THEO Vineyard

History of the site

THEO Vineyard occupies the former McCullough Vineyard in Jamesport, first planted by Sam McCullough starting in 1993 with Merlot and Chardonnay, followed by Cabernet Franc in 2000 and Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Sauvignon in 2001. McCullough sold the farm in 2025 to new owner Chris Ariens but has stayed on as a viticulture consultant.

The name and the transition

The vineyard is named for Ariens' great-great-grandfather, Theodore Ariens, a farmer who settled in Wisconsin after immigrating to the United States. THEO's stated plan is to continue selling high-quality fruit for award-winning wines while it builds out its own label; the winery's site describes its first estate vintage as coming from the 2025 harvest, with a farmstand planned to open in 2027.

Visiting

THEO Vineyard is in Jamesport on the North Fork. Because the property is in transition from a fruit-growing operation to a public-facing winery, its site does not yet publish standing tasting-room hours or a fee schedule; prospective visitors should check directly with the vineyard before planning a stop.

The land before THEO

The North Fork's first vinifera vines were planted in 1973, on ground that had previously grown potato, cauliflower, and squash; the region now counts more than 50 vineyards, wineries, and tasting rooms. McCullough Vineyard's own planting history at this Jamesport site began two decades later, with Sam McCullough adding grape varieties in stages through 2001 before establishing himself as a regarded vineyard manager and grower on the North Fork.

What comes next

THEO's site frames its near-term plan around continuing to sell fruit to other producers while developing its own estate program, with the 2025 harvest marking its first vintage under the new ownership and a farmstand planned to open in 2027. The name change reflects the new owner's family history rather than a change in the vines themselves, which McCullough continues to help manage as a consultant.

Sources

• THEO Vineyard home

Frequently asked questions

What are THEO Vineyard's tasting room hours?

THEO Vineyard's tasting room hours vary by season — typically Friday through Sunday during the off-season and daily in summer and harvest. Always check the winery's website before driving out, especially mid-week.

Do I need a reservation to taste at THEO Vineyard?

Reservations are strongly recommended at THEO Vineyard on weekends and during harvest season (September–November). Walk-ins are sometimes accepted on weekdays. Booking ahead also locks in your group size for seated tastings.

Where is THEO Vineyard located?

THEO Vineyard is in Jamesport, NY, on the North Fork of Long Island. It's an easy stop on most North Fork or Hamptons wine-tasting day trips.

What wines is THEO Vineyard known for?

THEO Vineyard is known for merlot, malbec, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, petit verdot, chardonnay. On the tasting menu, ask about their Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

How do I get to THEO Vineyard from NYC?

From Manhattan, THEO Vineyard is about a 2–2.5 hour drive via the LIE (I-495) to the North Fork, exiting toward Jamesport. The LIRR reaches nearby Ronkonkoma and Greenport; from there you'll need a car, taxi, or a booked wine tour to reach the tasting room.

What's the best time of year to visit THEO Vineyard?

Late spring through fall is peak on the North Fork — May and June are quietest with the vines leafing out, July–August is busiest, and September–October harvest brings the best energy in the tasting room. Winter weekends are lower-key with shorter hours; always confirm before making the drive.