Whisper Vineyards Waiting on Liquor License

Plans for a winery at continue to be on hold in lieu of a liquor license, according to owner Steve Gallagher.

Gallagher said he has “basically been given a gag order” while the matter is in the hands of the state liquor authority, but said any progress made will be updated on the Borella Farm Stand’s Facebook page.

Plans to convert an old barn on the grounds of the vineyards, one of the few large areas of farmland still operating in Smithtown, have been in place since receiving approval from the town in 2009.

Councilman Ed Wehrheim confirmed that Gallagher’s plans are “all cleared” with the town requirements.

Without proper licensing, Whisper Vineyards is allowed to produce wine but not to label and sell it. Bottles sit waiting to be sold, having been aging for several years.

A winery in Smithtown would be one of the most westerly wineries on Long Island, which is known for the dozens clustered on the North Fork.