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Sannino Bella Vita Vineyard in Peconic and Cutchogue is the only Long Island recipient of a state grant awarded each year to new and early-stage farms.

The winery, which is in the process of developing its second location in Cutchogue, was awarded just over $19,000.

“It’s awesome and the timing really couldn’t be better for us,” said owner Anthony Sannino, noting that Southold Town recently granted a conditional approval for their new tasting room on Alvah’s Lane.

Mr. Sannino said the grant money will be used to plant unique grape varieties on the new property and for a refrigeration system to help preserve certain grapes.

“We’re planting some high yielding Italian varieties that are pretty unique to the region,” he said. Those varieties include “Tocai” friulano and trebbiano.

In a statement, Governor Andrew Cuomo said the program is funded through the New Farmers Grant Fund and it aims to “pay dividends for future generations of farmers.”

“The fund continues to provide access to capital to help new and early farms grow, while supporting the expansion of businesses statewide,” the governor said.

A total of $1 million worth of grants were handed out statewide this year. Since 2014, the program has provided nearly $2.5 million for 66 to expand operations and improve profitability, according to the governor’s office.

Past local recipients include Condzella Hops in Wading River and Browder’s Birds in Mattituck.

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