Bedell Cellars was founded in 1980 by Kip Bedell, whose pioneering work with Merlot earned him the nickname "Mr. Merlot" and helped define the North Fork's signature red. Winemaker Richard Olsen-Harbich, who wrote the petition establishing the North Fork of Long Island AVA in 1986, has crafted Bedell's wines for decades. The winery was purchased in 2000 by Michael Lynne, former co-chairman of New Line Cinema, and its 2009 Merlot was served at President Obama's 2013 inaugural luncheon — the first New York State wine served at a presidential inauguration.