Wine Legs, Long Island Wine Blends and a Giant Pair of Legs in the Hamptons, Real talk, Real People
Long Island wine: Let’s talk about wine legs. Nope, not something you wear—though you could enjoy them in a cute outfit. We’re talking about the streaks that form inside your wine glass when you give it a swirl.
So, what are wine legs?
When you swirl your wine, you might notice little droplets forming and sliding down the inside of the glass. These are called legs. They’re kind of like the wine’s signature dance move. You’ll usually see them more clearly in wines with higher alcohol content. The more pronounced the legs, the higher the booze. It’s a neat little visual trick that happens thanks to evaporation and surface tension. Science in your glass!
Let’s swirl over to Long Island Wine…
Long Island wine is known for its beautiful beaches, charming villages—and yes, some pretty amazing wine. One of the coolest things local winemakers are doing is blending. That means mixing different types of grapes (like Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and others) to create smooth, balanced wines with lots of character.
Blended wines are like a group project where everyone actually pulls their weight. The result? Rich, complex flavors that reflect the region’s sunny days, salty breezes, and sandy soils. Wineries like Wölffer Estate, Paumanok, and Bedell Cellars are masters at this.
Now, about those other legs…
If you’ve driven around Sag Harbor, you might’ve spotted a giant pair of legs—literally—sticking out of the ground. That’s artist Larry Rivers’ famous sculpture, called “Legs.” It’s bold, quirky, and just a little bit cheeky, much like a good glass of red.
The sculpture has become a landmark in its own right. It reminds us that art, like wine, is meant to be seen, felt, and talked about—even if people don’t always agree on the taste.
In the end…
Whether you’re admiring the legs in your wine glass or the ones standing tall in Eastern Long Island, remember: life is a little more fun when you pause to appreciate the details.
I recently had the perfect day on the North Fork with NorthFork Taste Wilfred and Veda were the absolute best hosts—so warm, knowledgeable, and just fun to be around. My Best Friend and I kicked things off with breakfast on Love Lane, then hit two gorgeous vineyards: one sustainable with a fascinating backstory I’d never heard before, and the other, one of my personal faves. Great wine, great vibes, great company—can’t wait to do it again.
If you’re planning a wine tour, treat yourself! Use code VANESSA10 for 10% off any luxury wine experience with North Fork Taste.
So swirl, sip, and soak it all in—because Long Island has legs in all the best ways.
Cheers!
