Long Island Wine Country’s newest winery, Kontokosta Winery  has opened its doors and is now welcoming visitors. Located minutes north of Greenport Village, Kontokosta is the North Fork’s first tasting room and winery with a waterfront location on the Long Island Sound. The new winery, approximately 9,000 square feet, is breaking ground in sustainability and environmental stewardship as it is designed to become the first LEED Gold-certified winery in the Long Island wine region.

Owned by brothers Michael and Constantine Kontokosta and under the direction of General Manager Polly Brown, Kontokosta Winery is perched atop sweeping bluffs on 62 acres, which includes over a quarter-mile of waterfront houses a tasting room and winemaking facility.

Small Batches with Promising Flavors

The winemaking philosophy at Kontokosta Winery combines the latest technological innovations with centuries-old traditions in the cellar to develop and ensure the best expression of the unique Long Island vineyard site.  The first vines at Kontokosta Winery were planted in 2002 under the guidance of the late Long Island wine pioneer Ray Blum.

The 23 acres of vinifera vines include Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling. With the last two phases of planting completed in 2004, the vineyard at Kontokosta Winery has served as a prime source for several Long Island wineries and winemakers since its first harvest in 2006.  With its limited boutique production of 3,000 cases annually, the wines will only be available for purchase at the winery.

The winery has enlisted consulting winemaker Gilles Martin to develop the Kontokosta wine program. A master of oenology, Martin offers more than 25 years of viniculture experience and is noted for the birth of three well established wineries: Martha Clara, Macari and Sherwood House, as well as several award winning wines.

Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship at its Best

Architecturally, Kontokosta’s structure is a modern interpretation of a 19th century New England barn.  It has an industrial interior with exposed steel beams and an open floor plan with floor to ceiling windows on two sides allowing for unobstructed views of the Long Island Sound and the rolling acres of vines.  The building is constructed of 90% recycled-content steel and Forest Stewardship Council-certified reclaimed wood siding and is powered by wind energy. To further conserve resources, xeriscape methods will be utilized in the landscape, where drought-resistant, native plants species are on display, and water-efficient fixtures will reduce water consumption in the building by more than 40%.  The commitment to sustainability, coupled with the family’s winemaking philosophy, is a reflection of the high standards that have become associated with Long Island wines.

Exclusive Private Tours and a Premier Location for Special Events

Kontokosta Winery specializes in special events.  An ideal venue for weddings, corporate retreats and other special events, the property offers unlimited outdoor space for tented functions and intimate indoor gathering space in the building for smaller occasions.  The entrance to Kontokosta Winery offers a beautiful long driveway through the vineyard to reach the stunning tasting room situated towards the back of the farm amongst 20 acres of open fields and seasonal gardens.  Guests are encouraged to take advantage of the beautiful outdoor setting and can relax and enjoy the water views on the tasting room’s bluestone patio overlooking the bluff.  Private tours are available by appointment, and will include the garden, the vineyard, the cellar and the bluff; followed by a private tasting hosted by a member of the knowledgeable staff.

Daily Tastings and a New Wine Club:

Kontokosta Winery is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  The tasting room offers wine tastings for $10 per person for a choice of four wines from the collection which includes: Rosé ($15), Orient Chardonnay ($17), Sauvignon Blanc ($25), Viognier ($25), Blum Merlot ($19), Cabernet Sauvignon ($22), Merlot ($29) and Cabernet Franc ($29). Kontokosta wines are also available for purchase in the tasting room. Kontokosta Winery’s wine club Bluff Road is now accepting membership. Groups are only accommodated by appointment. Reservations may be made by emailing hello@kontokostawinery.com.

Location: 825 North Road, Greenport; 631-477-6977. For further information please visit www.kontokostawinery.com