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Inside the new tasting room at Terra Vite Winery and Vineyard (credit: David Benthal).

When Jacqui and Greg Goodale bought Diliberto Winery in February, it was a dream come true. In the three months since, the couple has kept the bones of the space while giving it a cosmetic upgrade to bring rustic Italy to the North Fork.

They changed the name to Terra Vite Winery & Vineyard, which translates to ‘earth’ and ‘vine’ in Italian, to be a better reflection of the space.

Inside, the tasting room has been transformed. Everything is reclaimed, repurposed, reused and sourced from places all over the country.

The Goodales also brought in Brooke Cantone of Mazur & Co of Lumber and Salt to design the space. Apothecary-style shelving lines the wall behind the bar, reaching all the way up to the ceiling. The shelves are stocked with wine glasses and bottles.

The base of the bar is made from a factory conveyor belt turned sideways with a copper bar top. The tables match the bar top and the chairs are the one piece of Diliberto that has remained. Ornate gold mirrors hang from the walls and repurposed castle doors lead out to the patio, which remains relatively unchanged, except for the massive wooden outdoor service bar. 

“It’s like Italy meets the North Fork,” Jacqui Goodale said. “Brooke brought in a lot of really cool rustic things and then we brought an Italian flair.”

On the lawn, new picnic tables with striped umbrellas surround the two acres of green vines. 

The winery hasn’t just changed in name and looks.

“It’s all going to be about education,” said general manager Jessy Fusco, Jacqui’s sister.

Along with the notes that come with every tasting, Fusco will host a wine class every Thursday night on different topics. Their first is a Wine 101 class, followed by Tuscany meets the North Fork, where they will taste through Italian and local wines. Another is brines and wines, an oyster shucking lesson and wine pairing with Little Ram Oysters, who will also be at the winery most weekends selling oysters.

The winery also brought on Kelly Koch as winemaker, who was previously at Macari Vineyards. Though it is too early to taste her wines, Terra Vite will be selling Diliberto wines under their label.

To pay homage to their Italian roots, every Friday will have aperitivo hour from 4 to 8 p.m.

“In Italy, you can buy a glass of wine and get access to a buffet,” Fusco said. To make it portable and COVID safe, they are using wooden trays with four compartments — one for a house red or white wine, the other three for snacks, all for $15. And your next glass is $3 off.

On most weekends, local musicians will play live music. A retail space will be open after this weekend selling local goods like Goodale cheese, Schmitt’s horseradish and more. Along with tastings, a small menu of cheese, meats and snacks will be available. 

Terra Vite Winery and Vineyard is hosting its soft opening this Memorial Day weekend, open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Starting next week, they will be open Wednesday and Thursday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

250 Manor Ln, Jamesport, (631) 722-3416

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