The effects of the exceptionally mild winter (now spring!) aren't just limited to a hot rental market and a drop in the number of those suffering from SAD. The East End's wine industry is expecting an early bud break?the beginning of annual growth cycle for grapevines?which "has the potential to extend the growing season and make for riper grapes." Here's Paumanok Vineyard's* winemaker, Kareem Massoud, explaining what this could mean for area wines.
Vineyards brace for early bud break after mild winter [Suffolk Times]
*Yes, we know that Paumanok Vineyard is located on the North Fork. Just apply what he's saying to Wölffer Estate or Duckwalk Vineyard.