Est. 1974
A Legacy Written
in Wine
The Founders
Mr. & Mrs. C
Andrew Colaruotolo was born in Gaeta, Italy — a small Mediterranean fishing village between Rome and Naples. It was there, in his family's vineyards, that he first learned the art of winemaking from his grandmother.
In 1957, he married Ann Campbell, a Rochester native. Together they founded Anco Builders before Andrew's desire to reconnect with his roots led him to plant the first vines on a picturesque hill in Fairport in 1974. He named it “Casa Larga” — after his grandparents' vineyards in Italy.
Our Heritage
Five Decades of Winemaking
From the first vines planted in 1974 to becoming New York's 21st licensed winery — discover the Colaruotolo family's journey of Italian winemaking tradition in the Finger Lakes.
Our Heritage
A Story Written in Wine
Born in Gaeta, Italy
Andrew Colaruotolo is born in Gaeta, a small Mediterranean fishing village between Rome and Naples. In his family's vineyards, he learns the art of winemaking from his grandmother — that only a meticulously tended vineyard will yield the fruit required to produce high quality wine.
Journey to America
At 17, Andrew immigrates to Rochester, New York, seeking a better life after the turmoil of war. He begins his career as a mason, studying architecture at RIT and learning English at night. His sister Eliza joins him, and together they work to build new lives while honoring their Italian roots.
Marriage & New Beginnings
Andrew marries Ann Campbell, a Rochester native with a shared appreciation for Italian heritage. Together they found Anco Builders, a successful home-building company. Their partnership in business and life becomes the foundation for everything that follows.
Planting Dreams
Driven by a desire to reconnect with his roots, Mr. C plants the first vines on a picturesque hill in Fairport. He names it “Casa Larga” — after his grandparents' vineyards in Italy where the highest quality grapes were grown. What begins as a hobby soon becomes a passion that will define the family's legacy.
New York's 21st Winery
The first harvest produces an award-winning vintage. Casa Larga officially becomes New York State's 21st licensed winery, marking the beginning of commercial production. The early success validates Andrew's vision and his grandmother's teachings about meticulous vineyard care.
A Legacy Continues
Mr. C passed in 2004, followed by his beloved wife Ann in 2020. Their spirit and old-world approach to making wine live on through their children — John, Director of Winemaking; Mary Jo, Director of Accounting & IT; and Andrea, Director of Marketing.
The family's commitment to quality and tradition remains unwavering as the next generation carries forward the legacy across 40 acres and over fifty vintages.
“Only a meticulously tended vineyard will yield the fruit required to produce high quality wine.”