Long Island Food Critic

Corks were popped and glasses were raised as the Long Island Wine Council gathered the best and brightest winemakers of the East End for their annual celebration of wine, food, and burgeoning local business. This year's event was hosted by Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian of Food Network's Chopped, The Kitchen, Top 5 and his newest primetime hit, Cooks vs Cons, author of celebrated cookbook "My Perfect Pantry," and Chef/Owner of The Lambs Club, The National in NYC, The National in Greenwich, CT, The Water Club at Borgata in Atlantic City and the soon to open Georgie and The Garden Bar at Montage Beverly Hills. Featuring emcee Joshua Wesson, sommelier and founder of Best Cellars.

As a former host of Dan's GrillHampton, Dan's Taste of Two Forks and last year's Dan's Harvest East End, Zakarian has a unique perspective on the allure of being at the helm of Dan's Taste of Summer events. "Aside from the obvious beauty of the location, it's a great opportunity to see the continued growth and quality of the Hamptons food and beverage scene," he says. At Harvest in particular, "It's all about the chefs and people who make the food and wine. Period. Their dedication, and their passion." We'll drink to that.

More than 40 wineries and 30 restaurants & purveyors convened under a tent at the beautiful McCall Vineyards and Ranch where upwards of 1,500 people attended. Attendees got a chance to sample barrel tastings of yet-to-be-bottled 2015 red wines and bid on silent auction items including large format bottles, special vintages and one-of-a-kind wine tasting experiences.

Dan's Harvest East End is sponsored by Bridgehampton National Bank, Hotel Indigo, Woodford Reserve, Appleton Estate, Bai5, Bulldog London Dry Gin, Diamond Crystal, East End Tick and Mosquito Control, Milagro Tequila, Peconic Bay Medical Center and Tito's Handmade Vodka and a portion of the proceeds benefited Long Island Farm Bureau and HRHCare.