Rose Hill Vineyard: A Guide to Tasting and Touring the Award-Winning Winery

Rose Hill Vineyards, formerly known as Shinn Estate Vineyards, is a family-owned winery and farmhouse located in the heart of the North Fork. The vineyard is dedicated to sustainable farming and winegrowing, making it a popular destination for wine enthusiasts and tourists alike.

The winery's commitment to sustainability is reflected in all aspects of their operation, from their biodynamic farming practices to their use of ecologically friendly products. Winemaker Patrick Caserta, who has been with the vineyard since 2011, takes pride in their sustainable approach and strives to create wines that are both delicious and environmentally conscious.

In addition to their award-winning wines, Rose Hill Vineyards also offers a cozy farmhouse inn with four guest rooms, providing visitors with a peaceful and relaxing retreat. Whether you're looking to sample some of the best wines Long Island has to offer or simply looking for a quiet getaway, Rose Hill Vineyards is a must-visit destination for any wine lover.

History of Rose Hill Vineyard

Rose Hill Vineyard, formerly known as Shinn Estate Vineyards, is a winery and inn located in the heart of North Fork, Long Island, New York. The vineyard was founded in 1998 by David Page and Barbara Shinn, who had a passion for sustainable farming and winemaking.

Over the years, the vineyard has grown and expanded, and in 2021, it was rebranded as Rose Hill Vineyard. The new name reflects the vineyard's commitment to sustainable winemaking and excellent hospitality.

Rose Hill Vineyard is now owned by Randy Frankel, a successful businessman and philanthropist. Under his ownership, the vineyard has continued to thrive and grow, and he has plans to expand the vineyard even further.

The vineyard is located on a historic property that dates back to the 1800s. The property was once a potato farm and later a dairy farm before it was converted into a vineyard. The winery is housed in a 125-year-old barn, which gives it a sense of rustic charm and history.

Today, Rose Hill Vineyard is a popular destination for wine lovers, foodies, and anyone looking for a relaxing and enjoyable experience. The vineyard offers wine tastings, tours, and a variety of events throughout the year. Visitors can also stay at the Rose Hill Inn, a four-guestroom bed and breakfast that offers a comfortable and luxurious place to stay while exploring the vineyard and the surrounding area.

Wine Production at Rose Hill

Grape Cultivation

Rose Hill Vineyards is committed to biodynamic farming and sustainability in winemaking. They use natural and organic methods to grow their grapes, including cover cropping, composting, and the use of beneficial insects to control pests. They also avoid the use of synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides. The vineyard grows a variety of grapes, including Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Chardonnay.

Harvesting Process

Rose Hill Vineyards handpicks all of their grapes to ensure the highest quality. The grapes are harvested in small batches and sorted by hand to remove any damaged or underripe grapes. This process ensures that only the best grapes are used in the winemaking process.

Fermentation

After the grapes are harvested, they are crushed and destemmed. The juice and skins are then transferred to stainless steel tanks for fermentation. The winemakers at Rose Hill Vineyards use natural yeasts to ferment the grapes, which gives their wines a unique and complex flavor profile. The fermentation process takes several weeks, after which the wine is transferred to oak barrels for aging.

Bottling

Once the wine has aged in oak barrels, it is bottled and labeled on-site at Rose Hill Vineyards. The winemakers carefully monitor the bottling process to ensure that the wine is not exposed to oxygen, which can affect the flavor. The bottles are then stored in a temperature-controlled cellar until they are ready to be sold.

Overall, Rose Hill Vineyards is committed to producing high-quality, sustainable wines using natural and organic methods. Their dedication to biodynamic farming and winemaking has earned them a reputation as one of the best wineries on Long Island.

Varieties of Wine at Rose Hill

Rose Hill Vineyards offers a variety of wines that are sustainably and biodynamically made. Their wines are known for their quality and unique taste. Here are some of the varieties of wine that you can find at Rose Hill Vineyards:

Cabernet Franc Reserve

The Cabernet Franc Reserve is a rich and full-bodied wine that is made from dark fruit flavors and silky tannins. This wine can be enjoyed now or can be cellared for years to come. It pairs well with grilled meats and hearty stews.

Grace

Grace is a refreshing white wine that is made from a blend of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc grapes. It has a crisp and clean taste that is perfect for a hot summer day. This wine pairs well with seafood and light salads.

Clarity

Clarity is a complex and flavorful red wine that is made from a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. It has a smooth and velvety texture with notes of black cherry and vanilla. This wine pairs well with roasted meats and strong cheeses.

Malbec

The Malbec is a bold and spicy red wine that is made from Malbec grapes. It has a deep and rich flavor with notes of blackberry and black pepper. This wine pairs well with grilled meats and spicy dishes.

Petit Verdot

The Petit Verdot is a full-bodied red wine that is made from Petit Verdot grapes. It has a deep and intense flavor with notes of dark fruit and spice. This wine pairs well with hearty dishes like beef stew and roasted vegetables.

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Visiting Rose Hill Vineyard

Rose Hill Vineyard is a family-owned winery located in the heart of the North Fork. The vineyard is committed to sustainable winemaking and excellent hospitality. Visitors to the vineyard can enjoy tours, wine tastings, and events.

Tours

Rose Hill Vineyard offers tours of the winery and vineyard. The tours provide visitors with an opportunity to learn about the winemaking process and the history of the vineyard. Visitors can see the vineyard, the barrel room, and the production facility. The tours are led by knowledgeable staff who can answer any questions that visitors may have.

Wine Tasting

Wine tasting is a popular activity at Rose Hill Vineyard. Visitors can sample a variety of wines, including reds, whites, and rosés. The tasting room is located in a 125-year-old barn, providing a unique and rustic atmosphere. The knowledgeable staff can guide visitors through the tasting, providing information about the different wines and the winemaking process.

Events

Rose Hill Vineyard hosts a variety of events throughout the year. The events range from live music to wine and food pairings. The vineyard also hosts private events, such as weddings and corporate events. The staff at Rose Hill Vineyard can work with visitors to create a custom event that meets their needs.

Overall, Rose Hill Vineyard offers visitors a unique and memorable experience. With tours, wine tastings, and events, there is something for everyone. Visitors can learn about sustainable winemaking, sample a variety of wines, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Rose Hill Vineyard takes environmental impact and sustainability seriously. They recognize that their vineyard operations have an impact on the environment, and they have taken steps to minimize that impact.

One of the ways that Rose Hill Vineyard has reduced its environmental impact is through the use of cover crops. Cover crops are plants that are grown between the rows of grapevines. These plants help to prevent erosion, reduce weed growth, and improve soil health. By using cover crops, Rose Hill Vineyard is able to reduce the amount of herbicides and pesticides that they need to use.

In addition to using cover crops, Rose Hill Vineyard has also implemented a water conservation program. They use drip irrigation to water their grapevines, which is a more efficient method than traditional overhead irrigation. They also monitor soil moisture levels to ensure that they are not overwatering their grapevines.

Rose Hill Vineyard is also committed to sustainable farming practices. They use compost and other organic fertilizers to improve soil health, and they rotate their crops to prevent soil depletion. They also use natural pest control methods, such as introducing beneficial insects, to reduce the need for pesticides.

Overall, Rose Hill Vineyard is committed to minimizing their environmental impact and promoting sustainability in their vineyard operations. They recognize that their actions have an impact on the environment and are taking steps to reduce that impact while still producing high-quality grapes.

Future of Rose Hill Vineyard

Rose Hill Vineyard has a bright future ahead. With a new name and a renewed focus on sustainable winemaking and excellent hospitality, the vineyard is poised to continue its success in the North Fork region.

One exciting development is the recent purchase of a historic Mattituck farm by Rose Hill owner Randy Frankel. The farm will be transformed into a new vineyard, adding to Rose Hill's already impressive collection of vineyards. This expansion will allow the vineyard to produce even more high-quality wines, further cementing its reputation as a top winery in the region.

In addition to expanding its vineyards, Rose Hill is also constantly innovating and improving its winemaking techniques. The vineyard is dedicated to sustainable farming and winegrowing, using environmentally friendly practices to produce the best possible wines. This commitment to sustainability is not only good for the environment, but it also ensures that Rose Hill's wines are of the highest quality.

Another exciting aspect of Rose Hill's future is its dedication to excellent hospitality. The vineyard offers a variety of experiences for visitors, from wine tastings to tours of the vineyards. The recently renovated Farmhouse Inn, now called the Rose Hill Inn, offers guests a luxurious and comfortable place to stay while they explore the vineyard and the surrounding area.

Overall, the future of Rose Hill Vineyard is bright. With its commitment to sustainable winemaking, expansion of its vineyards, and dedication to excellent hospitality, Rose Hill is sure to continue its success in the North Fork region for years to come.