LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Dr. Herodotus Damianos upon the occasion
of his designation for special recognition by the North Fork Promotion
Council

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Herodotus Damianos has given not only of his time and
energies but also of his competence, intelligence and leadership and
consequently has been designated for special honor; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Dr. Herodotus
"Dan" Damianos of Pindar and Duckwalk Vinyards upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by the North Fork Promotion Council
to be observed at its 25th Anniversary Celebration "The Harvest Gala" at
Jason's Vineyard on Thursday, November 18, 2010; and
WHEREAS, Born in New York City's Hell's Kitchen neighborhood, Dr. Dan
Damianos is a legend in the Long Island wine industry; the methods he
pioneered paved the way for dozens of vineyards to come, turning Long
Island into one of the nation's premier wine regions; and
WHEREAS, In 1966, after moving his family into an old house in the
suburb of Stony Brook, New York, Dr. Dan Damianos found grape vines
growing on his property; upon this serendipitous discovery grew his
passion for agriculture as well as the art of wine making; and
WHEREAS, When Dr. Dan Damianos mentioned his newfound interest in
growing grapes and producing wine to his patients, they joyfully intro-
duced him to Long Island's agricultural industry; in 1979, he bought his
first patch of farmland, 30 acres in the North Fork town of Peconic; and
WHEREAS, He began planting the following year, and by 1982, his first
wines hit the market; Dr. Dan Damianos found he could express himself
through his wines; while he loved medicine he also longed to pursue
something creative and found the process of nursing grapes from the soil
and turning them into wine deeply satisfying; and
WHEREAS, Believing this to be his legacy, this successful businessman
continued to buy land and plant vines, enlarging Pindar Vineyards each
and every year; subsequently, he learned a great deal along the way; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Dan Damianos maintained his medical practice and spent
his free time at his vineyard; on weekends, his children would accompany
him in the fields and before long, his hard work paid off; and
WHEREAS, By 1988, Dr. Dan Damianos' wines were of such high caliber
they were served at the inauguration of President George H. W. Bush; and
WHEREAS, In 1994, with the help of his son, Alex, Dr. Dan Damianos
branched out and opened Duck Walk Vineyards on the South Fork; today, he
continues to be intimately involved in his vineyards, often leading
winery tours; and
WHEREAS, This exceptional entrepreneur loves to share his passion with
newcomers, to teach them how Pindar Vineyards creates its exceptional
offerings, and to hear firsthand the positive reactions of visitors as
they taste his legendary wines; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Dr. Dan Damianos has stood constant
in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Dr. Dan Damianos has displayed
throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their

profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Dr. Herodotus Damianos upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition by the North Fork Promotion Council; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dr. Herodotus Damianos.