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.
Champagne lovers Tom and Cynthia Rosicki had the idea of opening a vineyard on the North Fork, where they both live, since witnessing the birth and growth of Long Island Wine Country over a span of 20 years. In 2001, they began talking with long-time vineyard manager Steve Mudd about acquiring land for their plan. Two years later, they purchased property that was previously a nursery on Route 48 in Southold to plant wine grapes. Sparkling Pointe, the only winery on the North Fork dedicated exclusively to producing home-grown sparkling wine, opened in October 2009. The uber-modern facility, complete with chandeliers and white leather couches, is becoming known for its live entertainment, from celebrity chef appearances to karaoke nights.
