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Susan Hearn
OwnerPhone: 631-603-8127
Email Susan Hearn
Before I met my husband Russell, who is a winemaker, I was not much of a wine drinker. Russell introduced me to fine wines and explained the nuances of taste and aroma as my palate became more discerning. Over the years, attending many wine events with Russell sparked my interest in the wine business.
During harvest, I have spent many hours at the wineries where Russell worked, which exposed me to all aspects of the wine industry. In the early years of our marriage, I pitched in at the lab doing some testing when he was in a pinch. As a physical therapist, I was able to use my science background and knowledge acquired from chemistry classes.
To enhance my knowledge of wines and winemaking, I have toured the wine regions of France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Australia, New Zealand, California, Virginia and New York, bringing me to the next step, making my own wines.
My favorite wines are not the mainstream wines that dominate the U.S. market such as, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. I am attracted to fresh, vibrant wines, including aromatic crisp whites and more fruit-forward red wines. My goal for Suhru™ is to make excellent wines that are a little different from the mainstream.
I have two beautiful daughters who are almost grown and no longer require or desire my undivided attention. While I’ve enjoyed being a physical therapist for three decades, I have reached a point in my life where it is the time to branch out and pursue my other passion —wine.
Professional Memberships
Long Island Wine Council
New York Wine and Grape Foundation
Russell Hearn
With 30 years of winemaking experience, in Australia, New Zealand, France and the USA, Russell Hearn has taken his Australian training with him throughout the journey. During the last 20 years on the North Fork of Long Island, Russell has established himself as an industry veteran who has helped forge our region one known for producing World Class Wines.
As winemaker for Pellegrini Vineyards, in Cutchogue, since 1991 Russell has garnered five, 90 point scores from the Wine Spectator.
“Pellegrini Vineyards has a solid track record for making excellent reds including Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon” Tom Mathews, Wine Spectator.
Hugh Johnson gives Pellegrini Vineyards ‘Four Stars’ and states '' Pellegrini's Merlot is opulent, it’s Chardonnay stylish, Bordeaux-like Cabernet Sauvignon... and has inspired winemaking”
Howard Goldberg of the New York Times states “His wines reflect his origins. Most are plump, mellow, drinkable early, and promise to age nicely.”
Russell has continued to drive the style and quality of Pellegrini Wines for almost two decades.
He has consulted for a number of wineries on the North Fork of Long Island, in the Finger Lakes, in New England and in Virginia. He has lectured at Industry Technical Conferences in: New York, Massachusetts, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
Russell is the founding partner of Premium Wine Group (est. 2000), a Custom Crush facility in Mattituck. Over the last decade, Premium has intertwined itself as a critical factor in the Long Island wine industry, encouraging small, finer quality wine producers like Suhru™ Wines to flourish.
As the winemaker of Suhru™ Wines, Russell brings his vast experience and knowledge, derived from two decades in the New York wine industry. He has developed relationships with quality growers from around the State, which factor into the quality fruit selection that goes into Suhru™ Wines. He thoroughly enjoys bringing his wine experience and passion to the creation of wines of unique distinction and style that we both enjoy and hope you do as well.
Professional Memberships & Activities
Long Island Wine Council
New York Wine and Grape Foundation
Frequent presenter at wine industry events, civic organizations, colleges and universities.
Peter DeMeo
Sales Manager
Phone: 631-603-8127
Email Peter DeMeo
It was 1993 when I first noticed the relatively small and still somewhat unknown, but emerging wine region on Long Island. As a native Long Islander, I was intrigued to discover my backyard was a rich agricultural region producing great wines. Setting off with resume in hand, I began talking with different winery owners, one of whom took an interest in me. I began selling wine from Montauk to Manhattan for Peconic Bay Vineyards, under the direction of then owner, Ray Blum. Ray took me under his wing and shared his knowledge of vineyard practices as well as wine making techniques. It was an unbelievable foundation for me.
As I grew to understand and appreciate wine, I aspired to gain more knowledge and sought a position with a wholesale distributor with an outstanding reputation in the industry. Martin Scott Wines was a perfect fit. After joining them in 1997, I had the opportunity to work with such world renowned wines as Domaine de la Romanee Conti, Chateau Montelena, Silverado Vineyards, Dalla Valle and Penfolds Grange just to name a few. During my 8-year tenure with Martin Scott Wines, it was my privilege to have the opportunity to travel the wine regions of France, Italy, Australia and California.
In 2005, with a well-rounded education of the wine world, an opportunity arose to return to the vineyards of Long Island and become the Sales and Operations Manager for Pellegrini Vineyards. There I had the chance to be involved in all aspects of running a winery operation, a critical part of my development and an experience I will never forget. During my time with both Martin Scott Wines and Pellegrini Vineyards, I was fortunate to work with Sue and Russell Hearn. I am extremely proud to be a part of their exciting new venture – SUHRU Wines. Creating and marketing the exceptional wines under the SUHRU™ label is a great opportunity to demonstrate that production of world-class wines continues here on Long Island.
The Long Island Suhru™ Wines distributes their wines throughout New York State including Manhattan, Brooklyn and Long Island in Nassau and Suffolk Counties and as far as the East End of Long Island from Riverhead to Mattituck as well as the in the Hamptons from East Hampton to Southampton and Sag Harbor. The wines can be purchased through Restaurants and Retail outlets for your convenience. Please feel free to order our wines through our website.