After 9-11, a sanctuary is brought to life.
The events on September 11, 2001, had an overwhelming effect on nearly all in the tri-state area, but for many first responders, the effects were profound. Long-time Massapequa resident Michael Smith, a member of the FDNY at the time, said, “While I’ve always been a person that could appreciate life, after 9/11 I became so distraught I realized I need to do something I want to do—something I love to do.” A 30-year veteran of the fire department, Smith retired in 2002. He and his wife of 33 years, Teresa, began to look for a place they could enjoy on the East End of Long Island, where they often went for day trips. A home needing quite a bit of work in Orient caught their eye in 2004. And when it was time to landscape, a new idea took root, a vineyard. Mrs. Smith said initially, “I was excited about it from a landscaping point of view.” The beauty and formality of the vines suited the Smiths’ new getaway home and lifestyle. Soon the idea of making wine seemed to flow organically. Smith said it was, “The romance. The entire process of a bottle of wine is right in front of you, from start to finish. It doesn’t get better than that.”
THE SMITHS BEGAN GROWING GRAPES IN 2006 . . . AND BY 2010 THEY WERE READY TO PRODUCE WINE.
MORE THAN SIMPLY A
ROMANTIC NOTION
Smith knew if he was going to make wine, he wanted to make good wine. He did research with books and the Internet but quickly realized the best way to learn would be first-hand from those making quality wine. So he visited many Long Island wineries asking questions. Through recommendation and introduction, he was able to pair with wine making consultant Gilles Martin. Martin is synonymous with the best wines Long Island has to offer, and the expertise is evident in our “OR” Signature Cab-Franc.
Martin described the wine style as very similar to a French burgundy, but right here on Long Island.
It is a terroir-driven chardonnay. Martin said, “It’s not overpowered by the oak.” He noted that the wine had ripe flavors, with some notes of pear and apple very well balanced – and fresh. Martin added, “In 2013 we are going to try a more crisp style: a stainless steel chardonnay.” He explained that stainless steel wines tend to be a little more fruit-forward. Amy Smith, nee Smith – daughter of Michael and Teresa, remarked, “Knowing my dad, I know he had this creative side to him. It was beautiful seeing him connect to that side of him again. He really is an artist.” Daughter-in-law Michele Smith, married to the Michael and Teresa’s son Scott, helps out as the business operations for the fledgling wine company. Michael said, “It has been a real bonding experience, a fun family experience working together.” And, while Scott and Michael now live in California, helping with the family wine business through Michael’s marketing helps close the miles between them. The Smith’s wine, “Deseo de Michael,” is not mass produced. Smith trims back the vines to harvest only the best grapes. He’s interested in quality, not quantity, and is releasing only 140 cases per year. It is available in a few local East End stores and orders are available through their Facebook page.