A dedicated East End vintner for 30 years, Richard Pisacano opened Roanoke Vineyards in 2004 with his wife, Soraya, on 10 acres of land just east of Roanoke Avenue on Sound Avenue in Riverhead. With years of experience tending vines and his partnership with Roman Roth, the winemaker at Wolffer Estates in Sagaponack, Mr. Pisacano consistenly produces well-received wines, all of which are aged for extended periods of time in French Oak barrels.
The vineyard's cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and merlot grapes are hand-harvested, and Roanoke's higher-end wines are never filtered. The winery has a small but dedicated staff from all walks of life, and visitors to its rustic tasting room get an educational experience in an intimate setting. A "tasting house" is also available for parties up to 25 people.
Tucked away at the end of an unpaved lane just outside of town, Retzlaff Vineyards is an estate winery that produces organic wines. It is currently the only organic winery in the Livermore Valley. Owned and run by the Taylor family for nearly 30 years, the winery produces world class wines yet maintains an atmosphere that is genuinely friendly and unpretentious. The small, folksy tasting room can easily get crowded, but visitors can enjoy their wine outdoors with a picnic on the lawn or at one of the old wooden tables or gazebo. The barn-like buildings and large surrounding yard with shade trees resemble an old New England farmhouse, and the toy tractors scattered around the lawn make this one of the more child-friendly wineries in the area.
Crocker & Starr Wines is a boutique winery. It produces Sauvignon Blanc, Cab Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon varietals, with 15 vintages, with such vintages as its 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon “Stone Place” being rated 94 points by Robert Parker and 95 points by Gary Vaynerchuk of Wine Library TV. Crocker & Starr was founded by Charlie Crocker and Pam Starr who additionally undertakes the winery's winemaking position.
Sequoia Grove is a winery with a tasting room housed in a 150-year-old barn, which is open daily. Appointments are required for parties with six or more members. The grove is best known for its award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon and sits atop 22 acres. Sequoia Grove has an online store from which customers may purchase red and white wine from brands such as Chardonnay and Merlot; bottles and cases are available.
Eddy Tom Winery has been making wine since 1989. It offers a selection of fine wines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and others. Wines are available for purchase online on the Eddy Tom Winery Website.
Bouchaine is a vineyard that offers Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, all of which can be purchased onsite or through a virtual store at its website. Visits are welcomed, but calls are advised.
