New York Categories > Wineries > Castello di Borghese Vineyard & Winery

About Castello di Borghese Vineyard & Winery

Description

It's altogether fitting that when Long Island's oldest and most respected winery was up for sale some years ago it caught the eye of a cosmopolitan Philadelphia couple who loved wine, had a respect for tradition, and whose own noble roots dated back to ninth century Italy.

Since 1999, the vineyard, first on the North Fork in 1973, has been in the creative hands of Prince Marco and Princess Ann Marie Borghese, who promptly renamed it Castello di Borghese -- Castle of the Borgheses. The 2003 season marked the 30th anniversary of this founding vineyard of the Long Island wine industry. Ann Marie and Marco continue to apply new levels of energy, watching the vineyard evolve graciously under their stewardship.

The new owners have expanded the winery, redesigned the tasting room and set up a small café to allow people a greater degree of relaxation when tasting the ever-expanding selection of Castello di Borghese wines. The year 2001, for example, marked the debut of a new label, the Borghese Meritage, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Two more powerful wines released this year are their Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 Reserve and a Borghese 2001 Private Reserve. Others due for release are a Riesling 2003 and Late Harvest Riesling Ice Wine 2003.

Contrary to other owners who prefer to operate behind the scenes, the Borgheses actually enjoy greeting visitors to their "castle," often taking time to join in, or even lead, the many tastings held in their newly updated tasting room. "By being outfront we can provide our customers with a better idea of what we're trying to achieve in our wines," says Ann Marie. "We also like sharing the experience, to see their expressions when tasting out new vintages for the first time."

Winners of numerous international awards, Castello di Borghese Vineyard and Winery has earned widespread respect.

Facts

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