Wines by Nature in Wading River launches summer program

Did you know that rosé is made from red grapes that are pressed and macerated (soaked) with their skins for long enough to turn the wine pink, but not so long that it is classified as red?

That’s just the tip of the pink iceberg that you’ll explore at Wines by Nature’s upcoming rosé seminar and tasting. The 8-year-old store at Wading River’s Shoppes at East Wind is one of Long Island’s best places to buy and learn about natural, local and boutique wines and spirits. Owner George Eldi has planned a whole summer of quaffing and teaching.

At the May 10 rosé class, you’ll sample 6 to 8 wines, from the New and Old Worlds, while Eldi guides you through the various styles and production methods. On May 31, spirits expert Rich DePascale will take participants on a Caribbean island-hopping cruise of rum (a cruise that kicks off with a white daiquiri).

It’s back to wine on June 14 as Eldi focuses on France’s Loire Valley, whose most famous wine is probably Sancerre but also produces Pouilly-Fumé — both are made with sauvignon blanc grapes, but across the Loire River from each other — as well as Vouvray and Muscadet. On Sept. 10, Japanese whisky sommelier Gary Pickard will provide an introduction to the world of Japanese spirits.

Programs will be held on Saturdays from 5 to 7 p.m., cost $5 and require reservations (space is limited). But the public is invited on Saturday June 28 to celebrate all day (11 a.m. to 8 p.m.) with free tastings of Eldi and company’s favorite wines.

Wines by Nature, 5768 NY-25A (the northeast corner of The Shoppes at East Wind), Wading River, 631-886-2800, winesbynatureny.com