The Green Team

Written by Nicole Papantoniou

Lieb Vineyard in Cutchogue, Long Island, dates back to 1983. It includes 13 acres of Pinot Blanc, more than any other vineyard of Long Island, 13 acres of Chardonnay, three acres of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc and another 14 acres of new land also earmarked for Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Lieb Family Cellars is best-known for the Pinot Blanc varietial, which is fermented in steel tanks. It contains white peach, tangarine-lemon citrus and hints of honey—a perfect match for sushi, oysters and other fresh, local seafood. The 2009 Vintage Pinot Blanc was just awarded Double Gold Medal at the 2011 NY Food & Wine Classic. Lieb Family Cellars is also well-known for its Merlot Blanc, a new spin on the red grape, which produces a clear wine that contains bright aromas of stone fruit and green apple along with some tropical notes.

Lieb Family Cellars tries to be as sustainable and green as possible. They hand-tend all their vines, use organic fertilizer and never use herbicides. They even have a USDA grant for sustainable eco-friendly farming, which helps make all their efforts possible. Grass, flowers and other indigenous plants grow on their vineyard, and there’s a habitat for wildlife nearby.

Lieb Family Cellars, Tasting Room: 35 Cox Neck Rd., Mattituck, 631-298-1942, liebcellars.com