On the North Fork of Long Island, 500 acres of vibrant green vines produce about 70,000 cases of wine each year for Long Island’s best-known wine producer: Pindar Vineyards. Dr. Herodotus “Dan” Damianos began living his dream of owning a vineyard in the early 1980’s. Pindar Vineyards is still a family-run affair, offering not only tours and tastings at the winery in Peconic, but also a successful wine shop and tasting bar in nearby Port Jefferson.
In addition to their commitment to produce quality wines, Pindar Vineyard uses green practices to sustain the winery. They recently built a windmill to power at least 80% of vineyard operations and are converting to geothermal heat and cooling. Instead of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, Pindar Vineyard composts clippings from local landscapers, scraps from local seafood suppliers, and their own grape skins to create a rich addition to the soil in their fields. They also host annual events like the East End Hospice Annual Pig Roast and BBQ, Sunflowers for Wishes, and John Theissen Children’s Foundation Annual Toy Drive to give back to the community through fundraising efforts.
To learn more or plan a visit to Pindar Vineyard, go to their website or find them on Facebook.