Eastern Wine Headlines (May 20, 2022)

Eastern sparkling wine getting some love, a new winemaker on the North Fork of Long Island and more...

Bud break at Lieb Cellars (credit: Lieb Cellars)

It’s been a while since I’ve pulled together one of these lists — but there have been enough worthwhile stories in the past couple of weeks to warrant it.

Syracuse.com: Glenora Wine Cellars, Seneca Lake’s first winery, is for sale. The price: $10.8 million

Given the region’s ever-growing reputation and the way upstate New York real estate has taken off — it seems like a good time to sell a winery. Especially with the still-recent retirement of long-time winemaker Steve DiFrancesco. Given what wineries here on Long Island can sell for, this seems like a deal.

Modern Farmer: The Lasting Legacy of the First Farmland Preservation Program

I learn something new about the overgrown sandbar that I now call home every day. I had no idea that it was the first. This is a great read.

PennLive: Penn State Extension Grape and Wine team to hold workshop at Central Pa. winery

The importance of university extension programs in Eastern wine regions isn’t talked about enough. I’m including this here more for my industry subscribers.

Northforker: RGNY welcomes new winemaker, Jonathan G. Bomberg

I will always highlight when a new winemaker is hired here on Long Island — a region where too few winemakers are making wine for the number of wineries/brands/labels. In other words, consulting winemaker are making too many of the wines in my opinion. I don’t know Jonathan yet, but I look forward to seeing what he does at RGNY.

VinePair: What Are the Best American Sparkling Wines Under $55?

There was a time when an article like this might have one New York wine and then the rest would be West Coast. Here, three Eastern wines (two New York and one Vermont) make the list. Let’s celebrate that and not talk about the price of that Vermont pet-nat. Oof.

Northforker: This small-batch wine is aging on seashells at Corey Creek Tap Room

You probably already know how much I love the experimental wines Bedell Cellars assistant winemaker Marin Brennan is making for hte winery’s Corey Creek Tap Room. With this new steel chard aging on locally foraged shells, maybe she’s lost her mind — but maybe she’s coming up with something delicious while doing it. I can’t wait to try this one.

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Thank You

I try not to talk too much about non-wine things here, but as many of you know, my son broke his jaw playing lacrosse three months ago. He had surgery to insert two plates into his jaw and it’s been a rough three months. Yesterday, he got clearance to return to normal activities.

So many of you have asked about him, sent him gift cards — even made him soup — and I just want to thank you. It is very much appreciated.

And — now that that emotional weight is off of our shoulders, you can expect a lot more content in Press Fraction. Let’s go!

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Thank You to Founding Members

I hope to have a little news about the first bit of Founding Member merch soon, but to start the year, I just want to thank them here in the newsletter. Thank you:

Deji Abraham, The Wine Club Site
John Cifelli, Unionville Vineyards
Liz Stamp, Lakewood Vineyards