Behind every great winery is a vision—one that brings together the land, the people, the wine, and the experience guests have when they walk through the door. At Suhru & Lieb Vineyards, Renée Fondacaro helps shape that vision.
As Brand Manager and a member of the ownership team, Renée works both behind the scenes and out in the community, helping guide who we are as a winery and where we’re going next. From marketing and events to the recent refresh of our tasting room and patio spaces, her work helps ensure that everything guests experience reflects the spirit of the vineyard and the North Fork.
For Renée, wine has always been part of life. Growing up, it was woven into family culture thanks to her father’s passion for sharing bottles around the table. Those early experiences sparked a curiosity that followed her into college.
While attending school in upstate New York, she took a job at a winery in the Finger Lakes, hosting guests, giving tours, and leading tastings several times a week. What began as a fun college job quickly grew into something deeper—a genuine passion for wine, hospitality, and the stories that connect people to place.
Today, Renée wears many hats. As a partner and Brand Manager, much of her work happens behind the scenes—planning events, coordinating marketing, collaborating with the team, and making sure every experience reflects the winery’s values.
You might also see her representing the vineyard out in the community at wine dinners, collaborations with local businesses, and special events, where she loves sharing what makes the North Fork—and Suhru & Lieb Vineyards—so special.
Recently, Renée has also been an integral part of the tasting room interior and exterior refresh, helping create spaces that feel welcoming, relaxed, and connected to the beauty of the vineyard.
While every season on the North Fork has its own rhythm, Renée’s favorite is autumn, when harvest begins. The vineyards are heavy with fruit, the air turns crisp, and the entire team moves into action—picking grapes, pressing juice, tasting, and preparing for the next vintage.
“There’s an incredible energy during harvest,” she says. “Seeing everyone working together toward the same goal is what makes the dream happen.”
When Renée pours wine for guests, her goal is simple: make everyone feel comfortable. Whether someone is a seasoned collector or completely new to wine, she believes tastings should be relaxed, fun, and pressure-free.
Questions are always welcome—even about “that one weird grape.”
Her hope is that every guest leaves having discovered something new, found a wine they love, and enjoyed the experience along the way.
For Renée, Suhru & Lieb Vineyards is about more than the wine in the glass—it’s about connection.
“Our wines are balanced, approachable, and inspired by the North Fork,” she says. “Visiting the vineyard is an invitation to slow down, connect with the wine, and share something meaningful with the people you’re with.”
And if a guest tries something unexpected and discovers a new favorite? Even better.
Renée is especially excited about the upcoming season, as several thoughtful updates will bring fresh energy to the tasting room experience. The goal isn’t to change what guests already love—but to enhance it.
“There are a few surprises in store,” she says with a smile.
Favorite non-wine drink: An ice-cold Cosmopolitan
Coffee or tea: Coffee—but never after 9 AM
Snack board pick: Dark chocolate with sea salt (and the chocolate-covered almonds in our tasting room)
Perfect vineyard moment: Sunset wine vibes on the patio
At its heart, Renée believes Suhru & Lieb is special because of its deep connection to the North Fork. The vineyard is grounded in the land, part of the community, and powered by a team that genuinely cares about what they’re creating together.
“Our wines reflect that care and collaboration,” she says. “They’re meant to be shared around a table with good food and great company.”
If Renée could give one piece of advice to visitors exploring the North Fork, it would be this: take it all in.
From vineyards and breweries to farm stands, beaches, and local art, the region is full of hidden gems. Each town has its own personality—and the best way to experience it is to slow down, wander a little, and stay curious.
Because sometimes the best discoveries happen when you weren’t planning them at all.
Next time you visit Suhru & Lieb, take a moment to enjoy the view from the patio at sunset. Chances are, the experience you’re enjoying has Renée’s thoughtful touch behind it.
