Comprised of sandy, glacial soils and a maritime climate, the North Fork has endured as a bountiful corner of New York farming for centuries.
Once filled with fields of potato, cauliflower and squash the first North Fork vinifera vines were planted in 1973. The region is now home to more than 60 vineyards, wineries and tasting rooms.
North Fork native Sam McCullough began planting vines on this farm in 1993. First Merlot and Chardonnay, then in 2000, Cabernet Franc, followed by Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon in 2001.
Sam sold the farm in 2025 to Chris Ariens. THEO is named for Chris’ great-great-grandfather Theodore Ariens who immigrated to the U.S. from Holland and put down roots in Wisconsin as a farmer.
After a career in media, in 2023 Chris began searching for his next chapter. The search ended at Sam McCullough's Aquebogue farm.
After six months of kicking the tractor tires, Sam and Chris came to a deal and closed on the vineyard property.
After securing the necessary permits, building began: first a pole barn out back followed by a farm stand up front.
We'll soon welcome guests to our farm stand to enjoy the fruits of our labor. We hope you'll drop by to see what we're about!