North Fork's Paumanok Vineyards To Purchase Palmer Vineyards

AQUEBOGUE, NY — Paumanok Vineyards has entered into a contract with the Palmer family to acquire Palmer Vineyards.

The acquisition will include the entirety of the 60-acre Palmer estate, of which 49 are planted in vineyards. The purchase also includes the winery and all buildings as well as the Palmer brand and wine inventory, according to a release from Paumanok.

The sale price was not disclosed.

Paumanok founder and owner Charles Massoud reflected on the purchase in a release this week: "The acquisition of Palmer Vineyards makes sense for Paumanok on several levels. It gives us a much needed presence on Sound Avenue. Geographically, it is located very close to Paumanok, which will make the logistics of running the two operations smoother."

The two businesses also share similar terroir, he said, adding that the prevailing climate in the Riverhead area is the warmest on the East End.

"We find it very well-suited to our viticulture and we are looking forward to add to the acreage that we farm in the same area. Palmer and Paumanok have a lot in common. Both are estate wineries located in Aquebogue founded in 1983. Both are certified sustainable. Both Palmer and Paumanok have been committed to quality since their inception and we intend to maintain that commitment to quality at both wineries," Massoud said.

He added, "With the acquisition of Palmer Vineyards, we hope to elevate the already high level of quality and hospitality at both operations. We are focused on producing the finest quality wines and delivering an outstanding visitor experience for our guests. We hope that by having the two teams integrate we will strengthen both businesses."

Kathy Le Morzellec, who has been running Palmer Vineyards since the death of her father, Robert Palmer, said she was pleased to be completing the sale of Palmer Vineyards to the Massoud family. "I have been very committed to see Palmer Vineyards sell to someone who would keep it as a vineyard/winery. The Massoud family has always shared Palmer’s commitment to excellence, so this is a perfect fit. I am forever grateful for all the support our customers have shown us over the years and I am confident they will be in good hands. I wish the Massouds much success at Palmer Vineyards."

The closing of the transaction is expected to occur on August 1. Palmer Vineyards and Paumanok Vineyards will both remain open for business as usual before and after the closing.

Patch courtesy photo.