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Drinks at sunset in NY: pretty nice. Drinks at sunset on a rooftop in NY: very nice. Drinks at sunset on a rooftop surrounded by a vineyard in NY: getting close to perfection! You might have heard of beekeeping on the roof of the Opera Garnier in Paris, well now you also have grape-growing on rooftops in NY.
Rooftop Reds is somewhat of a far-fetched project. Growing grapes on a Brooklyn rooftop. Producing wine in the middle of New York’s urban jungle. But don’t think it’s a fad or just a fleeting fancy of its founder Devin Shomaker. Devin graduated from Finger Lakes Community College’s Viticulture program in upstate New York. He carefully studied the soil and nutrients needed to grow vines in pots. He meticulously adjusted the soil’s pH levels. He designed custom-made planter boxes. He conducted an extensive climatic analysis. Moreover, he tested the whole growing process on his brother’s rooftop for two years. And guess what, the result was pretty successful.
Last weekend, they just installed the bar on the roof. They are still putting on the finishing touches but we wanted you to have the exclusivity of this pioneer project. Rooftop Reds is the city’s (world’s?) first commercially viable rooftop vineyard. There are now nearly 400 vines on the 14,000-square-foot rooftop of one of Navy Yard’s warehouses. You won’t be able to enjoy Devin’s wine for at least 2 more years. But in the meantime you can still enjoy Rooftop Reds’ Hammock happy hours, where visitors can reserve a hammock, come for a tasting or just enjoy a glass of wine. Rooftop Reds offers only 100% NY-made products. The wine comes (for now) from Finger Lakes upstate and their picnic pack is exclusively made with local products. Keep an eye on their calendar as they are set to organize some insanely cool events throughout the summer: weekly outdoor movie nights, yoga classes, artistic performances, etc.
A roof, vines, hammocks and a view of downtown Manhattan… There is no better spot to watch the late sun melt into the horizon. Beware as Rooftop Reds might very well become your favorite spot to hang out this summer.
Rooftop Reds
Building 275 at the Navy Yard
4th Street, Brooklyn
Spring tasting room hours
Wed – Thu: 4-9pm
Fri – Sat: 12-9pm