Care of the Next Generation
David Conover, Stony Brook University Marine Scientist (moderator)
Melina Shannon-Dipietro, Yale Sustainability Project
Daphne Derven Education Director/Stone Barns
Beth Collins, Chef, The Ross School
Sid Grabill, Chef, NYC School Food Plus
Anne Surchin, Architect; Southampton Historic District Board
Barbara Hoffman, Art lawyer, NYC; Editor, Art and Cultural
Heritage: Law, Policy, and Practice (2006)
4:00–4:45 p.m.
How Can We Plan For The Future? A Visionary Prescription
Sally Siddiqi, Green Building Council NYC
Karen Karp, Karp Resources
William Chaleff, Architect
Natasha Hopkinson, Landscape Designer
Brian Halweil Edible East End; Worldwatch Institute
John Halsey, Peconic Land Trust
Valerie Scopaz, Planning Consultant
Steve Weir, First Pioneer Farm Credit
Harvest Reception
5:00–7:00 p.m.
A festive walk-about grazing party with delectable samples of local wines and foods. Live music provided by the Stony Brook University Music Department.
Participating Wineries: Bedell Cellars, The Lenz Winery, Martha Clara Vineyards, Palmer Vineyards, Paumanok Vineyards, Peconic Bay Vineyards, Pellegrini Vineyards, Raphael, Wolffer Estate.
Participating Restaurants & Purveyors of Fine Food: The Art of Eating, Black Tie Catering, Fiji Water, Jedediah Hawkins Inn, Lori, The Lucas Group (Bringing the Finest Artisanal Cheeses and Speciality Foods to Market: The Best Really Does Count), North Fork Table & Inn, Seafood Barge, Taste of the North Fork, Thyme & Again, Wild By Nature.
September 17: East End Tour
Leave the Bridgehampton National Bank building located at 395 County Road 39-A and the corner of David Whites Lane, next to the Hampton Jitney.
North Fork: 11:45
South Fork: 12:00
Seats must be reserved in advance for the Jitney by e-mailing ginny.clancy@stonybrook.edu. These stops are available only at the times indicated. If you plan to use your own vehicle, please select either the North Fork or the South Fork tour and e-mail ginny.clancy@stonybrook.edu so that we may include you in the tour count as space is limited.
South Fork Tour
1:00–2:00 p.m. Quail Hill Farm, Deep Lane, Amagansett, Manager, Scott Chaskey, (631) 267-8492
Quail Hill Farm is a stewardship project of the Peconic Land Trust. Since it was established in 1990, Quail Hill Farm has grown to 25 acres serving 150 families. Farm members purchase a share each year which enables them to harvest fresh vegetables, fruits, and flowers throughout the growing season. Quail Hill Farm is certified organic by, and is a member of, NOFA-NY (Northeast Organic Farming Association), and is a member of the Bio-Dynamic Farming and Gardening Association. The Farm is an innovative model of community-supported agriculture and provides the public with an opportunity to participate in the stewardship of protected land.
2:00–3:00 p.m. EECO Farm, East End Community Organic Farm, 55 Long Lane, East Hampton (631) 324-5523
EECO Farm, Ltd., is an educational not-for-profit corporation. It operates a community organic farm for the benefit of area residents, in collaboration with the Town of East Hampton, which owns a 42-acre parcel of prime agricultural land across from East Hampton High School. The farm is a demonstration of sustainable farming, an outdoor classroom, and a community area for the Town. The farm stand, located on Long Lane,
is a source for fresh produce, grown naturally without chemicals. The farm is a strong voice in the PURE (Pesticide Use Reduction Education) Campaign in East Hampton and provides information on organic home garden and yard care to the public.
3:00–4:00 p.m. Wolffer Estate, 139 Sagg Road, Sagaponack (631) 537-5106
Owned by Hamburg-born Christian Wölffer, the 55-acre Wolffer Estate vineyard, located between Southampton to the west and Easthampton to the east, is at once American but with a decidedly European character, both in its spirit and its wines.
The winery currently produces 13,500 cases annually. Under winemaker and general manager Roman Roth’s meticulous care, Wölffer Estate wines embody the region as well as a classical style of winemaking, with a rich concentration of fruit and lively acidity born of the unique terroir of these Sagaponack vineyards, similar in some respects to conditions in Bordeaux.
North Fork Tour
Leave the Omni/Hampton Jitney Main office, 395 County Road 39A, Southampton on a Hampton Jitney coach or use your own vehicle at 11:45 a.m. Reservations for the tour must be made in advance. Seats must be reserved in advance for the Jitney by e-mailing ginny.clancy@stonybrook.edu.
These stops are available only at the times indicated.
1:00–1:30 p.m. A Taste of the North Fork, 8595A Cox Lane Unit #3, Cutchogue (631) 734-6100
Jeri Woodhouse of Orient, NY, and Jayne McCahill of Riverhead, NY, are the owners of A Taste of the North Fork (production kitchen). This dynamic duo works with a group of talented local women to create a unique product line of condiments that reflects the North Fork's flavor, a combination of simple and sophisticated pleasures.
Jeri is certified by NOFA-NY as an organic farmer, and both Jeri and Jayne are members of New York Farm Bureau, NYS Small Scale Food Processors Association and Pride of New York.
1:30–2:15 p.m. Raphael, 39390 Main Road, Peconic (631) 765-1100
Established in 1996, Raphael is a winery is dedicated primarily to the production of Merlot. The wines reflect both the Long Island terroir (soil and microclimate) and the spirit of a great Bordeaux chateau, with its attention to detail and devotion to quality in every aspect of grape growing and wine making. Raphael was born from the vision of John Petrocelli, after whose father the winery is named. In Raphael, the Petrocelli Family is striving for the production of Long Island's greatest wine, incorporating both New World advances and Old World traditions. Visitors on this tour will enjoy a special tasting in the barrel aging cellar with winemaker Rich Olsen-Harbich, creator of all three LI AVAs and the Merliance.
2:15–3:00 p.m. Lenz Winery, Route 25/Main Road, Peconic
(631) 734-6010
Founded in 1978, the Lenz Winery has some of the most mature vineyards in the region, or–given the extensive replanting of California vineyards to avoid further damage from the phylloxera louse–in the country. Almost all the Lenz wines are "estate bottled". Legally, that means the wines are made entirely from grapes grown in their own vineyards or vineyards under their own direct care and control. It also signifies an approach that eschews winemaking-as-chemistry.
Lenz winemaker Eric Fry will lead a tasting of Lenz’s top-rated wines.
3:15-4:00 p.m. Environmentals Nursery, 22275 Main Road, Cutchogue (631) 734-6439
Environmentals, Inc., is a wholesale container grower that specializes in rare and unusual plants, catering to a select group of garden centers and landscape designers across Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Owner/designer Conni Cross is world-famous for her exquisite garden designs. Her private garden will be open for this tour only.
Keynote Speaker Peter Matthiessen
"Peter Matthiessen has created a unique body of work. It is the work of a man in ecstatic contemplation of our beautiful and inexplicable planet . . . we behold a writer of phenomenal scope and versatility."
–William Styron, This Quiet Dust and Other Writings
Peter Matthiessen is a naturalist, novelist, Zen priest, and living legend. Equally driven by the beck of distant places and the call to write, he has produced more than twenty-one major works, both fiction and non-fiction.
Born in New York, the son of an architect and conservationist, Matthiessen published his first story while at Yale, and after graduation moved to France, where he co-founded The Paris Review with his friend the late George Plimpton. In 1954, he settled in Long Island and worked for three years as a commercial fisherman and as captain of a charter fishing boat. Since then, he has traveled often to the world's wild places, always returning to Long Island's East End.
In 1974, Matthiessen was named to the American Academy of Arts and Letters. His masterly fiction includes At Play in the Fields of the Lord (1965), a moral thriller about missionaries in South America; and Killing Mister Watson (1991), the first in a trilogy about a legendary Florida outlaw. His nonfiction is equally ambitious. In the Spirit of Crazy Horse (1983) examines the 1975 shoot-out between the FBI and Native Americans near Wounded Knee. In The Snow Leopard (1978), winner of the National Book Award, he writes lyrically of seeking both endangered creatures and spiritual fulfillment. He recounts in crystalline prose his treks through Africa and Antarctica in African Silences (1991) and End of the Earth (2003), while The Birds of Heaven (2001) promotes the protection of majestic cranes and the planet's ecosystem. Mattheissen is a vigilant spokesman on the energy imbalance, critiquing the stubborn refusal of the entrenched fossil fuels industry to make room for modern alternative technologies.
Current MSRC Faculty Research at Southampton
Professor Michael Frisk is conducting a fisheries study on the Little Skate, a cartilaginous fish commonly found off Long Island. Young skates, newly hatched from leathery egg cases deposited on the ocean floor, will be monitored and measured for one year in a recirculating seawater system. Information like this on a species' basic vital rates and ecology is essential for the development of population models and management plans. Computer-based statistical analyses called meta-analyses can then be used with previously published data to develop mathematical and statistical trends of related species.
Professor Christopher Gobler is investigating the phytoplankton organism that caused a recent local red tide bloom, Cochlodinium polykrikoides, and its effects on shellfish and finfish. His research interests in plankton ecology include the study of other types of harmful algal blooms (HABs) that occur both locally and around the U.S., such as brown tide (Aureococcus), toxic cyanobacteria (Microcystis, Anabaena), other dinoflagellates (Prorocentrum, Gymnodinium), and raphidophytes (Heterosigma).
Professor Bradley Petersen is conducting ecological studies on eelgrass communities around Eastern Long Island. Eelgrass, Zostera marina, provides a major habitat refuge for shellfish and finfish and is an important ecological factor in plant-animal interactions within these communities. Projects include investigating the role of hard clams in reducing light stress on eelgrass by providing an increase in nutrients to the sediments via their fecal production and the consequences the dramatic decrease in hard clam abundance within the Long Island south shore estuaries has had on eelgrass spatial distribution.