Bert and Lynne Basignani turned an Italian family winemaking tradition into Basignani Winery in 1986, after Bert spent years refining his craft on farmland he bought as a Towson State University student. Today, the Sparks winery produces about 6,500 gallons of wine annually while welcoming visitors for tastings and community gatherings.
Magnanini WineryFounded by the Magnanini family in Wallkill in 1983, Magnanini Winery grows its own grapes and turns them into Hudson Valley wines, grappas, and sangrias. The family’s roots in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region shape the estate’s signature experience: Sunday family-style dinners began in 1985 and pair multi-course meals with wine, music, and dancing. Set among 14 acres of vineyard, the winery also welcomes visitors to its tasting-room restaurant and hosts weddings and other gatherings.WALLKILL, NY
Ventosa VineyardsOpened in 2005 by Lenny and Meg Cecere, Ventosa Vineyards makes 100% estate-grown, produced, and bottled wines from its vineyard overlooking Seneca Lake. The Cecere family’s Italian winemaking roots reach back to Lenny’s grandfather, while the Geneva winery carries that heritage into older-vintage, dry, Old World-style reds and the uncommon New York planting of Tocai Friulano. Alongside its hand-painted Tuscan tasting room, Ventosa operates Café Toscana and a destination wedding venue on the estate.GENEVA, NY
Soaked WinerySoaked Winery makes small-batch wines in a 1837 German-style stone bank barn at its country retreat in Walnutport, where tastings are part of the experience. Founded by food scientist and longtime home winemaker Shannon Birosik, the family business grew from her work at Berks County’s Calvaresi Winery and includes seasonal fruit wines alongside traditional varieties. Its Lehigh Valley setting, friendly tasting room, and family-run character give the winery a distinctly personal feel.WALNUTPORT, PA
Ferrante Winery & RistoranteSince 1937, the Ferrante family has been making wine, now pairing its nationally and internationally acclaimed bottles with Italian cooking at its Harpersfield Township winery and ristorante. The family’s legacy began in Cleveland’s Collinwood neighborhood and continues today through five of Peter and Josephine Ferrante’s eight children, with live music and seasonal events adding to the table-side experience.GENEVA, OH