TuttoToscana Wine Sponsor: Macari Vineyards
By Gabriella Torcise
The Macari Winery was born out of the American Dream. When Cesideo Macari, who goes by Joe, came over from southern Tuscany, he wanted to keep to his roots. He started making his own wines in his garage using whatever he could get his hands on. If they could afford it, they bought grapes from locals. If they couldn’t, they would make dandelion wines. In the 60’s he bought 500 acres of potato farmland in the North Fork, despite criticism. His son, Joseph Jr, took over the farmland and with little thought, realized what they wanted to do with it. With some help from viticulture specialists, a lot of reading and many tastings, they settled on planting Bordeaux grapes on the property.
They work as biologically and organically as possible, never using pesticide, focusing on the grapes and the health of the land. They do their best to produce wines true to their character, and in 2014 they were recognized for it. They won the best winery in New York that year, with their award winning pure Cabernet Franc. We are very fortunate to have had Joseph Jr’s son, Edward, attend Florence University of the Arts, bringing this beautiful winery into our scope of American wines, particularly in the New York state. They are 100% family owned and operated, and will continue to focus on showcasing their passion for winemaking through their brilliant wines.
We can’t wait to serve the Sauvignon at Saturday’s JBF event to the public.