Constructed in 2016 atop a building in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Rooftop Reds is the world’s first commercially viable rooftop vineyard. The nearly 15,000-square-foot rooftop features colorful seating among almost 200 grapevines, string lights and expansive views of the Manhattan and Brooklyn skylines.
© Rooftop Reds
Although the Brooklyn Navy Yard might not seem an obvious location for viticulture, Rooftop Reds partnered with leaders from New York State’s Finger Lakes wine community and Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences to develop an urban rooftop vineyard that thrives in this industrial setting. Located minutes from the East River, the Brooklyn Bridge and desirable Brooklyn neighborhoods, the vineyard consists of 42 custom-built planters across 14,800 square feet. Now in its ninth year, the vineyard produces healthy, sustainable fruit used to make a distinctly Brooklyn vintage.
Founder Devin Shomaker, partner TJ Provenzano and general manager Irina Sargisova run a busy events calendar that reflects the project’s commitment to sustainability, environmentally conscious sourcing and community-focused initiatives. Reservations and tickets are required for all events; please consult Rooftop Reds’ official site for booking details.
© Rooftop Reds
Starting June 3, Rooftop Reds presents Late Night Chocolate & Wine Tastings on Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets are $50 and include four curated pairings: 2020 Rooftop Reds Dry Rosé with hibiscus mint; Skin Contact Grüner Veltliner with green tea sakura; 2019 Rooftop Reds Black Label Blaufränkisch with guava chili; and 2020 Rooftop Reds Black Label Cabernet Franc with dark chocolate.
On June 11, National Rosé Day, Rooftop Reds celebrates with two sessions (12–3 p.m. and 4–7 p.m.). Tickets are $65 and include a flight of rosés (choose from six), a half-dozen freshly shucked oysters provided by Brooklyn-based Mothershuckers, a take-home bottle of Rooftop Reds Dry Rosé and a mini bottle of Rooftop Reds Sparkling Rosé. Additional oysters and rosé by the glass or bottle will be available for purchase at the event. Throughout the summer, Rooftop Reds also collaborates with The Migrant Kitchen for a Ribs & Rosé series featuring regional barbecue styles on select dates.
© Rooftop Reds
Regular programming also includes Pizza & Wine Movie Nights on Thursdays. For $25, guests receive admission, two slices of pizza and popcorn; wine is available for purchase. Summer screenings feature beloved titles and cult favorites, creating a relaxed rooftop cinema atmosphere.
Every Wednesday at 7 p.m. through October, Tours + Tastings offer an in-depth look at the vineyard for $50. The ticket covers a guided tour led by a Rooftop Reds wine expert followed by four wine-and-cheese pairings sourced from Crown Finish Caves, a specialty cheese aging facility located in the historic lagering tunnels beneath Nassau Brewery in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.
Rooftop Reds blends urban innovation with traditional winemaking practices, offering visitors scenic views, educational experiences and seasonal programming that showcases sustainable urban agriculture in the heart of Brooklyn.