Long Island's East End Named One Of World's Best Wine Destinations

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) - Long Island's wine industry is getting some international attention this month, as it celebrates 40 years of growth.

Wine Enthusiast magazine has named Long Island one of the world's 10 best wine destinations.

News of the honor has wine council president Steven Bey rolling out the welcome mat.

"There's a lot to taste. There's a lot going on throughout the year. We have a big jazz festival that's coming up," Bey told WCBS 880 Long Island Bureau Chief Mike Xirinachs.

Richard Olsen-Harbich of Bedell Cellars on the North Fork said there are plenty of good reasons why Long Island's East End is so good for winemaking.

"The way that we're situated out in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean allows us to grow these grapes. We're moderated by the water that surrounds us that we don't get too hot in the summer and we don't get too cold in the winter. And that really is key," he told Xirinachs.

Wine from Long Island has even made in onto the menu at President Barack Obama's inauguration.

It was announced last week that the 2009 Merlot from Bedell Cellars will be served at the inauguration lunch in the Capitol on January 21.

"Yeah it's kind of cool to think that not only the President and the First Lady, but the Supreme Court and all the living Presidents are gonna be tasting the wine that I made. So I'm pretty blown away by it," Olsen-Harbich said.

It's the first time a New York wine has ever been served at a Presidential inauguration.

"It's fantastic. Really excited about it," Olsen-Harbich said. "We're going to keep doing what we're doing. I think the wines just keep getting better every year."