Cold Spring Harbor Wine Shoppe Grows Its Main Street Vines
/By Janee Law
jlaw@longislandergroup.com
Andrew Robinstein, owner of Cold Spring Harbor Wine Shoppe, holding a popular and rare bottle of Pinot Noir California Red Car.
Growing up in a family based in the restaurant business, Andrew Robinstein found his passion for wine through food.
At 13 years old, his father let him try his first sip of wine, which was accompanied with a dish of chicken franchise. Robinstein said the combination of the two made the meal melt in his mouth, and ignited his passion for the lifestyle.
“It’s amazing when you’re eating food and you have the right wine, it just brings it to a whole other level,” said Robinstein, 34, of Glen Head, who is the owner of Cold Spring Harbor Wine Shoppe. “That’s what I like about it.”
While bringing out the flavor in food is one perk, Robinstein said he also enjoys the presentation of wine. He said working with wine is akin to art.
Robinstein first opened the 84 Main St. wine shop three years ago out of a desire to provide a specialty store for the community that would fit in with the quaint lifestyle of the village.
Starting at $10 for bottles, the shop offers red and white wine, rosè, sparkling and vintage wine. Other types of spirits, including bourbon and rye, gin, rum, and scotch are also available.
Robinstein works with around 50 distributors, hailing from areas like California, Oregon, Italy, France, Spain and Argentina. He said he carefully hand picks his selection of wine, hoping to appeal to his customers’ different palates.
The shop's selection of wine is rare, he added. Robinsteinchooses from local family owned vineyards, including Paumanok Vineyards in Aquebogue and Jamesport Vineyards in Jamesport.
“If you’re looking for small-production, family-owned products, this is the place to come to,” Robinstein said.
The 1,100-square-foot shop also offers around 15 different varieties of rosè, a trending item for the summer season.
Wine tastings are also held each Friday, 4-8 p.m. There are also plans to expand community involvement by introducing a Uncorked Upstairs wine appreciation and education program. It’s slated to start in mid-July, and Robinstein said offerings will include classes, events and wine dinners.
“It’s a nice atmosphere and our customers are really nice,” Robinstein said. “People enjoy coming here.”
