Hundreds enjoy bluegrass, wine in North Fork

As live bluegrass music played, hundreds tasted different selections of wines including Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc at the 25th annual Harvest Festival at Palmer Vineyards on Saturday.

The yearly event began as a way to celebrate the most exciting time of the year - harvesting, according to Bridget Micieli-Martinez, Palmer Vineyards tasting room manager.

"This is a great time for Palmer Vineyards. The fall is here and we are harvesting 2011 vintages and the grapes are coming off the vines," she said.

The weekend festival features over 15 different wines for tasting and sales, hayrides and the Miller's Crossing Bluegrass Band.

"People can bring a picnic if they want or order from the snack bar,” she said. “It's a very relaxing and beautiful atmosphere."

Tom Rufrano and his wife, Sue, of Orlando, Fla., decided they wanted to visit the Harvest Festival while in town visiting Tom’s brother, who lives in Nissequogue.

"We are big wine lovers so we knew we would make time for this wine tasting,” he said. “We are having a wonderful time here.”

Seaford residents Kathy and Pat Daly have been coming to the festival for the past 10 years.

"We love listening to the music and I enjoy tasting the different wines,” Kathy Daly said. “It's a fun day out on the East End for us."

Attending for the first time was Arlenya Merriweather and Wilfredo Suria, of Port Washington.

"The Lighthouse White Wine is very good,” Merriweather said. “It's not too sweet, I really like it."

The festival continues today from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.