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{joomplu:1576}After being introduced by friends to Darolyn and Christopher Augusta, the owners of The Harvest Inn Bed and Breakfast, I was pleased to accept an invitation to visit the Inn and get more acquainted with the proprietors.  Darolyn and Chris left the corporate world after successful careers and chose the North Fork of Long Island as their new home. They have created an idyllic setting in their highly rated bed and breakfast. The Inn was built to their specifications and designed with their guests’ comfort in mind.

It has the look and feel of the grand homes of earlier years. Tall windows, high ceilings and wide-plank wood floors provide a feeling of warmth and are a nice counterpoint to modern creature comforts such as central air, fireplaces and elegant private baths with tubs and showers. We were instantly taken with the Inn's grounds and the gently flowing Koi pond. A wraparound porch provides guests with a marvelous view of the neighboring vineyards and spring greenery.

On our visit, Darolyn greeted us with coffee and tea, and with a proposed itinerary for the next day. We were there to take part in a condensed version of spring Wine Camp. Wine Camp offers guests a hands-on opportunity to learn how wine is grown, blended and packaged.

We settled into our room, which was elegantly furnished with fine cream-colored Italian linens, a luxurious comforter, four-poster bed, paintings, table books and CD player. The room had an air of serenity with the midafternoon sun streaming in. It gave every indication of allowing us a temporary relief from the stresses of the everyday world.  We showered, rested, chatted with fellow guests and took a brief tour of the Inn and grounds. That evening, Darolyn and Chris invited their guests to a festive dinner at a local Southhold restaurant. We returned to the Harvest Inn three hours later, fully sated. After a restful night's sleep we were treated to one of Chris's legendary home-cooked breakfasts. He proved his culinary mettle by preparing a delicious morning feast with local fruits, vegetables and cheeses. Our meal began with an assortment of fresh juices followed by a special-recipe spinach and cheese quiche. The next course was cut-up fresh fruit, served with a fruit-infused balsamic sauce that tasted like the proverbial nectar of the gods. New York City blended coffee gave us a quick energy boost while filling the dining room with an unforgettable aroma.

After breakfast we toured some of Harvest's neighboring vineyards, including the Paumanok Winery, Peconic Bay Winery and Bedell Winery, which provide some of New York State’s finest wines. Harvest Inn is also ideally located within walking distance of Lenz Wineries, Pindar, Pugliese Vinyards, Osprey's Dominion Vineyards, Corey Creek Vineyards, Ackerly Pond Vineyards, Duck Walk Vineyards and their next-door neighbor, Raphael. At Peconic Bay Winery, we broke for a fresh buffet lunch of assorted vegetable and cheese wraps, fresh fruit, Caesar salad and home baked cookies.

For those who seek a nontraditional escape from the madness of everyday life, Harvest Inn is a great prescription for peace and serenity. Its close proximity to fabulous vineyards, restaurants and the water makes it even more inviting. The Harvest Inn B&B ranks high among the finest bed and breakfasts we have experienced. Great service, wonderful hosts and memorable food and wine has us thinking of returning again in the very near future. Can you say Chardonnay?

The Harvest Inn Bed and Breakfast

Peconic, New York

631.495.0904

www.harvestinnbandb.com

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