Bringing people together through sangria. That's been Bo DiBuono's mission in life for the past 20 years.
"People have said that I'm like the sangria whisperer," said DiBuono, the founder and Master Blender of Manor Sangria. "They call me 'sangria man.'"
After making different kinds of sangrias for his family and friends, DiBuono started sharing his passion project with the community, starting his business "Manor Sangria" in 2020.
"During COVID, all my other businesses shut down, and it just seemed like the perfect opportunity after many years of praise," he said. "So, I took that opportunity to go out, get licensed and start selling it, and it's been incredible ever since."
Using fresh ingredients from his Brewster farm, DiBuono tries to make new blends based on the season. Whether it's an autumn blend with pumpkin or a summer blend with watermelon, DiBuono makes sure his sangria is like none other.
"The one thing that makes my sangria so special [is that] I don't use any liqueurs to get my flavor," he said. "I use what I say is my secret ingredient, time and patience, to get my blends to be exactly what I want them to be."
After nearly four years, customers have certainly noticed a difference compared to commercial sangrias. Manor Sangria has not only gained fans from the Hudson Valley, but also from across the country.
"People have traveled from all over to come try the wines and ultimately buy them," he said. "It's, to me, the greatest compliment."
As for the future, DiBuono is planning new ways to share his love of sangria with others.
"I want Manor Sangria to be shared across the globe," he said. "I did start Manor Sangria out of my garage, and now we're here on-site at my beautiful 40-acre estate. It really has been a dream come true."
Manor Sangria can be bought at local farmer's markets across Westchester, the Hudson Valley and Long Island. You can also
purchase it online here.