The Long Island Sustainable Winegrowing Movers & Makers Interview Series is a celebration of the individuals behind the sustainable wine movement on Long Island. These winemakers and grape growers are on the forefront of reducing environmental impact while investing in the future of Long Island wine. Each featured vineyard is LISW Certified, and each Sustainability Leader has a unique strategy for continuous improvement beyond certification. The fruits of their labor include reduced carbon emissions, healthy soil, delicious wine, and so much more!
Interview with Richie Pisacano, Wolffer Estate Vineyard
Wölffer Estate was founded in 1988 by Christian Wölffer, a man with great creative vision and a huge passion for life. The estate spans approximately 470 acres including the acclaimed 55 acre sustainably farmed estate vineyard located in Sagaponack, NY.
Richie Pisacano brings an extremely valuable 38+ years of experience to Wölffer Estate. Long before the 55 acres were planted, Richie was the architect of many of the North Fork's best-known vineyards. The growing season requires elan and endurance. There are no days off. Ocean storms, global warming and an occasional display of Long Island's humidity demand complete attention. In addition to managing the vineyard, the vineyard master needs to have a close relationship with the winemaker. Richie and winemaker Roman Roth have collaborated on over 20 vintages and countless extraordinary wines, including our 94-point Parker-rated dessert wine. Together, they're a force of nature.
LISW: What inspired you to be a part of the sustainable wine movement on Long Island?
RP: Our founder Christian Wolffer was adamant about his vision on preserving our incredible land here on the East End, so we want to make sure that we keep doing so in order to honor his legacy. Every year, we become more and more attuned to the needs of our land and how we can better serve it.
LISW: What sustainability practices do you apply in your vineyard/winery?
RP: Our estate grapes have been certified sustainable by Long Island Sustainable Winegrowing, an independent, third party certified sustainable viticulture program tailored to the unique needs of our region. We adhere to a checklist of nearly 200 farming best practices with the goal of minimizing the use of chemicals and fertilizers, promoting high biological diversity and healthy soils, protecting our delicate maritime ecosystem and maintaining the highest level of quality in our fruit. We extend stewardship of the environment into our service at the vineyard as well. We have invested in solar power at our wine stand, use biodegradable products for food service and encourage native vegetation and wildlife to help balance and enhance our unique ecosystem.
LISW: What are some of the benefits you see from sustainable winegrowing?
RP: Sustainable winegrowing is great because it’s preserving our natural resources and protecting our ecosystems and wildlife. The vines and the grapes are healthier, and the fermentations are cleaner.
LISW: What sustainability trends or technologies are you excited for in the future of Long Island wine?
RP: With sustainability, there’s something new every year. We’re super excited about our newest Braun Star Cultivator which helps in our commitment towards our devotion to the land and to our environmentally friendly approach to wine growing. This tool was added this year to our many techniques for the betterment of the land and our wine growing process. It is being used to remove weeds and unwanted plants along the vines along with spreading some limestone to maintain ideal pH in the soil.
To learn more about Richie Pisacano and Wolffer Estate Vineyard visit: https://www.wolffer.com/