When a guest arrives at the tasting room, we always love to hear when they are impressed with our wines (and they usually are) but more often than not the compliments we hear are focused on the incredible knowledge and warmth of our team and the beauty and care that goes into the accompanying cheese & charcuteries boards.
Thoughtfully arranged, carefully paired, and almost too beautiful to eat, each board is designed to do more than simply accompany our wine. It’s meant to help you slow down, spark conversation, and bring people together around the table.
That’s where Kat Motlenski, our Culinary Operations Coordinator, and resident Cheese Board Stylist, comes in.
Every seasonal special, every grazing board, and every carefully chosen pairing reflects Kat’s creativity, attention to detail, and belief that great food has the power to turn an ordinary afternoon into a memorable one.
Kat’s path into hospitality wasn’t exactly what she expected. Growing up in a large Italian family, wine was always part of life’s celebrations. It wasn’t about tasting notes or vintages—it simply meant everyone was together.
“I grew up surrounded by wine, it was part of every family occasion,” she says. “When there was wine around, I knew it meant being together with loved ones.”
After earning her BFA in Musical Theatre from LIU Post, Kat imagined her creativity would take her in a very different direction. Instead, she found herself discovering a new artistic outlet through hospitality.
“Making charcuterie boards and building food & wine pairings allows me to continue using that creative side of myself in a completely different—and very delicious—way.”
Sometimes you know you’ve found the right place almost immediately.
“I knew this was a team I wanted to be part of,” Kat recalls. “From my first interview, I immediately felt welcomed, and the focus on collaboration makes it such a positive place to work.”
That sense of teamwork continues to be one of the things she values most. Whether she’s developing new specials, preparing boards for Wine Club Week, or simply making sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes, every day is built around supporting both her teammates and the guests that come through our doors.
Most visitors only see the finished product—a beautifully arranged board arriving at their table.
What they don’t always see is everything that happens beforehand.
Kat oversees the day-to-day culinary operations, making sure the kitchen is organized, stocked, and ready for service while creating seasonal offerings that showcase the wines in new ways. She also hand-cuts every piece of cheese herself.
“Everything gets weighed before portioning so everyone receives the same amount, even though the pieces aren’t always perfectly identical.”
It’s one of countless small details that many guests may never notice, but together they help create the thoughtful experience that defines every visit.
Ask Kat what she loves most about her job, and she doesn’t start by talking about food. She talks about people.
“I love hearing guests get excited when their board arrives at the table. Knowing I’m helping create special moments for friends and families is incredibly fulfilling.”
That feeling is especially rewarding during Wine Club Week, when members gather to explore new wines alongside thoughtfully prepared pairings. Whether it’s introducing someone to an unexpected combination or helping them discover a new favorite, Kat loves seeing how food can completely change the way someone experiences a wine.
“Those conversations are such a great reminder of why I love what I do.”
For Kat, wine is always best enjoyed with something delicious.
One of Kat’s favorite parts of working on the North Fork isn’t just the wine. It’s the pace.
“I love the peaceful atmosphere. There’s a real sense of community here, and it’s always nice seeing familiar faces. Plus, being surrounded by so much natural beauty every day isn’t a bad way to spend your time.”
Kat is excited for what’s next as the winery continues to grow and evolve.
“There are always new opportunities to keep growing, and I’m excited to be part of that.”
When asked what truly sets us apart, her answer comes easily. “The people. The warmth, the education, and the way everyone genuinely wants guests to feel comfortable—that’s what creates such a memorable experience.”
The next time you visit, take a moment to admire the board before you dive in. Every slice of cheese, every garnish, every thoughtful pairing has been carefully prepared by Kat and our culinary team with one goal in mind: helping create moments worth sharing.
Because at the end of the day, that’s what hospitality is really all about!
