OUR HISTORY
Hidden away on John E. Roosevelt's historical Meadow Croft Estate lies Loughlin Vineyard —
one of Long Island's best kept secrets.
Founded by Barney Loughlin and his family in 1984.
On a rainy Memorial Day weekend in 1984, Barney and Christine Loughlin, alongside their three daughters, embarked on a journey that would become a family legacy. Beneath the somber gray skies, they planted the original vines of what would later be known as Loughlin Vineyard.
1925 | SAYVILLE
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
On July 31st, 1925, Bernard (or as we all call him, Barney) was born on John Ellis Roosevelt Estate in Sayville, NY to Michael and Mary Loughlin. He had three older siblings, Peggy, Anna and John who all lived on the Roosevelt Estate. Mary and Michael were caretakers to the John Roosevelt’s summer home and oversaw the property when they were away. At the age of 18, Barney was drafted to serve in WWII and left Sayville for Waco, Texas to attend basic training. After six weeks, he was shipped on a boat to Northern Africa with the 36th Infantry Division. The years Barney spend in Europe were a defining time for him. He campaigned through Italy, France, and Germany, and was was lucky enough to make it home. In 1945, Barney returned to Sayville and became the caretaker for the Roosevelt Estate. He married Christine Benderoth in 1946 and moved a few blocks away from the estate. They welcomed three beautiful daughters, Mary Ellen, Beth and Patricia.
ROOSEVELT’S AND FRIENDS ON THE ESTATE
1946 - PRESENT
THE ESTATE
Barney cared for the Roosevelt Estate for many years. In the mid-1950’s, Jean Roosevelt sold Barney 11 acres of land at the back end of the estate. Becoming a printer after the war, he built a linotype shop on the property before moving his business to Railroad Avenue in Sayville. In the 1970’s, the Roosevelt house began to fall to ruin. Knowing how important and historically significant the land was, Barney approached the county to help restore it. Suffolk County purchased the land from the Roosevelt’s and made it an official county park.
The summer estate of John Ellis Roosevelt and his family, Meadow Croft is comprised of a 19th century farmhouse and a magnificent 1891 addition designed by Isaac H. Green, Jr. of Sayville. Additional structures on the property are a carriage house, an auto house, a caretaker's cottage, and a swimming pool. The care and restoration is shared by the Bayport-Blue Point Heritage Association which first envisioned its potential as a museum in 1984.
The house is open for tours from May through October starting at 2PM.
We recommend that you take a tour when you come visit the property!
1984-2024
THE VINEYARD
While he toured Europe during WWII, Barney thought all the vineyards were like “a little slice of heaven” and wanted to bring that back to Sayville. Although Barney did not drink wine and preferred Johnny Walker and Irish Whiskey, people told him he could not grow grapes on the South Shore of Long Island. Being a stubborn Irishman, he set out to prove them wrong.
On the rainy Memorial Day Weekend of 1984, Barney, Christine, and their daughters planted grape vines on five acres of property. After a few years of selling the grapes to vineyards out east, Barney decided to produce his own wine. With the help of friends at Peconic Bay Vineyard, Loughlin Vineyard began production of their first vintage of Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.
In 2006, Barney made the decision to establish his own winery on the property, and ever since, Loughlin Vineyard has been making their wine on-site. The original tasting room was a picnic table in front of the vines. As time went on, the tasting room grew from an open shack to a cabin nestled in the woods. You can join us in the tasting room all year round.
Although Barney passed away in 2017 at the age of 91, his daughters Beth, Patricia and Mary Ellen maintain the vineyard and winery.
BARNEY & BRITTANY HARVESTING GRAPES TOGETHER WITH HER DOG, CUPCAKE..
2025
THE LEGACY LIVES ON
Continuing the cherished family tradition, Barney's granddaughter, Brittany, has purchased Loughlin Vineyard and has taken it over in 2025. With a deep respect for the vineyard’s rich history and a vision for its future, Brittany is committed to honoring her grandfather’s legacy while infusing her own passion and expertise into the business. Brittany’s stewardship marks an exciting new chapter for Loughlin Vineyard, blending time-honored practices with innovative approaches to ensure the vineyard thrives for decades to come.