A Brunch Worth Lingering Over: Enology's Blanc & Franc Series Returns May 17
Some brunches are an excuse to eat eggs. This one is a reason to spend a Sunday afternoon the way it was meant to be spent.
On May 17, Enology Wine Bar & Bistro in Saint James brings back its Blanc & Franc Brunch Series, a multi-course, wine-paired dining experience that spotlights two of Long Island's most respected grape varieties alongside two of its standout producers. The event runs from noon to 2 p.m., and seats are intentionally limited.
The concept is simple. Take Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc, two grapes that thrive in Long Island's coastal climate, and build an entire afternoon around them. Each course is designed to move alongside the wine, not just sit next to it. The result is less of a brunch and more of an education, one that happens to be delicious.
Pouring This Month: Suhru Wines, Lieb Cellars, and McCall Wines
Enology has partnered with three producers that know this land well. Lieb Cellars brings a bright, citrus-forward Sauvignon Blanc alongside a 2023 Estate Cabernet Franc with red fruit and a peppery, lifted finish. McCall Wines offers their "Cuvée Nicola" 2025 Sauvignon Blanc, a fuller-textured pour with ripe lime and a saline edge, plus a vertical experience of their Cabernet Franc spanning from the earthy, spice-driven 2021 to a silky, cedar-laced 2015 Reserve. The afternoon closes with Suhru's dry Rosé.
It's a lineup that reflects the best of what the North Shore grows.
"The Blanc & Franc Brunch is everything we believe in at Enology," says owner Jimmy Kilimitzoglou. "It's Long Island wine at its best, paired with food that actually deserves it. We keep these events small on purpose. We want every guest to feel like they're sitting at our table, not just in our restaurant."
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The Menu
Chef Albert built five courses around the wines, blending familiar brunch comfort with deliberate technique. Here's how the afternoon unfolds.
Amuse Play on a NYC Egg Sandwich (1-2 bites) A surprise opener. No wine pairing, just a palate-setting bite to set the tone.
Course I Buttermilk Biscuit, Southern Sausage Gravy, Honey Butter, Peach Jam Paired with: Lieb Cellars Sauvignon Blanc Bright citrus, coastal herbs, clean finish. The wine's acidity cuts right through the richness of the gravy without competing with the sweetness of the peach jam.
Course II Zucchini Carpaccio, Meyer Lemon Ricotta, Pistachio Paired with: McCall Sauvignon Blanc "Cuvée Nicola" 2025 Ripe lime, saline edge, fuller texture. A lighter course that lets a more serious wine do the talking.
Course III Crab Cake Benedict, Poached Egg, Black Garlic Hollandaise Paired with: Lieb Cellars Estate Cabernet Franc 2023 Red fruit, fresh pepper, leafy lift. The earthy character of the Franc plays beautifully against the richness of the hollandaise.
Course IV Shakshuka, Garlic Yogurt, Sourdough Paired with: McCall Cabernet Franc 2021 Dark cherry, earth, savory spice. A bold pairing for a bold dish. The wine's structure holds up to the acidity of the tomato without missing a beat.
Course V Steak and Eggs, Bavette, Miso Au Poivre, 6-Minute Egg Paired with: McCall Cabernet Franc Reserve 2015 Silky tannin, cedar, long finish. The anchor course. A decade-old Reserve poured alongside bavette and miso au poivre is exactly the kind of moment this series was built for.
Dessert Strawberry Shortcake, Sweet Biscuit Crumble, Aperol Creme Paired with: Suhru Rosé Strawberry, citrus zest, dry snap. A clean, bright finish that sends you home happy.
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Part of a Bigger Picture
The Blanc & Franc Brunch is part of Long Island Wine Country's Share & Pair Sunday program, a regional initiative connecting diners with the vineyards, farms, and flavors that define North Shore wine culture. For guests who already love Long Island wine, it's a chance to go deeper. For those just discovering it, this is the right place to start.
Tickets are $200 per person. Seating is limited, and previous events have filled quickly.
Ready to go? Reserve your seat for the May 17 Blanc & Franc Brunch
Looking for more upcoming experiences at Enology? Browse the full events calendar at enologywinebar.com/events.
Enology Wine Bar & Bistro is located at 412 North Country Road in Saint James. For reservations and full event details, visit enologywinebar.com.
