One Woman Wines & Vineyards
by
Kathy Sullivan
Summary: One Woman Winery offers tastings in a tiny, quaint tasting room located in Southold, New York. Vineyards are tended and wines produced by Claudia Purita who grew up on an Italian vineyard. She is a strong supporter of the "farm to table" movement.
Part of the charm of One Woman Winery is the story of a grandfather, mother and daughter as well as the delicate wines. Claudia Purita was born in Italy and grew up playing in her father’s vineyard in the Calabria region of Italy. When Claudia’s father died, the vineyard was sold. By then Claudia had moved to the United States and she was devastated that her father’s vineyard was gone. She decided to plant a vineyard in the North Fork. Claudia bought the property in 2002 and planted the vineyards. The vineyard and winery is one of the farthest wineries at the east end of Long Island. The vineyard receives a “lot of weather.” In 2009 they lost their grapes to a severe hailstorm.
The winery logo is W with a small o over the center. The obvious connection is the initials of One Woman. However, her daughter, Gabriella explained that sometimes it reminds one of a woman throwing her arms up not knowing what to do.
Vineyards
Today 16 acres of vineyards are planted with Grüner Veltliner, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer and Merlot. Claudia was the first to plant Grüner Veltliner on Long Island’s North Fork. In 2013, she will plant four more acres that will include four new varieties. Claudia is determined to have successful vineyards. Nothing stops her from working in the vineyards. Claudia uses compost and other sustainable practices in the vineyards including flowers in the middle of the vineyard to attract beneficial insects. Claudia focuses on using quality fruit from the vineyard to produce delicate wines. She knows each vine in the vineyard. She works very hard throughout the entire day and every day. According to Gabriella, Claudia has even worked in the vineyard when she had pneumonia.
Tasting Room
The tiny, red tasting room is set back from the road and resembles a small cabin. A deck has been added around the tasting room providing space for enjoying a glass of wine and winery events. Originally the tasting room was attached to a barn part of which was built in the 1800s. Inside, the rustic tasting room has Italian style baskets and oak barrel rings for decorations. A vase filled with greens adds color to the room.
One Woman Wines
Grüner Veltliner 2011 was a light yellow color. The wine offered an aroma of floral notes and lemon grass. The taste had yellow stone fruit and citrus nuances. The finish was crisp and fruity. The 2010 Sauvignon Blanc was a light straw color. The aroma was of lemon grass and apple. The taste had apple notes yielding to hints of tropical fruit. The finish was crisp and fruity. Sauvignon Blanc 2011 was a straw color with a delicate aroma. The taste was smooth with citrus nuances. The finish was crisp also with citrus notes. Gewürztraminer 2010 had a label with an aerial view of the vineyard. This wine would be good as a stand-alone beverage or paired with cheese. The aroma was delicate and delightful. The taste offered grapefruit and floral nuances. The finish was crisp and smooth.
Merlot Reserve 2008 was aged in French oak for 24 months. The wine was a dark ruby color. The aroma was earthy with black cherry and a hint of vanilla. The taste also offered notes of black cherries and vanilla. The fruity finish was crisp.
Mother and Daughter
While Claudia is the vineyardist and winemaker, Gabriella is in charge of everything that happens once the wine is bottled. Her tasks include the business of selling the wine, maintaining the tasting room and the One Woman website.
Gabriella noted that Claudia is shy but that she wants people to know how hard it is to make a bottle of wine. She sees winemaking as rewarding, “a second gift.” Knowledge and determination make Claudia a success at One Woman Wines & Vineyard.
We noted that Gabriella seems to be the “right hand” of her mother and is very protective and supportive of her mother.
Events
The winery with a laidback tasting room and small deck offers Tasting Under the Stars throughout the year when the weather permits. Plan to take a picnic basket and blanket to enjoy on the grass with a bottle of One Woman wine.
Stop by and enjoy learning about this unique winery while tasting Claudia’s delicate wines on the east end of Long Island’s North Fork.
One Woman Vineyards
5195 Old North Road
Southold, New York 11971
GPS: N41º 04.883’ W72º 25.483’
Article written January 2013
