Past, present, future.

KIP & SUSAN BEDELL PLANTED THEIR FIRST GRAPEVINES HERE IN 1980, WITH KIP EARNING THE MONIKER “MR. MERLOT” IN WINE SPECTATOR MAGAZINE. IN 2000, BEDELL CELLARS WAS SOLD TO the Lynne family. TODAY, BEDELL STANDS AT THE FOREFRONT OF CREATIVITY AND EXCELLENCE IN THE MODERN AMERICAN WINE INDUSTRY, AND IS WIDELY REGARDED AS THE BENCHMARK WINERY IN THE EASTERN U.S.

Bedell Cellars Founder Kip Bedell, planting his very first grapevine in 1980.

Founder Kip Bedell (right) with Marvin Shanken, Publisher of Wine Spectator toasting over a glass of Merlot in the Bedell Vineyard (1993). Early recognition from key publications such as Wine Spectator helped raise the profile of the nascent Long Island winegrowing region.

The Bedell Cellars Tasting Room as it appeared in the 1980s and 90s.

Winemaker Richard Olsen-Harbich working his first vintage on Long Island in 1983. Rich wrote the North Fork of Long Island
AVA and won approval for the new appellation in 1986.

Bedell sold to Michael Lynne in 1999.

Tasting Room renovation and expansion of the winery building in the early 2000s

Bedell Cellars 2009 Merlot served at President Obama’s 2013 Inaugural Luncheon, the first NYS wine ever served at a Presidential Inauguration.

Michael and Ninah pose for a portrait during their
interview with the New York Post. Michael passed away in 2019
and Ninah continues his legacy as owner.