Veteran Winemaker Purchases North Fork’s Lieb Cellars

Veteran Winemaker Purchases North Fork’s Lieb Cellars

By Tayor K. Vecsey | October 19, 2023 | published on behindthehedges.com

Russell Hearn, who has been the head winemaker at Lieb Cellars for more than 30 years, is now the owner of 54 acres of sustainable vineyards and its winemaking facility in Cutchogue on the North Fork.

Hearn has partnered with his wife, Susan Hearn, the founder of Suhru Wines, his eldest daughter Shelby Hearn Ulrich, the general manager of Suhru Wines, his son-in-law Brad Ulrich, Suhru Wines’ assistant winemaker, and new business partners John and Renée Fondacaro in the unification of Lieb Cellars and Suhru Wines.

Hearn and his business partners have purchased the Lieb brand, including the property and tasting room, for $4.5 million, according to Hearn Ulrich.

The winery’s sale was handled on both sides by Sheri Winter Parker at Corcoran.

Lieb Cellars was founded in 1992 with a 14-acre Pinot Blanc vineyard, and one year later Hearn joined the company, which released the first wine under the Lieb label.