AMHERST – LaBelle Winery recently announced its new culinary director, Peter Agostinelli, a celebrated industry leader.

Agostinelli is a significant addition to LaBelle’s talented team of chefs, bringing his more than 20 years of culinary expertise and industry experience to the table.

He will oversee LaBelle Winery’s food and beverage operations at its Derry, Amherst and Portsmouth locations, and help co-owners Amy LaBelle and Cesar Arboleda continue to realize their goal of creating the most creative, excellent and approachable menus in New England in order to provide the best possible dining experience and fare to their guests.

LaBelle Winery’s food and beverage operations include two restaurants, banquet facilities, a specialty market, offsite and pick-up catering, daily meal services, The Winemaker’s Kitchen artisan culinary products and specialty beverages.

“Acquiring top talent is paramount,” LaBelle said. “Peter’s expertise in the industry and depth of knowledge and experience will allow him to continue to elevate LaBelle’s culinary-related programs to a place we’ve always envisioned them going – and then some. His passion, creativity and commitment to excellence align with our mission of graciously accommodating customers by offering unparalleled experiences and outstanding wine and food. We are immensely pleased to have Peter at LaBelle’s culinary helm and so proud to bring this excellence to our community.”

Agostinelli says his love of food was founded in his grandfather’s kitchen when he was growing up. His cooking style is grounded in Italian culture, and has been influenced over the course of his career by global techniques and flavors. He received an associate in applied science degree in culinary arts from Newbury College in Brookline, Massachusetts, in 1998.

“As LaBelle’s culinary director, I’m excited to bring my passion for New England cuisine and global influences back to southern New Hampshire,”Agostinelli said. “I’m looking forward to marrying LaBelle’s award-winning wines with exciting new dishes, and some culinary classics.”

Agostinelli has worked in several restaurants in Greater Boston and New Hampshire. He had a longtime association with Chef Todd English’s Olive Group, where he rose from sous chef to executive sous chef, and was ultimately appointed executive chef. He also worked at the critically acclaimed Bedford Village Inn and Restaurant in Bedford, and at the Exeter Inn in Exeter. Before coming to LaBelle Winery in December 2020, Agostinelli served as executive chef at Grill 23 & Bar in Boston, where he had worked since 2018.

“My love of food stems from my love of the ingredients used to prepare it,” Agostinelli said. “A perfect tomato or a beautiful piece of pork inspires me. When you are given the gift of something that so many people have had a part in growing or raising, it is the responsibility of the chef to do something with that item to honor it.”