Acclaimed Long Island winemaker Christian Wolffer died in bizarre circumstances near Rio de Janeiro on New Year's Eve. Apparently he was swimming when he was struck by the propeller of a passing boat. A nearby swimmer rescued him but he died from the wounds. Newsday reports an autopsy was performed but has not been released.
The founder of Wolffer Estate and a key figure in the growth of Long Island as a world-class winemaking region, Wolffer was an outsized figure in the industry. A native of Hamburg, Germany, it is rumored that he invested $15 million in the creation of the successful winery also known for hosting the annual James Beard Chefs & Champagne event each summer. His influence will be missed.
The founder of Wolffer Estate and a key figure in the growth of Long Island as a world-class winemaking region, Wolffer was an outsized figure in the industry. A native of Hamburg, Germany, it is rumored that he invested $15 million in the creation of the successful winery also known for hosting the annual James Beard Chefs & Champagne event each summer. His influence will be missed.
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