John Fondacaro, Director of Viticulture & Partner
Dr. John Fondacaro is a native Long Islander, born and raised in St. James. A graduate of the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, John is a board-certified veterinary internal medicine specialist, and co-founder of the Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island in West Islip. After 27 years of clinical practice, John retired from the veterinary profession to pursue a second career in wine. John received his winemaker certificate from the University of California at Davis and is currently enrolled in the viticulture certification program at Washington State University.
John’s passion for wine began early in life with his grandfather Rosario who made wine in the cellar of the family home as had been done for generations in Italy. John’s love for and interest in animals and agriculture were inspired by his grandfather Steven Schiller, who was a farmer in Dix Hills, NY.