Long Island producer touts its quality winemaking as the ingredient that sets it apart

Cab Franc Forward co-founder Gabriella Macari sent back several answers about her involvement with the initiative.

She is the director of operations at Macari Vineyards , located on the North Fork of Long Island, New York, in Mattituck. In her role, she manages education, distribution, marketing and assists with cellar and vineyard activities.

Hers is one of eight founding wineries of the marketing project, which began its campaign in early February in Manhattan.

Cab Franc Forward has brought together 35 wineries from New York’s three major wine regions — Long Island, Finger Lakes and Hudson Valley — to promote Cab Franc as the state’s signature red grape.

Two of the wines in Macari’s portfolio are Cabernet Francs, with the 2022 selling for $38 and the 2023 Cabernet Franc Lifeforc