A couple of years ago we spent a couple of days visiting wineries on Long Island with one of our daughters who lives in New York City. NYC is not particularly driver friendly and we do try to avoid it when possible. So I found this email from Laurel Lake Vineyards to be interesting and wondering how many other wineries near metropolitan areas are encouraging visitors by providing transportation.

Long Island Wine Country.com is having its 11^th Annual Harvest Fest at Laurel Lake Vineyards on September 23. Those living in NYC, Queens, Nassau and Suffolk can have transportation provided. Tickets for the festival are priced at $135 for those who want to drive and $149 for those who want transportation provided. Tickets are available at http://www.longislandwinecountry.com/harvest.html . The price difference for transportation seems reasonable to me. Wouldn’t it be great to visit a festival and know you do not have to drive back home?

The Harvest Fest Luncheon Menu includes:

•Artisan Cheeses with Charcuterie
•Peaches Stuffed With Goat Cheese
•Roasted Tomatoes, Arugula Beef Brochettes
•Melon, Mint & Feta Platter
•Roasted Local Corn W/ Smoked Sea Salt Butter
•Red Wine & Rosemary Pork Loin Roasted In Grape Leaves Over Vine Cuttings
•White Grape & Shallot Roasted Chicken With Summer Squash
•Ice Box Brownies & Assorted Cookies

As I mentioned earlier, I really would like to know if other wineries near cities provided transportation for special events. If you know of any please comment or email me at kathy (at) winetrailtraveler.com.

Cheers, Kathy