Roanoke Vineyards

Roanoke Vineyards in Riverhead on the North Fork was started by Richard Pisacano, Veteran vineyard manager and and his wife Soraya from Cali, Columbia. Richard Pisacano is a native of Long Island, born and raised in western Suffolk County. He began in the wine business in 1977 as an apprentice at the pioneering Mudd vineyard in Southold. He joined the Jamesport Winery in 1982 and two years later started his own 11 acre operation primarily growing fruit for sale to local wineries.

Richard is also the vineyard manager for Wolffer. Roman Roth, the winemaker and general manager at Wolffer is also the winemaker at Roanoke. Although this team has been very successful at the South Fork they haven't just copied themselves at Roanoke. The wine from Riverhead is very different. It is much more fruit focused and lush, which is not surprising given the warmer climate. The Wolffer wines are more about earth and spices. Both are unfiltered and unfined which provides a rich and substantial texture to the palate.

The winery started with a single Merlot bottling but has since expanded. They are currently selling one Bordeaux blend, one Merlot, also produce a Cabernet Sauvignon. They have plans to release a Cabernet Franc. They makes a Chardonnay as well as a rose blend which are not estate bottling. Hardly a broad range, but the tight focus allows Roanoke to put their energy into delivering high quality releases. The complete focus on Bordeaux style reds allows them to excel at these varieties. They have 7 acres under cultivation which are planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot.