Wine of the Week: Fjord Vineyards 2025 Hudson River Region White Gamay Noir

 There's something special about ending the day on my front porch with a glass of wine in hand. This summer, my porch has become my favorite tasting room. It's the perfect spot for people-watching, enjoying the evening breeze, and admiring my hydrangea bush as it slowly begins to wind down for the season.

This week's wine fit that moment perfectly.

The 2025 White Gamay Noir from Fjord Vineyards is one of those wines that makes you stop and think, "Wait...this is made from the Gamay Noir grape?"

Most people associate Gamay Noir with the light, fruity red wines of Beaujolais. It's known for bright red berry flavors, lively acidity, and easy drinkability. But here, winemaker Matt Spaccarelli takes the grape in a completely different direction.

Instead of allowing the juice to spend time on the skins—as is done for red wine—the grapes were whole-cluster pressed directly into stainless steel tanks. Because the juice never had contact with the skins or seeds, it extracted virtually no color or tannins. After aging for one month in stainless steel, the wine was filtered and bottled, resulting in a beautifully fresh and expressive white wine made entirely from a red grape.

It's a reminder that winemaking is just as much about technique as it is about the grape itself.

In the Glass

On the palate I found:

• Crisp pear
• Bright lemon zest
• A delicate floral note
• Distinct slate minerality
• Refreshing acidity that keeps you reaching for another sip

The stainless steel fermentation preserves the purity of the fruit while allowing the mineral character to shine through. It's clean, energetic, and incredibly refreshing.

Food Pairings

Its bright acidity and mineral backbone make it a versatile food wine. I'd pair it with:

• Grilled shrimp or scallops
• Goat cheese
• Summer salads with citrus vinaigrette
• Lemon herb chicken
• Simply grilled vegetables

Or do what I did—pour a glass, head to the porch, and enjoy it without any food at all.

About Fjord Vineyards

While their tasting room is temporarily closed as construction continues on a beautiful new facility, you don't have to wait to enjoy their wines. This White Gamay Noir is available for purchase directly through the winery's website.

I can't wait to visit once the new tasting room opens, but until then, this bottle brought a little piece of Fjord to my front porch.

Grape of the Month: Traminette

When people talk about aromatic white wines, the conversation often turns to Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, or Gewürztraminer. But there's another grape that deserves a spot in your glass, especially if you enjoy wines bursting with floral aromas and vibrant fruit flavors: Traminette.

As we move into the heart of summer, Traminette is my pick for July. It's aromatic, food-friendly and  refreshing and it is 30 years old.

While it may not have the name recognition of Chardonnay or Riesling, once you experience its intoxicating aromas and versatility at the table, you'll wonder why more people aren't talking about it.

A Grape with a Purpose

Unlike many wine grapes that trace their origins back centuries, Traminette is a relatively recent addition to the wine world.

Developed through a breeding program at Cornell University and released in 1996, Traminette was created by crossing Gewürztraminer with the French-American hybrid Joannes Seyve 23.416.

The goal was to create a grape that captured the captivating aromatics of Gewürztraminer while offering better cold hardiness and disease resistance for growers in the eastern United States.

The result was a grape perfectly suited for regions like New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, and Michigan.

Why Traminette Thrives in New York

New York presents unique challenges for grape growers. Cold winters, humidity, spring frost risks, and varying soil types can make vineyard management difficult.

Fortunately, Traminette was built for exactly those conditions.

The grape is:

• Winter hardy
• Resistant to many vineyard diseases
• Adaptable to various soil types
• Capable of producing high-quality fruit in cool climates

Whether grown in the Finger Lakes, Hudson Valley, or Lake Erie regions, Traminette consistently delivers expressive wines that showcase both fruit and floral character.

For New York growers, it's a grape that offers reliability without sacrificing quality.

What Does Traminette Taste Like?

If you've ever enjoyed Gewürztraminer, you'll notice some familiar characteristics.

Traminette is wonderfully aromatic, often filling the glass before you even take a sip.

Common aromas and flavors include:

• Rose petals
• Jasmine
• Honeysuckle
• Peach
• Apricot
• Pineapple
• Citrus zest
• Baking spice
• Orange blossom

On the palate, Traminette often displays bright acidity balanced by ripe fruit flavors. Depending on the producer, styles can range from dry to slightly off-dry.

The combination of floral aromatics and refreshing acidity makes Traminette a fantastic summer wine.

A Food Pairing Superstar

One of the things I love most about Traminette is its versatility at the table. I personally like it with Thai food but will pair with a variety of foods.

Seafood

• Grilled shrimp
• Crab cakes
• Scallops

Spicy Cuisine

• Thai curries
• Vietnamese dishes
• Indian cuisine
• Spicy shrimp tacos

Pork & Poultry

• Roast pork loin
• Apple-glazed pork chops
• Roast chicken
• Turkey with fruit chutney

Cheese Pairings

• Brie
• Camembert
• Havarti
• Goat cheese

Summer Favorites

• Peach salads
• Fruit and cheese boards
• Grilled vegetables
• Charcuterie platters

For a summer gathering, try pairing a chilled Traminette with grilled shrimp skewers and a peach salad. The wine's floral notes beautifully complement the sweetness of the fruit while its acidity refreshes the palate.

Beyond New York

Although New York has embraced Traminette, you'll find it growing throughout the eastern and Midwestern United States.

Notable plantings can be found in:

• Pennsylvania
• Virginia
• Ohio
• Indiana
• Michigan
• Missouri

Why You Should Try Traminette

In a world where many wine drinkers reach for the same familiar varieties, Traminette offers something different.

It combines:

• The floral elegance of Gewürztraminer
• The freshness of cool-climate wines
• Outstanding food-pairing versatility
• A unique American success story

Most importantly, it's delicious.

Whether you're sitting on the deck, relaxing by the pool, or enjoying dinner with friends, Traminette delivers an aromatic and refreshing experience that feels tailor-made for summer.

Benmarl Winery: Award-Winning Wines and Exciting New Horizons

 On a recent visit to Benmarl Winery, I had the honor of presenting them with the Best in Show award from the Hudson Valley Wine and Spirits Competition for their outstanding Semi Sweet Riesling. This well-deserved accolade highlights the dedication and craftsmanship that Benmarl Winery consistently delivers.

While there, I had the pleasure of tasting a selection of their latest wines, each showcasing the unique terroir and winemaking expertise that defines Benmarl.

Benmarl 2021 Cabernet Franc

Aged for two years in four-year-old French oak barrels, this Cabernet Franc is lovely. It presents a beautifully expressive nose with vibrant red fruit and soft, velvety tannins. The balance and structure of this wine make it a fantastic choice for those who appreciate a refined yet approachable red.

Benmarl 2023 Seyval

Perfect for summer sipping, the 2023 Seyval is a crisp and refreshing white wine. Its bright acidity and lively character make it an excellent companion for warm-weather gatherings and light fare.

Benmarl 2024 Rosé

Crafted from 100% Cabernet Franc, this stunning 2024 Rosé blends 80% Finger Lakes Cabernet Franc and 20% Estate-grown fruit. The nose on this wine is absolutely incredible, drawing you in with its inviting aromatics. On the palate, delicate hints of strawberry dance throughout, making this a beautifully expressive and refreshing rosé. With 2024 being a fantastic year for grape growing in the Hudson Valley, this wine is a must-try! And comes in cans for the beach and boat!

Benmarl 2021 Field Blend

This intriguing red blend is made entirely from Estate-grown grapes, combining 40% Cabernet Franc, 30% Blaufränkisch, and 30% Saperavi. The three vineyard plots are situated next to each other, resulting in a harmonious blend that brings together the best qualities of each varietal. The wine offers jammy, fruit-forward flavors with hints of plum, making it a delightful choice for enjoying a scenic Hudson Valley sunset.

Exciting Developments at Benmarl

One of the most exciting changes at Benmarl is the addition of their huge new warehouse and production facility. If you visit, you’ll notice it immediately to the right after you park. This expansion will allow Benmarl to increase production and continue bringing exceptional wines that you love. With this investment, I can't wait to see what exciting innovations and new releases are on the horizon!

Benmarl Winery continues to be a shining star in the Hudson Valley wine scene, and my visit was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their achievements and experience their latest creations firsthand. If you haven’t yet visited, now is the perfect time to explore all that Benmarl has to offer!

Cheers to great wine and even greater things ahead for Benmarl Winery!

Discovering Whitecliff’s 2022 Non-Intervention Pinot Noir: A Winemaker’s Insight with Brad Martz

 While labeling bottles for the Hudson Valley Wine Competition in September, I stumbled upon a wine that immediately piqued my curiosity—Whitecliff’s 2022 Non-Intervention Pinot Noir. The name itself made me pause. Non-Intervention? What exactly did that mean? How would it taste? I was eager to find out.

As luck would have it, I also handle bottle labeling at Whitecliff, and at that very moment, their winemaker, Brad Martz, happened to walk in. Of course, I couldn’t let the opportunity pass without asking him about this intriguing wine. Now, Brad isn’t one for being on video, but I managed to nudge him a little out of his comfort zone to share some insights. (video below) What is Non-Intervention Winemaking? The term “Non-Intervention” in winemaking refers to a hands-off approach, allowing the natural process to unfold with minimal manipulation. In the case of Whitecliff’s 2022 Pinot Noir, this meant: Carbonic Maceration – A fermentation technique where whole grape clusters ferment in a sealed vessel, allowing the fruit to break down naturally, leading to fresh, bright flavors. Indigenous Yeast Fermentation – No commercial yeast was added; fermentation relied on wild yeasts on the grape skins and in the environment. No Filtering or Fining – The wine remained in its purest form, with no additional processes to alter its texture or clarity. Tasting the 2022 Non-Intervention Pinot Noir Recently, I had the chance to finally taste this wine, and it did not disappoint. Here’s what stood out: Aromatics – The nose carried a beautiful earthiness, setting the stage for the experience. Flavors – Notes of cherry and cranberry shine through, bringing a bright and juicy character with vibrant acidity Texture – A subtle touch of vanilla rounded out the palate, providing a soft, inviting finish. To gain deeper insight into the philosophy and process behind this wine, check out this brief chat with Whitecliff’s winemaker, Brad Martz. I’m glad he shared his perspective on crafting this unique Pinot Noir.

Whitecliff Vineyard & Winery Wins Winery of the Year

This year the Hudson Valley Wine, Spirits & Cider competition was held Saturday, September 10th, at the Hudson Valley Wine Festival located at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck, New York. I’ve been Chair of this competition since 2008 and have seen the region come together and elevate the quality of craft beverages produced in the region. Each year is better than the last! The wines, spirits, and ciders entered in the competition are a reflection of the love, hard work, and dedication of the wineries, cideries, and spirit producers.

Entered in the 2022 competition were 78 entries of which 73 were wine, 3 ciders, and 2 spirits. All are judged by a panel of 15 judges based on the American Wine Society 20-point system. This year awarded were 4 Double Gold Medals, 16 Gold Medals, 18 Silver Medals, and 22 Bronze Medals.

For the first time, Whitecliff Vineyard and Winery dominated, winning Winery of the Year, Best in Show, and Best Red Wine for their 2020 Whitceliff Vineyard and Winery Cabernet Franc and Best Sparkling Wine for their 2016 North River Sparkling Wine.

Milea Estate Vineyard 2020 Cabernet Franc was awarded the Valerie Cup for the Best Overall Hudson Valley Wine made with Hudson Valley fruit.

Merchant’s Daughter Ciderworks won for the second year, Best Cider for their 2017 Clara Reserve.

For the second year in a row, Robibero Winery won best White Wine for their 2021 Sienna.

Best Rose Wine was awarded to Benmarl Winery’s 2021 Dry Rose, and a newcomer to the competition City Winery won Best Dessert Wine for their 2020 Vin de Glaciere Riesling.

In the Spirits category, newcomer Ten Mile Distillery won Best Spirit for their Listening Rock Gin.

For a list of all awards, click here

Congratulations to all the wineries, cideries, and distilleries!

The Faces of Hudson Valley Cabernet Franc

Do you ever wonder what is behind a bottle of wine? You have the label and the wine, but how about the face?

Last month I attended the Hudson Valley Cabernet Franc Coalition Cabernet Franc tasting hosted at Milea Winery. The Hudson Valley Cabernet Franc Coalition was founded in 2016 by a group of Hudson Valley winery owners, grape growers, winemakers and industry supporters committed to establishing Cabernet Franc as the signature grape of the Hudson Valley.

At the event were the seven Legacy members showcasing their Cabernet Franc along with their winemakers.

• Benmarl Winery
• Fjord Vineyards
• Quartz Rock Vineyard (Formerly Glorie Farm Winery)
• Milea Estate Vineyard
• Millbrook Vineyards & Winery
• Robibero Winery
• Whitecliff Vineyard

What you need to know about Hudson Valley Cabernet Franc:

1. Cabernet Franc is the parent to Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot
2. Cabernet Franc is a very winter-hardy red vinifera grape and grows well in the Hudson Valley
3. Cabernet Franc wines grown and produced in the Hudson Valley are well rounded with low tannins and bring flavors of berries, cranberries, light cherries and a hint of black pepper to the palate.
4. Cabernet Franc wines grown and produced in the Hudson Valley have aging potential. Lighter styles produced will age 3 to 5 years, while the more serious, oak-aged will age up to 10 years.

Let’s meet the faces of Hudson Valley Cabernet Franc along with the past, current and future vintages.

Kristof Brown & Tiffany Robibero - Robibero Winery

Kristof said "the 2020 is the best vintage of Cabernet Franc ever." So if there was anything positive about the year in Covid it was it produced a fantastic 2020 Cabernet Franc vintage in the Hudson Valley. Robibero’s 2020 will be released in three years. It’s aging in 2-year-old oak. Silky tannins, deep nose, cherry, raspberry and red currant.

2019 Robibero Winery Cabernet Franc produced from a small amount of fruit due to the rains at the end of 2018. The vines sucked up that water and there was an early deep freeze and the trunks exploded. All you did was hear the vines pop in the vineyard. Kristof had to cut off the trunks and grow them back. You might want to look at this being a reserve. The fruit was really ripe at 25 brix and put it in new oak. Notes of Coffee, toasty oak, nice structure and acid, very tannic. The acid just pops. This wine will be released in 2023. A very limited quantity wine with just 2 barrels being produced.

2018 Robibero Winery Cabernet Franc - grown in clay soil. Intense deep Cabernet Franc. Silky and smooth.

2021 Robibero Winery Cabernet Franc - Nice fruit, aged in neutral oak and fermented in native yeast. This wine had a nice hint of pepper on the finish.

Brad Martz - Whitecliff Vineyard

2016 Whitecliff Vineyard Estate (Home Vineyard) 20-year-old vines. Notes of sour cherry, raspberry, vanilla and baking spices on the finish.

2020 Whitecliff Vineyard - current release vines planted at the Olana Vineyard in 2015 & 2016. First leaf was 2017. 16 months in 1-3 yr oak Hungarian. Nice spice on it with a nice acid profile, notes of plum and cherry.

2021 Whitecliff Vineyard - bottle sample Clone 327 from the Olana vineyard. Aged in new French 500 liter puncheon. Young. Softer, nice aromas.

Matt Spaccarelli & Casey Erdmann - Fjord Vineyard

Total acreage manage 40 acres.

2021 Fjord Vineyard Rose of Cabernet Franc Clone 332 big cluster big berry clone and the entire vineyard is Rose production. Less skin-to-juice ratio

2020 Fjord Vineyard Cabernet Franc Clone 327 and it’s on a steep terrace. Spontanious fermentation. High fruit notes to it

2021 Fjord Vineyard Cabernet Franc- Matt said this was a wierd vintage, wet and hot. Pressed everything into tank. bottled late March. Notes of white pepper, fresh tobacco, savory notes and maraschino cherry that pops on finish.. Serve slightly chilled.

Bruce Tripp - Milea Estate Vineyard

2021 Milea Estate Cabernet Franc(barrel sample) - Estate fruit. Beautiful, soft nice nuances of balanced red and black fruit.

2020 Milea Estate Cabernet Franc - hints of black plum, raspberries, nice acidity and a short pepper spice on the finish.

Millbrook Vineyard & Winery

2020 Millbrook Vineyard & Winery Cabernet Franc spent 15 months in French oak 2-3 time use. The wine is nice, soft, red and black berry fruit, soft black pepper spice and nice tannins.

2021 Millbrook Vineyard & Winery Cabernet Franc (barrel sample), soft and tannic only 18 barrels produced. Will taste good when released.

Matt Spaccarelli & Laura - Benmarl Winery

2019 Benmarl Cabernet Franc aged 11 months I 1 - 2 year oak puncheons. The oak puncheons allow slower integration of oak and oxygen. Notes of cherry, cassis, tobacco leaf, hint of cedar and black pepper on finish. My notes say awesome.

2020 Benmarl Cabernet Franc - This vintage faced some deer pressure and a late frost in May. They only got 3/4 ton of fruit and made 55 cases. It was aged for 17 months and will be released early summer or fall. Notes of raspberry, cranberry and a hint of spice.

Megan Lamb - Quartz Rock Vineyard

2019 Cabernet Franc is made under the Glorie Farm Winery label. It was drinking very nicely. Full bodied, smooth, nice red fruit with a kiss of black pepper on the finish.

2020 Quartz Rock Vineyard Cabernet Franc is Megan’s first Cabernet Franc vintage. A tad light in color, with notes of cranberry, black currant, hint of fig and black cherry.

4 Rose Wines to Taste in Marlboro, New York

I recently attended a Rose Garden Party hosted by Nostrano Vineyards in Marlboro, New York. Marlboro is a small hamlet in Ulster County that is home to about 6 wineries and a distillery. It’s beautiful farm country when you drive around the area and you get the feeling of peace and serenity.

The setting was in the barn at Nostrano Vineyards. It was beautifully decorated, and there were four wineries in attendance: Benmarl Winery, Nostrano Vineyards, Fjord Vineyards, and Quartz Rock Vineyards (Formerly Glorie Farm Winery).

Quite honestly, I wasn’t sure what to wear to a garden party, but I put on a nice dress, brought a sweater, and left my derby hat home. (good thing, because nobody else wore a hat). I found that most guests got into the garden party attire and were up for a good time.

We all received a nice charcuterie plate (for lack of word) to pair with our Rose wines. I started the tasting with Benmarl’s 2021 Pet-Nat and looked around for a place to sit. This is where I met my new friends. It was nice to see these three young ladies enjoying the local wines. We had great conversations about the wine and charcuterie and what paired well with each wine. In addition, to understanding what each of them liked in the wine. Where one liked the wines on the sweeter side but really liked the more fruit-forward. It was a great evening sharing wine and stories with them. Yes, I was old enough to be their mother, but for that evening, I felt young.

Here are four Rose Wines to taste and wineries to visit in Marlboro.

Benmarl Winery 2021 Pet-Nat $30 - This was a great wine to start off the tasting and it had a lot going on. Complex nose of strawberry fields, green apple. The palate shows bright acidity, red berry, soft but lively mouthfeel. A great wine for any time! This went really well with the salami.

Nostrano Vineyards Ava Rose 2021 $23 - Named after their daughter Ava Rose. Notes of strawberry, orange blossom this is a very beautiful and refreshing Rose.

Fjord Estate Dry Rose 2021 $22 - This is a Rose of Cabernet Franc, beautiful and elegant. Aromas of rose petals and a hint of citrus lead to a palate that is mineral-driven and notes of dark fruit.

Quartz Rock Vineyards Rose of Chambourcin 2020 $21 - Aromas of blooming rose bushes and bright red fruit. The palate showed nuisances of red berry fruit and candied watermelon.

Quartz Rock Vineyards DeChaunac Rose - I did not taste this as you were only allowed 4 tastes that came with 4 tickets to deposit at each winery. But one of my new friends tasted it and she liked it. She noted that it was a sweet wine and she tends to like it sweet. So if you like the sweeter wines, this Rose is for you.

Christening the Barrel Room with Showers of Happiness

My passion is the Hudson Valley. I grew up there, raised my family there and it will always be my home.

In 2006 I began writing about the Hudson Valley Wine scene. It will always be my baby. So when “my baby” Melanie got engaged, my first thought was to have her shower at a winery.

The Hudson Valley Wine scene has also been a big part of her life. Of course, because she is my daughter. But at the age of 12 she was washing out grape bins at Whitecliff Vineyards. She moved up to checking in guests during events. At one point in high school, she was helping Linda at Hudson Valley Wine Magazine with the Hudson Valley Wine Label event. When Melanie left for college, she went to Johnson and Wales in Providence, Rhode Island to study…Hospitality and event management. Look where she got her start in the Hudson Valley Wineries.

Robibero Winery hosted us two weeks ago in their new barrel room to celebrate Melanie and Griffin. Even though the wedding is in October, we had to have the shower early due to everyone’s schedule.

Hosting an event at a winery is a magical experience. A few weeks before the event, one of the bridesmaids, Dawne and I visited the winery and did a tasting to select the wines for the day. That is when Harry showed us the to-be-completed barrel room. He said it’s ours if we wanted it. Give him a deadline and he’ll have it done. The deadline - March 26 and the room was completed enough to host a wonderful bridal shower.

I’m going to be honest, it has been decades since I’ve attended a bridal shower, let alone hosted one. The barrel room was all set up with tables, chairs and a Bluetooth speaker when we arrived. We decorated it and catered lunch from Lola’s. I was a proud mama hosting the bridal shower in a place that I love. Sharing the Hudson Valley wine experience with many locals who have never been to the winery and out-of-town guests that I hope will come back and visit the region on their own.

Wines we served to please all palates:

Sienna 2020 - 85% Stainless Steel Chardonnay & 15% Riesling - this wine was the biggest hit. More bottles drank of Sienna than the rest.

Serendipity - 65% Seyval Blanc & 35% unoaked Chardonnay - was a big hit with guests that liked wines on the sweeter side

New Yorkie Rose 2020 - 50% Cabernet Sauvignon 50% Cabernet Franc - a dry Rose on what turned out to be a nice Spring day

Cabernet Franc 2019 - Have to serve a Cab Franc!

NY Tough - 27% Cabernet Sauvignon 27% Merlot 27% Petit Verdot 19% Estate Cabernet Franc - Got to have that Bordeaux blend in there.

From Winery Customer to Winery Owner: Meet Dan & Jacqui Heavens of Quartz Rock Vineyard (Formerly Glorie Farm Winery)

In 2006 when Dan and Jacqui Heavens purchased their wine trail event ticket, they had no idea 14 years later they would own a winery. It was during that event that they discovered Glorie Farm Winery. They kept coming back.

When Jacqui saw that Glorie Farm Winery was for sale, she jokingly sent it to her husband Dan. That “joke” soon led the two to purchase the winery from Doug and MaryEllen Glorie.

I had the opportunity to sit down with Dan and Jacqui recently and talk about the winery and what they plan for the future.

Just after our interview where they briefly mentioned the change, they changed the name of the winery to Quartz Rock Vineyard at Nightingale Farm.

While the name has changed, they will be keeping the legacy going of what the Glorie’s began.

Listen to the podcast and learn about Dan and Jacqui Heavens and their plans for the winery.

A Taste of Spring with Robibero Winery's Rose

This past week was a big Spring tease. With temps in the 60’s I had to uncork some Rose and think Spring! Now that the days are getting longer and the sun on your face is getting warmer, it’s Rose time. There is something about Rose wine that is energizing and come mid-February, you need to be energized.

I reached into my wine fridge and pulled out not one but two Rose wines from Robibero Winery in the Hudson Valley. That is what happens when you can’t decide. These are two Rose’s are pink, but that is the only thing they have in common, besides that they are both are delish and they come with their own personalities.

Robibero New Yorkie Rose 2020 New York State is dedicated to their winery dog Crush. Made using the saignee method, it is 50% Cabernet Franc and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from Long Island. Fresh on the nose with hints of watermelon and tangerine. It screams fun! Crisp and clean on the palate with tingling acidity. Dark red maraschino cherry lingers on the finish. This is a porch, beach and pool wine.

Robibero Rose Wine 2020 New York State - This Rose wine is a blend of Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot aged in neutral oak. This wine is more full-bodied. hints of sweet red berry on the nose. The palate is sexy with a bit of oiliness and soft acidity. This is a great food wine.

I look forwards to the warmer weather and sitting on the porch at Robibero Winery sipping their wines, or on my porch or yours!

An Afternoon With Tiffany Robibero & Kristop Brown

You don’t realize how much you miss a place until Covid restricted you from visiting. I love the Hudson Valley and it will always be my home. My first time out visiting in September since the pandemic hit I found myself at Robibero Winery.

Robibero holds a special place in my heart. I’ve been with them from the beginning. The relationship began years ago, sitting on my back deck discussing the winery. I’ve been their cheerleader from day one. I’ve watched them plant grapes on the property that originally didn’t have any. Now fast forward and one of my babies is grown up and expanding. They have made some wonderful additions like the fire pit, pizza oven, planted more grapes and now building a new production facility.

I spent the afternoon with Tiffany Robibero and Kristop Brown their winemaker (who I’ve also seen blossom into one of the regions best winemakers) catching up and tasting some really nice wines.

Before we got into the wines, they showed me the new construction project going on just outside the building. WOW! Harry was at it and so thrilled to share with me what is going to be “the most beautiful barrel room you can imagine.” Downstairs is 5000 square feet. “Brick or stone on the inside, water flowing through the walls, barrels on both sides and a concrete egg on the end. A big mural on the other large wall. Way in the back a corresponding room where deliveries will be handled. They will have 15 tanks and Kristop will have a nice lab. Upstairs is 2500 square feet. It will be a great space for special events. Perhaps Tiffany might get an office up there. We’ll have to wait and see. Also new will be a nice crush pad and new press.

You can just see the excitement in Harry, Tiffany and Kristop’s face with the new addition. I can’t wait to see the finished project!

Now upstairs to taste some wine! What I like and respect is the names of the wines all mean something personal to the Robibero Family. Drinking their wines, you learn a little about them.

We started with the 2018 Cabernet Franc. This is estate Cabernet Franc planted in 2015. In 2017 they harvested 4 barrels worth and it was blended into Tough and Stray. In 2018 they got yielded enough for 6 barrels / 102 cases and this year the vineyard is fully producing and they expect to get 10 barrels. The wine had nice fruit, cherry, cranberry but what I loved best was that black pepper spice on the finish.

We headed to the barrel room to taste the 2020 Cabernet Franc. This wine was pretty tannic and won’t be ready for some time. The grapes were 22 brix when picked and the growing season was nice and even. Not to hot with warm days and cool nights in the fall that drove up the fruit. Kristop believes as the vines are maturing so is the fruit. There was a lot of raspberry on this. It will be interesting to see the finished product.

Next selections were the Rose wines. Two very different wines with different personalities.

2020 Reserve Rose - This is a very special Rose as there were only two barrels made, That equates to 48 cases. This rose was put in neutral oak barrels. The color is magenta, it is a bit oaky, it’s medium-bodied with an oiliness to the palate. The palate is sexy. This is a nice food wine.

2020 New Yorkie Rose - This is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc 50/50. The grapes were picked early, with higher acid lower sugar from Long Island. You can taste the salinity along with notes of strawberry and red berry. It’s light body, fresh and a fun Rose.

2019 Merlot - bottled 2 months ago and the grapes came from Long Island grapes. Usually they use the Merlot to blend in other wines but they decided to bottle it straight. (probably because it was so good!) Once again you can taste the salinity from growing so close to the water. Aged for 12 months in French oak, notes of plum and dark cherry.

2020 Sienna - named after Tiffany’s daughter is 85% Stainless Steel Chardonnay with 15% Riesling. The Riesling gives the blend the acidity. It’s a beautiful blend. Nice and light with stone fruit shining through

2020 Sienna Reserve - Once again this is a special selection with 1 barrel made. It’s the same blend as the Sienna 85% Stainless Steel Chardonnay and 15% Riesling but in oaked. It went through malolactic fermentation was blended together and oaked together in second used French oak. The nose so different from the above Sienna. The Riesling really shines on the nose with hints of stone fruit. The wine is soft, oaky but not overpowering oak. It’s delightful to sit and watch the sunset.

Enjoy a short video of all the sights and tastes of the visit.