Get Ready for a Vintage AFTEE Event at Martha Clara Vineyards
The Hamptons do a number of things right throughout the summer: The beaches, the shopping, the galas. But, unless you happen to be at the Talkhouse that one time every few years when Jimmy Buffett decides to jump on stage, attracting a concert with a headliner who also happens to be an international household name is not a common occurrence on the East End.
The AFTEE Nile Rodgers Dance Party East End on August 19, held on the sprawling grounds of Martha Clara Vineyards in Riverhead, will dispel the need to head upisland to hear a great concert.
“We have lots of open space to accommodate, not to mention the beautiful sweeping vineyard views and award winning wines!” says Juan Eduardo Micieli-Martinez, the winemaker and general manager at Martha Clara. Martha Clara has over 90 acres of space sans vines on which East Enders can groove to the tunes of Nile Rodgers, Chic and special guests.
“We look forward to collaborating with our East End neighbors and Nile Rodgers to make an event that will be unforgettable,” adds Micieli-Martinez. “This dance party is truly a win-win for the East End.”
Owned by the Entenmann family, Martha Clara Vineyards is a 200-acre farm in the historic Northville District. The concert will take place in the bridal paddock behind the Northville Barn. “If we can ‘Get Lucky,’ we will be treated by an almost full Sturgeon moon rising from over the vines,” raves Micieli-Martinez. Food trucks will assemble on the grounds, providing ample opportunity to wine and dine on local offerings. Ticket holders are welcome to bring chairs and blankets, and VIP admission allows for preferred concert viewing as well as access into the gourmet tasting tent.
“This is a great honor for Martha Clara Vineyards to host the event,” says Micieli-Martinez. “The Entenmanns have a long history of being charitable on Long Island and particularly the East End.” Among the dozens of organizations Martha Clara supports are national philanthropies like the American Red Cross and American Heart Association. Local groups include the Riverhead Chamber of Commerce, Kent Animal Shelter and the Parrish Art Museum.
“AFTEE seeks to help various non-for-profits on the East End, and we too have the same interests,” says Micieli-Martinez of the vineyard’s partnership with All for the East End. “It is nice to be able to offer something that will help many of these non-for-profits through one great event.”
Martha Clara Vineyards was named after founder Robert Entenmann’s mother, Martha Clara. A family-friendly winery welcoming both children and pets to mingle on the spacious grounds, Martha Clara wines have won numerous awards. Among their accolades: the Governor’s Cup for the 2010 NYS Riesling, which is awarded to the best wine in New York State; and the Jefferson Trophy (given by Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association), awarded to the best wine on the East Coast, went to the 2010 Estate Reserve Riesling.
For those wanting to head to the venue earlier than the concert date, you can enjoy special deals on the 2011 Sauvignon Blanc, the July wine of the month. But be sure to save room for August—just in case you need a little liquid courage to make the most of this historic event and get up and dance. In the spirit of All for the East End, says Micieli-Martinez, “there will be dynamite local beer and wine.”
As always, emphasize the local.