Demarest Hills Porto Fino and Grappa!

Neslted in the bucolic hills of Warwick Valley, lies the vineyard of Francesco Ciummo. . .also known as Demarest Hills Winery.

Francesco Ciummo is a robust Italian man with a thick accent, and he loves when someone walks into his winery. He'll pour you anything you want to taste. I haven't been there in a while, but someone was kind enough to bring me two wines that are well worth remembering:

1. Demarest Hills Porto Fino


Very, very smooth. Truly, one of the better ports of the east coast!

2. Demarest Hills Grappa


Smooth, strong, the white lghtening of Italy and Greece! Wow! Very nice!

Both are great for the holidays...to sip with friends and family after dinner.

According to the winery's blog, "As a young man, Francesco tended the family vineyards in Molise, Italy, learning the intricate skill of wine making from his father. He toiled long and hard in these humble surroundings, and he set out to build his dream. After tears of backbreaking labor in countries all over the world, Francesco finally settled in America. Here he used his hard-earned money to purchase a large tract of land in Warwick, New York, where his vision began to take shape."

When asked why he makes wine, Francesco responds: "It's the people. When they take a sip of my wine and smile, that's my reward. If they didn't smile, I don't think I would make wine anymore."

Go, and make Francesco and yourself happy!