Vineyard 48 Reopens, Appeals License Revocation

Vineyard 48, a Cutchogue winery and vineyard, is back in business—for now—as it appeals the revocation of its liquor license.

The New York State Liquor Authority, after hearing testimony from Southold police, neighbors and others regarding noise complaints, patrons leaving intoxicated, traffic congestion and “the inability to control the crowd,” decided to revoke the liquor license earlier this month.

“This winery does operate completely differently than any other winery in town,” Police Chief Martin Flatley testified. “It’s caused a large inconvenience in our department because it’s caused us to have to assign at least a two- to three-man detail to the winery on weekends.”

Flatly said crowds swelled to 600 or 700, or more, on weekends, and the department received between three and four noise complaints each weekend.

A neighbor testified that life has been “a living hell” for the past six or seven years. For example, she said patrons of Vineyard 48 have trespassed into their yard for sex, drugs and defecating—so often she won’t let her children outside on weekends.

On Monday, Vineyard 48 announced via its Facebook page that it was victorious in court and back open.

Watch the SLA hearing: