A dedicated East End vintner for 30 years, Richard Pisacano opened Roanoke Vineyards in 2004 with his wife, Soraya, on 10 acres of land just east of Roanoke Avenue on Sound Avenue in Riverhead. With years of experience tending vines and his partnership with Roman Roth, the winemaker at Wolffer Estates in Sagaponack, Mr. Pisacano consistenly produces well-received wines, all of which are aged for extended periods of time in French Oak barrels.
The vineyard's cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and merlot grapes are hand-harvested, and Roanoke's higher-end wines are never filtered. The winery has a small but dedicated staff from all walks of life, and visitors to its rustic tasting room get an educational experience in an intimate setting. A "tasting house" is also available for parties up to 25 people.
