Home Featured Businesses Profile: Martha Clara Vineyards

Profile: Martha Clara Vineyards

History

In 1978, the Entenmann Family sold their family company and moved on to greener pastures. One of Martha Clara Entenmann’s sons, Robert, purchased a potato farm and transformed it into a thoroughbred horse farm on the North Fork of Long Island.

Throughout the years, Entenmann enjoyed his horses and the beauty of the area. However, he couldn’t help but notice the changing landscape all around him. The neighboring potato farms began to give way to vineyards. It was just a matter of time before he would follow suit.

In 1995, Entenmann caught the grape bug and planted 18 acres of vitis vinifera grapes. Over the next four years his vineyard acreage grew to over 100 acres as he anxiously waited for the grapes to come of age.

Robert Entenmann, owner of Martha Clara Vineyards, named the venture after his mother, Martha Clara Entenmann.

Is your story of success, or of struggle?

“Martha Clara Vineyard’s story is one that encompasses both success and struggle,” said Winemaker and General Manager, Juan Micieli-Martinez.

It is the classic story of the American dream. The origin of Martha Clara Vineyards was found in the start of the Entenmann Bakery in 1895. Operating a business is a struggle. It was the family’s hard work and dedication that would help them grow hugely successful and, in turn, allow for the formation of a dream vineyard. The successes flowed from the bakery into the winery and now the baked goods are being replaced with bottles of wine.

Old and reliable, or new and edgy?

“We like to think of ourselves as innovative and edgy. We are at the forefront of things not only in the vineyard, but all the way to the bottle and in our tasting room,” said Micieli-Martinez.

Martha Clara is always making new and unique wine blends and hosting new and fun events.

Describe your business. What are some characteristics that define it? What does it offer that other businesses don’t? What sets you apart?

With the guidance of owner Robert Entenmann, Martha Clara Vineyards has the experience and foundation needed to run one of the North Fork’s largest vineyards. With the leadership of Winemaker and General Manager Juan E. Micieli- Martinez, Martha Clara Vineyards has become a popular getaway.

Martha Clara Vineyards stays ahead of the curve and continuously enlists new, entertaining events for its guests. Year round tasting room activities include live music, horse and carriage rides, feeding farm animals, private tastings, food service, educational vineyard walks and much more.

Martha Clara Vineyards has also become a destination location for weddings and private events. With two separate private event locations Martha Clara Vineyards prides itself on traditional North Fork elegance at it’s best.

Favorite story: Who was your favorite customer?

“Our favorite customer is anyone that takes the time to visit us and learn about what we do,” said Micieli-Martinez, “We especially love when they purchase wine with their hard earned dollars. We understand that there are a lot of choices in the world of wine. We are pleased to know when people are buying local, but honored when they choose us.”

In the future: What are your plans for the business?

Martha Clara Vineyards continues to introduce new wines and win awards.

“We hope to see continued growth and popularity,” said Micieli-Martinez, “We plan on continuing to strive for viticultural, oenological, and hospitality excellence. The best is yet to come for Martha Clara Vineyards!”

Address: 6025 Sound Avenue, Riverhead, NY 11901
Phone: 631.298.0075
Email: info@marthaclaravineyards.com
Website: www.marthaclaravineyards.com
Hours of Operation: M-F: 11am – 5pm, Sat: 11am – 7pm, Sun: 11am – 6pm

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