BALDWINSVILLE — Last month, Strigo Vineyards celebrated their first harvest right in Baldwinsville’s backyard. Planted back in the summer of 2019, the Strigo grapes were finally ready to be harvested and begin the process of being made into wine.
The harvest crew consisted of the vineyard and tasting room staff and their families, friends and family members of Strigo’s two owners (Joe and Ana Maria Murabito) and even some helpers and vintners from Colloca Estate Winery. These vaccinated volunteers began picking grape bunches row by row around 10 a.m., then broke for a potluck lunch in the tasting room’s outdoor dining area after hitting the halfway mark, then moved onto the final section, picking until the sun set over the now empty vines. The vineyard team did one final sweep of the fields the following day and reported a satisfying yield, excited to move onto the next steps of wine making right on the 70-acre property.
Strigo harvested three hearty grape varieties: Marquette, Frontenac Blanc, and Frontenac Gris, chosen because they are ideal matches to grow in Central New York’s climate. Created from traditional vinifera, Marquette is a Pinot Noir, from Frontenac Blanc is a Chardonnay, and from Frontenac Gris is a Pinot Gris. The production team will now begin the wine-making process for the first time, and hope to have their own Strigo blend in the “Wine Wall” within a year.
Although you may have to wait a bit longer to enjoy the Strigo wine, the tasting room currently offers more than 30 options from all over the world in their unique, self-serve wine tasting wall. Also equipped with a fully operational kitchen, guests can visit Strigo through reservations only and enjoy a locally sourced meal, sample wines, and relax in the atmosphere. Strigo Vineyards is open Thursday through Sunday this fall, featuring live music on Thursdays and a Brunch service on Sundays. More information about the vineyard, tasting room, and other Strigo offerings can be found at strigovineyards.com.
