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When Winery Founder and CEO Chris Colloca and his wife, Mindy announced plans to double the size of their vineyard this year, a lot of people were skeptical that it could be done.
After all, last year saw a massive expansion with the building of the Fair Haven Events Center which has scheduled no fewer than 80 weddings, events and concerts since it opened.
But they underestimated Chris and Mindy. In just 60 days from breaking ground on the North Block off West Bay Road in Fair Haven, they planted a little over 13 acres which translates into 13,000 additional vines, doubling the size of the vineyard.
They planted additional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as they already have been getting awards for both these wines. And, they added Cab Franc and Pinot Gris.
“It takes about 3 to 4 years for us to get to harvest,” said Dr. Colloca. “But this expansion will double or annual output of about 6,000 case a year … all it as award winning as the grapes we already have”.
The winery was named New York’s Riesling Winery of the year in 2019, New York’s Pinot Noir Winery of the Year in 2020 and New York’s Lake Harvest Winery of the year in 2021.
Planting the vines was a family affair with Chris, Mindy and their three children Melia, Kai and Nico all pitching in to get the job done.
“I’m so proud of these kids for stepping up to help,” said Mindy. “That’s the bets part of this whole project, being able to count on family to make it happen”.
To celebrate the expansion, the Colloca’s are planning a Six-Course “Summer Wine Pairing Dinner” prepared by Executive Chef Emil Nymander to be held on Thursday, September 2nd at the Event Center. Tickets are available in the Tasting Room or online at www.colloca.com. Attendance is limited to jut 100 people.
The Winery’s Tasting Room, Wine Bar and Wood Fired Kitchen are open 7 days a week starting at Noon. And, the Colloca Estate Ice Cream Bar is open from Wednesday to Sunday each week.
To learn more about the wines, restaurants and event center, visit www.colloca.com.
