Published: January 25, 2007 11:57 pm            

NEW WINERY: Varallo family hopes new winery becomes destination

TOWN OF LOCKPORT — Tamre Varallo has a slogan for her family’s new undertaking: “Three generations, one dream.”

That dream — which has been in the making for almost 50 years — is finally beginning to bear fruit.

On Dec. 23, the Varallo family opened the Spring Lake Winery, 7373 Rochester Road. Though the 78 acres of vines won’t be ready for harvest for over a year, the winery is already selling wine under its own label, and the family has many plans for the future of the land.

Tamre’s husband, Dr. Nicholas Varallo, and his brother, Dr. Mark Varallo, are the owners of the winery. It is managed by Nicholas and Tamre’s sons, Dominic and Americo.

Nicholas’ father brought the family to America in 1955 from Casa Bordino, Italy, where the wine-making tradition began.

“We carried on the tradition with our children, and it’s nice to see the boys take over,” Tamre said.

“We’ve always been a close family,” Dominic said. “Everyone’s helping out.”

Dominic said the wine for sale at Spring Lake now is made from grapes and juice imported from California. Spring Lake is selling six different kinds of wine: Syrah, White Syrah, Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

The grapes planted on the Spring Lake land will be used for Riesling and Pinot Noir, Dominic said.

The plans for the winery include a gazebo stage next to the pond on the property, where live music can be played. Dominic said they are also planning to have a gift shop and are hoping to bottle their own water from their Artesian well.

Dominic said the family hopes people will use the winery as a place for wedding receptions and other special events.

In the fall, the winery received a $100,000 federal grant, which Dominic said has helped immensely.

“My business model is to help promote a new industry within the Lockport community,” Tamre said. “Especially for the Town of Lockport, being the first winery.”

Tamre said she takes pride in taking what was vacant land and turning it into something that could benefit the community.

“It’s exciting to see that come to fruition,” she said.

Contact April Amadon at 439-9222, Ext. 6251.

        

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