If you’ve ever found yourself lingering a little longer at the tasting bar—asking just one more question or discovering a wine you didn’t expect to love—there’s a good chance you’ve spent time with Zach Glassman, one of our Wine Educators here at Suhru & Lieb Vineyards.
Zach brings equal parts enthusiasm, curiosity, and approachability to the tasting room, making wine feel less intimidating and a whole lot more fun.
Zach’s journey into wine started, as he puts it, with a bit of luck. While in college, he wandered into a local wine shop looking for a stock job to help pay off student loans. Instead, he found mentors who saw potential and enrolled him in the French Culinary Institute’s Sommelier Program. That unexpected opportunity led to managing the shop—and eventually a move to California to dive deeper into wine education.
The first wine that truly captured his imagination? Cherry Pie Pinot Noir—a juicy, fruit-forward California classic bursting with cherry, vanilla, and richness. “Looking back, it was probably blended with something heartier,” he laughs, “but it was so good.”
Ask Zach which Suhru & Lieb wine he’s most excited to pour, and the answer comes quickly: Ember. “Every vintage has been exciting,” he says. “It hits those rich, fruit-forward notes I love, while still staying true to the North Fork.”
When it comes to enjoying wine, Zach is firmly in the with food camp. Pairings are his love language—and if you’ve attended one of his Wine, Chocolate, & Cheese classes, you already know how passionately he brings flavors together.
Insider tip from Zach: La Crescent + lemon bars. Trust him—it works.
For Zach, working on the North Fork of Long Island feels like being part of something special and still unfolding. “We’re just over 50 years into this region,” he explains. “We’re discovering what grows best, what styles shine, and how good these wines can truly be.”
What stands out most is the sense of community. Winemakers share insights, growers swap advice, and tasting room teams enthusiastically recommend neighboring wineries. “We’re small enough that we can genuinely say, ‘Go visit my friend down the road—you’ll love their wines.’”
And while summer may draw the crowds, Zach’s favorite time at the winery is actually January. It’s quieter, more local, and gives him time to slow down, connect, and really dig into conversations about wine.
Zach believes there’s a wine for everyone—it just takes the right questions.
Weeknight favorite: 2024 Suhru Dry Riesling (“like honey on green apples”)
Celebration bottle: 2017 Lieb Merlot—elegant, versatile, and a true showcase of winemaker Russell Hearn’s talent
Underrated pairing: Brie cream with sour cherry jam on crostini, paired with Lieb Estate Merlot
New to wine? Zach won’t box you into categories. Instead, he’ll ask what you drink outside of wine—light beer, vodka cranberry, spiked lemonade—and guide you from there. “People want to feel heard,” he says, “and that’s how great wine experiences start.”
What guests don’t always see is the ongoing education that goes into Zach’s role. He spends hours each week staying current on global wine trends, new grape varietals, agricultural shifts, and consumer preferences. “The wine world is always changing,” he says. “If we want to teach well, we have to keep learning.”
The most rewarding part of his job? Helping someone discover that they do like wine—sometimes for the very first time.
Above all, Zach hopes guests leave Suhru & Lieb feeling comfortable, curious, and inspired. “This is a safe space to learn about wine,” he says. “None of us are here just because it’s a job—we’re here because we love wine and love sharing it.”
His advice to anyone visiting the North Fork?
Come with an open mind. “Don’t compare us to Napa or Bordeaux or New Zealand,” Zach says. “The North Fork is its own place, with its own voice. If you listen to it, you’ll find something truly special.”
Non-wine drink: Tea (always tea ☕)
Snack board pick: Prosciutto, Beemster cheese… and a brownie for dessert
Wine personality in one word: Enthusiastic
Next time you’re in the tasting room, say hello to Zach—and don’t be surprised if you leave with a new favorite wine, a fresh perspective, and maybe a pairing idea you never saw coming. 🍷
