Raid uncovers unlicensed still at Red Hook Winery

May 14, 2018 By Raanan Geberer Brooklyn Daily Eagle

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This vintner had a little action on the side.

The Red Hook Winery set up an illegal distilling operation on the side, churning out moonshine with dangerous equipment, the State Liquor Authority said Monday.

State and city officials raided the Van Dyke Street operation last week and ordered owner Mark Snyder to dismantle four gas-fired stills directly that they say could have exploded.

“The discovery of an illegal moonshine operation in the heart of Brooklyn is nothing short of shocking, given how easy and inexpensive it is to obtain a distiller’s license in New York State,” said Christopher Riano, counsel to the State Liquor Authority.

Snyder, who was led away in handcuffs, is facing up to four years in jail. He said he thought he’d obtained the necessary licenses for the distilled product —which PIX 11 identified as grappa.

Snyder added that he was working with both the State Liquor Authority and the federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau to see whether additional licenses were needed.

The Red Hook Winery was opened in 2008 and, in addition to producing wines, also has a tasting room that is open daily.