Under the leadership of Roman Roth, the estate’s talented winemaker and partner, Wölffer Estate Vineyards continues to push the boundaries of winemaking excellence. Roth’s expertise and passion for innovation have resulted in numerous accolades and a loyal following of wine enthusiasts.
“The regional winemakers are proud of our own food and wine region,” Roth says. “People realize that good wine doesn’t have to always have a Brunello label; great quality wine is made right here on Long Island.”
Wölffer Estate Vineyards, located in Sagaponack, is one of the premier wine producers in the Hamptons. Founded by Christian Wölffer, a German-born venture capitalist with a passion for fine wines, the estate has grown into a beacon of quality and innovation in the wine industry. The estate today is owned and operated by his children, Marc and Joey Wölffer.
“New York is one of the most demanding markets in the world, where the most discerning connoisseurs live,” Roth says. “In order to show off that you have money and style, there are still a lot of people who need to do it with a certain brand, a big name; we are breaking a prejudice. We are competing with quality.”
The estate spans 175 acres, with 55 acres dedicated to vineyards. These vineyards benefit from the unique terroir of the Hamptons, characterized by the maritime climate and sandy loam soils.
The proximity to the Atlantic Ocean provides a moderating effect on temperatures, ensuring a long growing season and optimal conditions for grape cultivation. This, coupled with sustainable farming practices, results in grapes of exceptional quality.
“We have the same latitude as Madrid and Naples, much further south than France and Germany, which means the sun hits the land differently and we get wonderful ripeness of the seeds, ripeness of the skins and great photosynthesis on the vines,” Roth says. “And we are surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, which gives us a cool sea breeze. The combination of great sun and the lovely ocean influence gives us a winning combination that sets us apart from most other regions.”
Wölffer Estate is renowned for its diverse portfolio of wines, which includes a range of whites, reds, and rosés. The estate’s flagship wine, the Wölffer Estate Rosé, has garnered a dedicated following and is often considered the quintessential Hamptons summer wine. Its crisp, refreshing profile, with notes of citrus, red berries, and a hint of minerality, makes it a perfect accompaniment to beachside gatherings and alfresco dining.
“Summer in a Bottle Rosé has become a cult wine, the one that has literally been putting Long Island on the map; its quality is excellent and is one of the top-selling wines in America,” Roth says.
Another standout in their collection is the Wölffer Estate Chardonnay, known for its balanced acidity, creamy texture, and flavors of ripe apple, pear, and subtle oak. The estate also produces a highly regarded Merlot, which showcases the depth and complexity achievable in the region’s red wines. This Merlot offers rich aromas of dark fruit, complemented by notes of chocolate, spice, and a velvety finish.
The estate’s commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect of their operations. They employ organic and biodynamic farming practices, ensuring that the vineyards remain healthy and productive for generations to come. This approach not only enhances the quality of the grapes but also contributes to the overall health of the local ecosystem. The use of cover crops, composting, and integrated pest management are just a few of the techniques employed to maintain the vitality of the vineyards.
In addition to their wine production, Wölffer Estate Vineyards is also home to a thriving cider business. Their Wölffer No. 139 Dry Rosé Cider and Dry White Cider have become popular alternatives to traditional wines and beers, offering a crisp, refreshing option with a unique twist. These ciders are crafted with the same attention to detail and commitment to quality that defines their wine production.
Wölffer Estate Vineyards stands as a testament to the potential of the Hamptons as a world-class wine region. Their dedication to quality, sustainability, and community has earned them a well-deserved reputation as one of the leading wine producers in the area. Whether enjoying a bottle of their iconic rosé on a summer afternoon or savoring their complex Merlot by a winter fire, Wölffer Estate’s wines offer a true taste of the Hamptons.
“People are more confident than ever before when ordering a Long Island region wine and anyone can make a good wine in a good year, but Wölffer is making great wines in a tricky year,” Roth says. “We cannot make world-class wine alone; our entire staff is fabulous and takes pride in our products, everyone from the vineyard manager to the sales team; that is consistency.”
Wölffer Estate Vineyard is located at 139 Sagg Rd. in Sagaponack. The winery is open daily, Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pets are not permitted at the winery. The wine stand is nearby at 3312 Montauk Highway and offers all of the vineyard’s wines and ciders.
