Founded in 1974, Castello di Borghese in Cutchogue is Long Island's oldest winery, and its original owners can be accredited with the birth of the industry in the region. Prince Marco and Princess Anne Marie Borghese, boasting noble roots in ninth-century Italy, purchased the winery in 1999, and it has been flourishing ever since. Castello di Borghese has won numerous national and international awards, such as a gold medal for its Chardonnay 2002 Barrel Fermented at the 2005 New York Wine 7 Food Classic.
Castello di Borghese relies on the maritime microclimate and vitis vinifera vines to produce French style wines that reflect both exceptional terroir and variety. Wine critics throughout the country have praised Borghese wines, many of which are aged in French and European vintage oak barrels. The Merlot 2001 was aged in French oak barrels for thirteen months, and is praised for its "showy aromas" and soft fruit flavors. Castello di Borghese is open year-round, tastings and tours of the vineyards and facilities can easily be arranged.
It's altogether fitting that when Long Island's oldest and most respected winery was up for sale some years ago, it caught the eye of a cosmopolitan Philadelphia couple who loved wine, had a respect for tradition and whose own noble roots dated back to ninth century Italy.
Since 1999, the first vineyard on the North Fork has been in the creative hands of Prince Marco and Princess Ann Marie Borghese, who promptly renamed it Castello di Borghese -- Castle of the Borgheses. The 2003 season marked the 30th anniversary of this founding vineyard of the Long Island wine industry. Ann Marie and Marco continue to apply new levels of energy, watching the vineyard evolve graciously under their stewardship.