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 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. Like most veterinary families, they have had a menagerie of pets and farm animals which is currently reduced to their flock of chickens and dogs—Lou and Minnie. The Fondacaro pets have all been rescued as the Fondacaros are enthusiastic supporters of animal welfare. The Fondacaros are also avid boaters and they enjoy spending their summers with family and friends enjoying the waters of Port Jefferson and Sag Harbor.