Foodstuffs: Holiday Happenings at East End Eateries

Winter at Wölffer

Wölffer Estate Vineyard kicks off the season on Saturday, December 7, with its Annual Lighting of the Vines charity event, benefiting the Bridgehampton Center. The event from 6 to 8 p.m. is a celebration that officially marks the start of the holiday season. Attendees will gather at the Tasting Room to watch the countdown and lighting display illuminate the vineyard spanning two acres with over 100,000 LED lights. Attendees will also experience festive live music, locally sourced hors d’oeuvres, a selection of award-winning Wölffer red, white and rosé, and a signature mulled Wölffer wine. The evening includes a silent auction of holiday wreaths designed by community artists, designers and business owners. All proceeds from the evening benefit The Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center. Tickets start at $175 per person.

Returning to Wölffer Estate’s Tasting Room this season will be the iconic holiday décor ceiling installation. Open seven days a week, Tasting Room visitors will be transported to a winter wonderland with decadent garland, ornaments, tinsel, lights, festive flower arrangements and more while they sip Wölffer wines and enjoy a selection of small bites and charcuterie platters. Every Sunday in December from 1 to 4 p.m. come see Santa and enjoy the terrace bar and holiday market, or cozy up to fire pits on the lawn. Contact the Tasting Room to book a reservation.

Wölffer Estate Vineyard is at 139 Sagg Road in Sagaponack. For tickets to the Annual Lighting of the Vines or reservations in the Tasting Room, visit wolffer.com.

Seasonal Celebrations at Baron’s Cove

The annual Baron’s Cove Tree Lighting Ceremony is Friday, December 6, starting at 4 p.m. featuring live music, carolers and a visit from Santa followed by the tree lighting at 7 p.m. Eggnog, hot chocolate, candy cane martinis and warm gingerbread cookies will be served. In addition, from 4 to 7 p.m., Brad Penuel and his band will perform in the bar room and around the outdoor fireplace. Santa will visit from 5:30 to 8 p.m. and from 7 to 10 p.m., Friday Night Transitional performs.

Breakfast with Santa begins at Baron’s Cove on Saturday, December 7, and continues every Saturday and Sunday through Christmas. Tickets are available on OpenTable with two seatings at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. with a buffet featuring omelet station, oatmeal bar, lox platters and for the kids, Christmas stocking design spectacular in the Map Room (space is limited).

Holiday Brunch

Join Cowfish for holiday brunch on Saturday, December 7, or Saturday, December 21, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and enjoy festive food, cookie decorating and photos with Santa himself. Parents can bring wrapped gifts the day before for Santa to present, creating a magical memory that will last a lifetime.

All the big kids 21 and over will receive a complimentary Merry Mimosa or Berry Bellini. The cost of the brunch is $50 for adults ($20 for kids age 3 to 12, under 2 attend for free).

Cowfish is at 258 East Montauk Highway in Hampton Bays. For more information, visit cowfishrestaurant.com.

A Benefit Dinner at The Hampton Maid/R.AIRE

As the holiday season inspires giving back, on Thursday, December 5, R.AIRE at The Hampton Maid will host a benefit dinner to support East End Food and its “The Power of Food” campaign, which is transforming lives through access to fresh, local food while fostering a resilient food system.

The evening offers an opportunity to connect with the community and make a difference. Guests will enjoy a thoughtfully curated multi-course dinner by Chef Alex Bujoreanu, featuring highlights like Crescent duck with house-grown fig demi-glace and local lamb tenderloin with herb mojo verde, paired with exceptional wines.

The event also introduces East End Food’s new executive director, Marci Moreau, who will share her vision for the organization and answer questions about its exciting initiatives, including the soon-to-be-completed East End Food Hub. This hub will be a game-changer, with a year-round farmers market, shared kitchen, and education space that directly impacts food security in the region.

Tickets are $175 with wine pairing an additional $25 ($100 of each ticket benefits East End Food). Guests can book on Resy. R.AIRE at The Hampton Maid is at 259 East Montauk Highway, Hampton Bays.