The Wine Cellar on Main Opens for Business

The newly renovated Wine Cellar on Main has opened for business on Main Street in the location which formerly held The Tasting Room. 

Patrons looking to enjoy a wide selection of wines at affordable prices, plus tapas, craft beer, and selected menus from local restaurants will notice the completely different interior. Gone are the red walls, retail space, and long wall dividing the room into two. The new look--with its warm brown walls and cushioned, comfortable benches--is more open and airy, yet cozy and inviting.

New owner Lindsey Ostrander and business partner Christine O'Brien had a soft opening on June 18. Ostrander, a former employee of the Tasting Room for the past four years, said customers were glad to see the doors open. "It's so nice to be welcomed."

As for the wider menu selections and lower prices, Ostrander, a certified Sommelier, said she wants people to feel comfortable ordering wine. "I'm a firm believer that you shouldn't have to empty your wallet to enjoy a good glass of wine."

Craft beer is also on tap, along with a tapas menu where customers can choose their own cheeses and meats. Ostrander has also partnered with local restaurants, including the , Ship's Inn, , Maroni's and Bistro 44 to offer selected menus, and expects to add more local eateries in the fall. She plans on rotating the wine list every three months or so.

Special events will also be offered in the future, including wine pairings and educational nights where patrons can feel comfortable asking questions. "We don't want wine to be such a formal thing for people," Ostrander explained. "It doesn't have to be pretentious. I encourage questions." Fundraisers benefitting local groups like the Ecumenical Food Pantry are also being planned.

A strong desire to give back to the community resonates with Ostrander, a Northport native who says that her family can trace its roots back to the earliest days of the community when it was called Cow Harbor. Her grandfather used to own the Larkfield Country Club, which was later sold and became Larkfield Manor. "All the stores behind the Manor used to be the swimming pool," she recalled with a laugh. "My aunts, uncles, and my mom were the lifeguards."

Like her family, Ostrander herself has an interesting past. She originally studied to be a forensic psychologist at John Jay. But after taking five months of courses at the Sommelier Society of America, Ostrander received her certification and found her new home on Main Street.

Clearly patrons are thrilled about her new gig. Ostrander says the Wine Cellar, which can stay open as late as 4 a.m., has been doing just that for the past two weeks. 

The Wine Cellar on Main is open Monday to Thursday from 5 p.m. until closing, and weekends from noon on. All credit cards are accepted and gift certificates are available. For more information, or to book a party, call 631-651-5555.