Growing Grapes And Going Green

In 2006, Anthony and Lisa Sannino purchased a five-acre vineyard and built their home on the property. The very next year, they decided to do something creative that the region has never seen by starting a program called the Vine to Wine Program, where interested wine-enthusiasts could participate in the winemaking process and make their very own custom wine. Then, in 2009, they added to their business plan and opened up their home as a B&B, offering Italian-themed suites with a view of their sustainable vineyard.

Last year, they planted nine different varieties of grape vines to extend their already-established home vineyard and began the build on their new winery and tasting house, which opens this week.

The new tasting house in Cutchogue was designed and built by Anthony Sannino with sustainability in mind. Sannino used a form of construction called “passive house,” featuring insulated concrete forms and structural insulated panels. These construction technologies allow for minimal use of energy to run all operational systems.

This innovative structure also features a fully functioning basement space that will be used solely for wine production. There is an open area from the upstairs production room to the basement where Sannino will focus on a “gravity-fed” process. Allowing gravity to move grapes, must, and juices between spaces is the most delicate way to transport these precious fruits, therefore offering Sannino the opportunity to increase the quality of the family’s wines.

“The materials and methods for the method of construction is related to the natural creativity expressed by Anthony Sannino,” said a spokesperson for the winery. “He combined his formal education and experience in architecture and construction with the needs and dreams of a winemaker, performing operations in a building designed with some of the highest considerations for physical and mechanical energy efficiency.”

Now the Sanninos’ children (who have also grown along with the grapes), have joined them in their efforts as the next generation of winemakers, business operators, and grape growers. Their daughters, Marisa and Miranda, have spent years studying viticulture, enology, and sommelier to assist in their parents’ efforts of creating an exciting and wholistic style of wine education and enjoyment.

Labor Day, September 2, was their final day at the Ackerly Pond Tasting Barn, and the new and innovative winery in Cutchogue opens on Wednesday, September 4.

Visit www.sanninovineyard.com for more information.

bridget@indyeastend.com