Robert Foley Joins Macari Vineyards as Consultant Winemaker; Kelly Urbanik Joins as Winemaker

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor
Photo from Food & Wine

I'm out of town and don't have all the details just yet, but, the winemaking carousel continues to turn on the North Fork, but with a big-name, non-local twist.

Robert Foley, the well-regarded Napa Valley winemaker has agreed to join Macari Vineyards as consultant winemaker. He'll be joined by current Macari consultant Helmut Gangl, who makes the winery's dessert wines and popular "Early Wine" chardonnay, and new winemaker, Kelly Urbanik formerly of Bedell Cellars.

While Foley is known best in wine circles for his work at Pride Mountain Vineyards and at his own Robert Foley Vineyards, he's not new to Long Island wine. Starting in 2008, he has been working with The Red Hook Winery, making wines with fruit sourced from the North Fork, including Macari Vineyards.

When I spent some time with Joe Macari a few months ago, he hinted at the idea of bringing in a big name from the West Coast with new ideas and perspectives on what is possible on Long Island. I'd say he's done just that with the winemaking team he's assembled.

When I get back to Long Island next week I hope to speak more with Joe and with Bob Foley about the news and get some deeper insight, but this much is clear, the Macari's are making some big moves -- ones that could pay off big time.

Comments

[Alvin Lewis]

This is an interesting move by Macari. It's beginning to look like musical chairs on the East End. Hopefully this churn will bring fresh ideas to already great wineries. Good luck to all.

[David Page]

Joe and Alex have assembled a great team! Congrats to all!

[steve g]

I'm particularly glad KU landed at Macari. I liked her wines at Bedell and I am a member at Macari so I know I will get to enjoy her work in the future.

[Lenn Thompson]

Based this story on what the Macaris sent me...but updated the post just now.

Thanks.