Something new is growing on Macari’s 500-acre vineyard in Mattituck. Bordering their rows of 30-year-old merlot vines, the family-owned winery has carved out a cool new spot to sip and nosh in collaboration with local furniture store, Renee’s, ushering in private group seating for the summer months.
The four squared-off seating areas, resplendent with summery soft gray, white and navy blue outdoor couches, chairs and tables big enough to fit a festive group of 10, are an out-cropping of the winery’s popular pandemic tent seating. “During COVID, we were worried about our team, and we started the private bungalows, so everyone who worked here and our guests could be as safe as possible,” says Gabriella Macari. “But people kept asking for them. They really wanted the private space.”
When the third generation of the Renee’s family, Will Gildersleeve, opened a separate shop a year ago for outdoor furniture across the street from the flagship store, which has been in business since 1979 (“My mom started the store as a small women’s boutique,” says Deb Gildersleeve), Macari saw an opportunity for the two family businesses to work together. “I stalked the Gildersleeves for a year,” she laughs.
They began taking reservations last Saturday, June 17, and not only can you book the spaces for wine tasting and gorgeous locally sourced antipasto platters and lunches provided by Lauren Lombardi, if you like the furniture, you can buy it. “Everything’s for sale,” says Macari. The current lineup: Coastal Living by Universal Furniture’s South Beach collection; fountains and planters from Campania International; and stylish outdoor throw pillows from Elaine Smith.
Each two-hour reservation costs $150 per person, and comes with the same Macari hospitality as the tasting room and porch seating, with your own on-site ambassador to describe the wine flights (bottle service is also available), the vineyards and the family history, and can be booked daily for groups from six to 10 people. Reservations can be made here or by emailing [email protected].
“There’s been such a demand to celebrate,” offers Macari. “It’s what people want right now.”
