Bushels-Full of Thanks!

Carla Hall and husband Matthew Lyons at HARVEST (Photo: Richard Lewin)

Thanks for a great HARVEST 2011! This year’s event may be over, but the memories are as aglow as fall’s changing leaves. With…

• More than 250 people enjoying Wine Salon programs at wineries across the region
• 65 lucky diners attending intimate 10-Mile Dinners at gorgeous private homes
• More than 500 people sipping and savoring local flavors at the Festival Tasting, including Top Chef alum Carla Hall of ABC’s forthcoming show, “The Chew,” and Mets star Keith Hernandez
• 400 friends and neighbors enjoying a farm-to-table dinner and live auction at the Harvest Moon Gala
• $31,000 raised at auction (check out the lots and results for each) for our charity partners–East End Hospice, Group for the East End and the Peconic Land Trust…

HARVEST 2011 adds up to a bountiful success.

Keith Hernandez, Renee Gilmore and Roman Roth (Photo: Richard Lewin)

On behalf of organizers, the Long Island Merlot Alliance and Long Island Wine Council, we are grateful to all who made HARVEST happen: our generous event sponsors and live and silent auction donors, skilled winemakers, talented chefs, committed event committee, gracious 10-Mile Dinner hosts, terrific mistress of ceremonies (WNPR’s Faith Middleton) and auctioneer (Christie’s Charles Antin), and nearly 100 outstanding volunteers. HARVEST was a moment in time when the seeds of community spirit flower. In the beautiful words of neighbor Ralph DiGennaro on his blog, Through a Glass Smartly:

“Long Island wine–especially tastings of the astonishing 2010 vintage–and local food created and served by some of the East End’s most notable chefs were the star attractions, but it was the gathering itself that brought smiles to the huge crowds in attendance. The sense of community and cohesion wrought by…Harvest East End events is easily the best thing that has ever been created for a wine and food community growing by leaps and bounds despite a sluggish economy and consumers still worried about their future. But none of this really mattered on this weekend–this was a time to rejoice, share gossip and laughter, learn about all things wine and food and just enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.”