In January 2024, two beloved Long Island wine labels, Suhru Wines and Lieb Cellars, officially came together under the leadership of veteran winemaker Russell Hearn. The merger, a culmination of years of friendship and shared values, united the Hearn and Fondacaro families in a joint venture that not only brought together two brands but also two families. With a shared commitment to producing high-quality wines and upholding sustainable practices, Suhru & Lieb Vineyards aims to continue growing while maintaining a strong connection to the land, the community, and the craft of winemaking.
A Winemaking Vision: Russell Hearn’s Journey
At the heart of Suhru & Lieb Vineyards is Russell Hearn, Co-Owner and Director of Winemaking, whose career in the wine industry spans more than three decades. Australian-born, Russell began his winemaking journey in Western Australia before gaining experience in New Zealand, France, and the United States. His reputation as an innovative winemaker with a keen eye for quality has earned him respect throughout the New York wine industry. Over the years, he has been a driving force behind some of Long Island’s most respected wineries, including Pellegrini Vineyards and Lieb Cellars.
In 2000, Russell founded Premium Wine Group, a custom crush facility, to support small and premium wine producers on Long Island. This move revolutionized winemaking in the region, allowing smaller labels like Suhru Wines to thrive. His extensive knowledge and experience have played a pivotal role in shaping the direction of Suhru & Lieb Vineyards, ensuring that both labels continue to produce exceptional wines.
The Founding of Suhru Wines: Susan Hearn’s Vision
Suhru Wines, established in 2008 by Susan Hearn, Co-Owner and Founder, emerged as a boutique winery with a focus on producing fresh, approachable wines that appeal to a wide range of palates. Susan’s vision was to create wines that were both food-friendly and expressive of the unique terroir of Long Island. Under her leadership, Suhru Wines quickly gained a loyal following, known for its clean, crisp whites and bold reds.
The Next Generation: Shelby Hearn Ulrich and Brad Ulrich
Russell and Susan’s daughter, Shelby Hearn Ulrich, has been immersed in the wine industry from a young age. Growing up in a winemaking family, Shelby’s early memories include running through vineyards and helping her father during harvest. Her lifelong connection to wine eventually led her to pursue a career in wine marketing. After working in Brooklyn and touring wine regions around the world, Shelby returned to her family’s roots, joining Suhru Wines in 2018.
As the General Manager & Partner of Suhru & Lieb Vineyards, Shelby has played a crucial role in growing the brands. Her background in wine marketing, combined with her WSET certification, has helped to expand the winery’s reach and elevate its profile. Shelby’s husband, Brad Ulrich, serves as the Assistant Winemaker, bringing his own passion and expertise to the family business. Together, Shelby and Brad represent the next generation of leadership at Suhru & Lieb Vineyards.
A New Chapter for Lieb Cellars
The merger of Suhru Wines and Lieb Cellars was made possible through the partnership with John and Renée Fondacaro, who joined the Hearn family in their shared vision for the future. The unification of Suhru & Lieb Vineyards marks the blending of two brands, bringing together different perspectives and skill sets. The Fondacaros’ extensive experience, both within and outside the wine industry, has added a fresh dimension to the partnership, ensuring that Suhru & Lieb Vineyards remain dynamic and forward-looking.
Obligation to the Land
With 54 acres of sustainably certified vineyards under vine, the winery is committed to protecting the environment and preserving the land for future generations. The vineyard, located on sandy-loam soils less than a mile from both the Long Island Sound and Peconic Bay, is planted with 11 vinifera varieties, including Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, and Pinot Blanc.
Lieb Cellars, in particular, is known for its Pinot Blanc, with the largest contiguous plot of this grape variety in the United States. The winery’s commitment to sustainability is further reflected in their New York Sustainable Winegrowing Certification.
Russell Hearn, an advocate for sustainable winemaking, believes that sustainability is not just a buzzword but a long-term commitment to improving the quality of the wine while minimizing the environmental impact. This philosophy is shared by everyone at Suhru & Lieb Vineyards, as they strive to cultivate high-quality grapes and produce wines that are a true reflection of the land.
A Unique Portfolio of Wines
Suhru & Lieb Vineyards offer a diverse portfolio of wines that highlight both traditional and lesser-known grape varieties. Lieb Cellars has built a reputation for its classic vitis vinifera varietals, with Pinot Blanc as its flagship wine. These wines reflect the elegance and complexity that come from Long Island’s unique climate and terroir.
On the other hand, Suhru Wines has become known for its adventurous approach to winemaking, focusing on lesser-known varieties such as Shiraz, La Crescent, and Teroldego. This exploration of different styles and varietals allows Suhru to create wines that are fresh, vibrant, and full of character, offering wine lovers something truly unique.
A Bright Future Ahead
As Suhru & Lieb Vineyards continue to grow under the leadership of the Hearn and Fondacaro families, their focus remains on producing exceptional wines that honor both the land and the people who cultivate it. The unification of these two wineries is more than just a business partnership—it’s the blending of two families with a shared passion for winemaking, sustainability, and community.
With their combined expertise and dedication, Suhru & Lieb Vineyards is poised to continue making its mark on the Long Island and New York wine industry for years to come. Whether it’s through their commitment to sustainability, their innovative approach to winemaking, or their deep family roots, the future of Suhru & Lieb Vineyards is as bright as the wines they produce.
