The longest day of the year deserves a party, and what better way to celebrate summer on the East End than a benefit to protect the endless beaches, sparkling waters and bountiful farms and vineyards that make this place so special? Group for the East End’s “HERE COMES THE SUN” benefit took place on Saturday, June 21, at Wolffer Estate Vineyard offering a locavore foodie paradise with small plates by North Fork Chef Noah Schwartz of Noah’s during cocktails and a farm-to-table meal by South Fork Chef Todd Jacobs of Fresh Hamptons.

Award-winning wines from Wölffer Estate Vineyard, plus special tastes of Wölffer 139 Rosé Cider from the vineyard’s 1949 vintage Chevy Cider Truck were served to celebrate “Wölffer Rosé Week” as well as cocktails featuring favorite local spirits including Sag Harbor Rum, Long Island Vodka and Pine Barrens Single Malt Whisky.

After dinner and a Live Auction including an unforgettable Bahamian golf and beach trip for four at the picturesque Baker’s Bay Golf & Ocean Club in the Abaco Islands and a private wine dinner with Wölffer winemaker Roman Roth, guests hit the dance floor to boogie to DJ MAD MARJ as she spun her first Hamptons benefit. All proceeds from “Here Comes the Sun”benefit Group for the East End’s vital conservation work on Long Island.

 
Group for the East End protects and restores the environment of eastern Long Island through education, citizen action and professional advocacy. Established in 1972 as Group for America’s South Fork, the organization has been inspiring East Enders to embrace and act upon a conservation ethic for 40 years.

Clarke and Kristen Briner