As it's told to us, in recent years, entertainment industry executive, Michael Lynne, pursuing his interest in the finer things in life, purchased Corey Creek Vineyards, a small, respected winery on the North Fork. He then approached Kip Bedell, of Bedell Cellars (also on the North Fork) to take over the winemaking responsibilities at Corey Creek. Over the years, Bedell had built a reputation as one the most talented and knowledgeable among the Long Island wine producers and in fact, had come to be known as "Mr. Merlot" for his universally acclaimed work with that variety.

Kip saw the offer as an opportunity to get out from under the day-to-day pressures of running a wine business and getting back to what he does best; making the stuff. He agreed to be Mr. Lynne's winemaker if Lynne would take over ownership of Bedell Cellars, as well. He did...and though both installations now have the same owner and their wines are their wines are created by the same man, Bedell Cellars and Corey Creek Vineyards are run separately.