Q&A:Tamre Varallo
Escarpment magic benefits winery
Published: November 29, 2009, 12:30 am
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LOCKPORT—Dr. Nick Varallo’s Roman ancestors had a Latin proverb:
“Wine will bring out truth.” And the truth of his award-winning Spring Lake Winery in Lockport, a family venture, is that it benefits from the special magic of the warm Niagara Escarpment, receiving national attention since opening in 2006.
His wife, Tamre, serves as a spokeswoman for the busy winery and the Vineyard Express Excursion Trains— which stop on the railroad track that runs behind the family vineyard. The winery’s heritage reaches back to the time when Nick’s parents, Americo and Frances, brought their secrets of winemaking from Italy to the Americas more than a half-century ago.
From age 8, a younger Nick would make wine in his dad’s basement. Now his children Americo, Cristina and Dominic have picked up what their grandparents brought from Italy. Nick’s brother, Mark, and family also are founding Bel Aqua, a mineral water taken from the spring on the property.
You can get a festive look at the winery Saturday and next Sunday during the Holiday Happening, in which grape-lovers will collect a different ornament at each of 11 wineries on the Niagara Wine Trail, along with tasting and a commemorative glass from each winery. For more information, visit www.NiagaraWine-Trail.org.
Tamre Varallo recently spoke with Niagara Weekend about the winery, agritourism and a family’s love for each other and their growing business.
Let’s talk about the start of your Spring Lake Winery?
It’s summarized by saying, “Three generations, one dream.”My husband’s family created homemade wine. We carried on the tradition in our family. About 10 years ago, we purchased our 78-acre
property with an 8-acre spring-fed lake. Our family built a cabin and would go there on weekends. We wanted to share the property, however, keep its serenity. So we began to research how we might use it. That’s when we planted our test vineyard.
We heard you went from “gravel to grapes.”
The land was an old gravel pit. All of the pea-gravel used in the landscaping was originally mined from the lake. Around the 1960s, they hit the water table and let the pit fill in, which is now the lake. When we found that our soil was best suited to grow a Riesling grape, the planting began. We picked our first crop in December of last year, and introduced it to our wine club members—then the general public in August.
Tell us about your family history?
My husband’s parents were born in Italy and went to Argentina, where Nick was born. When he was 4, they went to Lockport. In the upcoming years, Nick attended Lockport schools, Niagara University, the University at Buffalo and Guadalajara medical schools.
I grew up in Niagara Falls with my dad and mom, Ralph and Madeline Fava—graduating from Trott Vocational High School as a nurse.
What kind of influences did you both have?
Family was the biggest influence for us both. My dad worked at Hooker Chemical, and his work ethic influenced my mother, who went back to school when I was in high school to pursue her dream of becoming a beautician. Upon completion, she opened up her own beauty salon and ran a successful business for several years. During that time, I learned of the dedication needed to run a family-run business. From start-up to marketing to long hours of work.
The PTA also influenced me —public speaking, large organizational summits and networking helped in opening up our own business. My husband’s mom’s strong character influenced his life decisions. His dad was also an influence—working two full-time jobs to support him.
Where did you meet your family practitioner husband?
While working at Niagara Falls Memorial Hospital—I was a nurse and Nick was a resident. He saw my name tag— “Tamre Fava”—told me he grew fava beans in his Italian garden. We went out for dinner, and the rest is history.
A family business can be tough, how do you make it work?
We have a passion, yet communication is key while running a business. Our family values have been carried on into the business. A structured work flow has made our business a success—and our family stronger. We take everyone’s ideas at a weekly meeting, and come to a consensus, which has aided us today. It’s important to keep the businesses-side growing. Customers and staff feel like a part of the family. Our Italian slogan, “Ti’aspettiamo,” means “We await your visit.”
My husband and I both come from close families, and enjoy working together to see our dreams come true.
Why can it be healthy to drink wine?
Red wine promotes cardiac health. Besides the scientific aspects, sipping a glass of wine next to our lake is certainly a stress-reliever. Wine is a way to bring people together. In our family, wine is like another course to our meal.
Tell us about your wine?
Our signature wine is the Late Harvest Riesling, picked in the late winter, while some grapes are frozen on the vines, one step under an ice wine.
Any fears?
Some, but our lives have been full of adventures, and so far we’ve enjoyed the ride.
Why is the Niagara Frontier a good place to grow grapes?
Our property sits up against the Niagara Escarpment, with sandy loam as our soil. The escarpment, with warm and cold air, helps grapes grow better.
How’s business?
Better then expected. We’ve grown in many different areas, other than wine, making it into tourism, with events and weddings.
And what’s the wine club?
This is a social club created to bring people together to learn about wine. Members receive an office card that allows them to visit local businesses and receive benefits and discounts. (For more information, call 439-LAKE).
Have an idea about a Niagara County resident who would make an interesting question-and-answer column, or an issue worth exploring? Write to: Louise Continelli, Q&A, The Buffalo News, P. O. Box 100, Buffalo, NY 14240 or e-mail lcontinelli@buffnews.com
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