Winemakers Launch New Scholarship to Nurture Young Vintners

NORTH FORK, NY - Long Island's wine region continues to flourish and now, vintners are making in an investment in young winemakers.

The Long Island Merlot Alliance aims to help grow the region's greatest asset — its young people.

This year, LIMA will be launching the East End Enology/Viticulture Scholarship and Internship: a $3,500 scholarship that will be awarded annually to a Suffolk County student between the ages of 18-25 pursuing the study of viticulture and enology at Cornell University.

LIMA will be launching this program, as well as the prized 2013 vintage - at the 2013 Release Dinner this Sunday, April 24 at Wolffer Kitchen in Sag Harbor.

At the event, LIMA wines will be paired with a seasonally-inspired menu; during the evening, a auction will be held to raise funds for the scholarship. A wide array of prizes include golfing with the winemakers, private cellar tours and wine pairing lunch for four.

Five courses will be paired with seven wines. Winemakers from Wölffer Estate, Raphael and T'Jara will present each of their wines with its accompanying course.

Tickets are $85 per person, tax and gratuity additional,. To reserve a seat, click here.