Business notebook: Keeping them smiling for a decade

WARWICK - As we are often fond of saying, the first and fifth anniversaries of any business are milestones but ten successful years is proof positive that you are doing something right. “If they didn’t smile,” Francesco Ciummo said when he first opened Warwick’s Demarest Hill Winery in 1999, “I don’t think I would make wine anymore.” He must be keeping his customers smiling because this year, Demarest Hill Winery, which produces its own wines and brandies from grape to bottle, has been celebrating its tenth anniversary. The picturesque 130-acre winery is only a few minutes from downtown Warwick. To enjoy a magnificent view of the surrounding countryside as well as a friendly greeting and the wonderful experience of fine wine and brandy tasting just head west along Grand Street, past St. Anthony Community Hospital. Look for the Demarest Hill Winery sign at the top of the hill and turn left. The winery is open every day and just in case you don’t happen to see Francesco Ciummo or his wife, Orietta, ring the bell. They live on the farm and will be more than happy to open the door to their retail shop and tasting bar where they can introduce you to a selection from 40 different wines and 20 different brandies, all produced on premises from grapes grown in their own vineyards. “I think we have the best cognac in the world and the best wine in New York State,” boasted Ciummo, holding a medal awarded to Demarest Hill Winery by the New York State Fair wine competition. To this day, past average retirement age but never to be accused of avoiding hard work, he continues to run his winery in a hands on fashion. As a young man, Ciummo’s father taught him the fine skills of winemaking while he tended his family’s vineyards in Molise, a region of Southern Italy. At age 20, he left his native land and headed to Belgium where he mined coal for three years before traveling to Venezuela. After working in South America until 1961, Ciummo had saved enough money to come to the United States. Six years later he opened his own body and fender repair shop, which, at age 52, he turned over to his sons as he prepared to pursue a lifelong dream. Ciummo had already purchased the 130 acres, then known only as Demarest Hill, that would one day become his winery. With the help of his wife and a few hired hands Ciummo cleared the land and established the vineyard. “I then built the wine cellar by hand,” he reported. During the past 10 years, Ciummo added a distillery for the production of brandies. The large and attractive tasting room now displays a huge selection of wines and brandies, most modestly priced from as low as $6. A select few, however, like the winery’s prized Stella Reserva, vintage ’97, sell for over $100. Demarest Hill Winery is well worth a visit. And, just like 10 years ago, Francesco Ciummo will make you feel at home as you sample his fine wines and brandies. Be sure to smile. Different look According to Manager Vi Sugarman, Warwick Dry Cleaners, 24 Ronald Reagan Boulevard in Merchant Square, may have originally opened as a satellite of Monroe’s Mill Pond Cleaners but under new ownership for the past four years, it’s not a “run of the mill” dry cleaners. In addition to general dry cleaning, Warwick Dry Cleaners offers tailoring, preservation and storage services. But the big difference is that the shop is brighter and more cherry than similar establishments and has a policy to decorate according to the theme of each season or holiday. And since a nearby dollar store closed, Warwick Dry Cleaners has taken up some of the slack by offering similar merchandise such as balloons and handcrafted jewelry. “We’re a big part of our neighborhood,” said Sugarman. Warwick Dry Cleaners is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Call 986-9277. Sugar Loaf Fall Festival The 36th annual Sugar Loaf Fall Festival will take place next week, Columbus Day Weekend, Oct. 11 - 13 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The free event features arts, crafts, cultural performances, food and live music by well-known performers. Festival goers will also be able to check out visiting vendors, as well as local boutiques, galleries and artisans. For more information about the Sugar Loaf Fall Festival, visit www.SugarLoafNewYork.com or call 469-9181. The event is rain or shine. Chamber news The Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce will hold a business mixer and also showcase the Lycian Centre theatre, Sugar Loaf, on Thursday, Oct. 9, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event will feature live entertainment, a behind the scenes tour of the theatre, dessert prepared by the Carriage Path Café, wine and cheese and a raffle. The cost is $10 for members and $15 for non-members. To make a reservation, call the chamber office at 986-2720. Applefest The annual celebration of Applefest, Warwick’s biggest event of the year, will be held this Sunday, Oct. 5. Check this week’s Warwick Advertiser for the entertainment schedule, map and other information.