Robibero Winery Grand Opening May 22 & 23, 2010

Grand Opening of Robibero Family Vineyards
Saturday May 22nd & Sunday May 23rd
11am-6pm
Day long celebration includes complimentary wine tasting, food, live music, raffles, contests, and give-aways!

Ribbon Cutting Saturday 11am
Live Music: Special Guest Mark Dziuba Sat 3-6pm
Live Music: Special Guest Tony Penn Sun 3-6pm
Uncorking of newly released wines!

When Harry and Carole Robibero purchased the 42 acre land in 2003 there was an existing winery on the property. But Harry’s love for land and wine goes back decades. He dreamed of one day following in his grandfather’s footsteps and making outstanding wines. Luckily for him that dream happened sooner then he planned. In 2007 opportunity knocked unexpectedly when the current winery operating on the premise gave notice that they were vacating to a new location. It was at that point Harry, Carole and the Robibero family decided to follow their passion and pursue their dream of opening a winery.

There are many people who are happy the Robiberos are in the Hudson Valley. They bring a fresh and exciting new dynamic to the valley. There is so much excitement in opening a new winery. So much expectation. But also, for those for whom it has been a lifelong dream, a wonderful, exhilerating expereince.

Starting a winery is not easy. And I know it. It’s a lot of hard work. The Robiberos made lots of renovations. Grueling hours. Backbreaking. Lots of sweat and tears. This of course, for Harry and Carole was followed by long commutes back to Westchester, to then spend endless hours doing paperwork for licensing and other winery work. But I don’t think they would have had it any other way.

“Last Spring we started our vineyards. We planted both Cabernet Franc and Vidal Blanc. Not only have we been gearing up for the big grand opening but we have also been busy getting ready to plant more vines,” Harry Robibero told me. “We will be installing additional rows of Vidal Blanc this week. Next year we plan to plant the entire other side with Traminette, Seyval Blanc and additional Cabernet Franc. Its going to be a slow process but we're in it for the long run.”

“Our plan is to make our winery a destination where people come to relax and enjoy our property. We want our tastings to be educational and fun. The goal is all about making sure people walk out our door with a smile on their face and create a unique experience that will stay in their heads forever. Tourism is a huge part of our plan, but Tiffany and Ryan who are running this whole venture have lots of energy and drive to not only brand "R" wine but to also bring lots of exposure to the Hudson Valley,” said proud father Harry. And he should be proud. Both Dominique and I have been very impressed by the poise and maturity of Tiffany and Ryan.

“Their focus is to grab the attention of wine consumers more their age, the "millenials". We admit we are very new to all of this and have little experience but learning is a part of life and that's the beauty of it. When it comes to wine you can never learn enough or learn it all. Tiffany wants to share her story with others, explain to them that wine shouldn't be an overwhelming product, she plans to bring comfort to new wine consumers. She wants to create a brand, a brand that people will know, a brand that will sell not only to visitors in the tasting room but to the millenials across the country,” said Harry.

The whole Robibero clan en familia!

“Right now we are taking it one step at a time. We are still in the start up phase and have many things to get in order. We hope to become a part of the Shawangunk Wine Trail as well as host a variety of our own events. We have big plans, but everything takes time and money,” Harry opined. And don’t I know it!

At the moment they have a somewhat generic label just to get things going, “but we are in the process of designing more for the future. We are premiering five of our wines at the Grand Opening, and will have 9 wines under our label very soon.”

Two of the wines that will be available for tasting are the Cab Franc and the Syrah.
This is very exciting news. And all the wineries in the Valley want to welcome the Robiberos to the wine community, where we think they will make a great difference, to New Paltz (who has missed having a winery) and to the greater valley, and of course, make great wine!

To them we say Bona Fortuna! Seriously, the Best of Luck!!!

Robibero Family Vineyards
714 Albany Post Road
New Paltz, NY 12561
1-845-255-WINE
http://www.rnewyorkwine.com/