Southampton - The year 2010 was a dream come true for vineyards and wine connoisseurs on the East End, for it was the hottest year on record in 150 years. What does this mean for Long Island vineyards? Perhaps, experts suggest, the best sips of wine ever to be uncorked.

A spectacular wine season was made possible by the exceptional weather conditions for ripening grapes. At the Wölffer Estate Vineyard in Sagaponack, winemaker Roman Roth explained the phenomenal weather conditions that pushed the ripening stage forward. "August through mid September was hot and beautiful and the dry weather was ideal for the grapes," said Roth. "There was little fungus pressure within the vineyard grounds, and as a result, the fruit was very healthy."

At Duckwalk Vineyards in Southampton, their 2010 Aphrodite dessert wine is selling quickly. (Vanessa Pinto)

Normally the ripening stage begins during the early part of October through the first week of November. In 2010, the ripening stage started to peak the first week of September. The ripening stage is also known as verison, when the sugar level rises and the acidity level decreases. This stage usually lasts three to four weeks. The Wölffer Rose is already out for this year, which does not need to mature for a long time in the barrels.

At Duckwalk Vineyards in Southampton, their 2010 Aphrodite dessert wine is selling quickly. Duckwalk said that by the leaving the grapes on the vine until later in the season make the wines taste sweeter once it is bottled. White wine is introduced first the following season after the ripening stage because the wine moves from the fermentation process directly to the bottles, whereas the red wines age in barrels for a longer period of time. The 2010 red wines will not be available for approximately another 24 months.

Another great factor regarding the weather was that the nights of September and October were fairly cool, which slowed down the final ripening process, and helped to mature the grapes better and create ripe flavors with intense aromas. "If you combine intensity and power with elegance and balance, that makes the greatest wine. 2010 made that possible," said Roth.

 • Duckwalk Vineyards and the Wölffer Estate Vineyard offer wine tastings every day of the week. Duckwalk Vineyards is located at 231 Montauk Highway, Southampton and at 44535 Route 25 Main Road, Southold. The Wölffer Estate Vineyard is located at 139 Sagg Road, Sagaponack.