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.