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A New York native, Michael Lynne graduated from Brooklyn College in 1961 with a degree in English Literature and received his law degree from Columbia Law School in 1964. Lynne began his legal career with a firm specializing in theatrical representation, which happily dovetailed with his lifelong passion for theater, film and television. After working as an attorney for Embassy Pictures (The Graduate, The Producers), he founded the entertainment law firm, Blumenthal & Lynne in the early 1970's. In 1990, he left the firm to become president and chief operating officer of New Line Cinema (producers and distributor of Lord of the Rings Trilogy, About Schmidt, the Austin Powers films, Shine, The Player and Wag the Dog). Lynne is currently the Co-Chairman and Co-CEO of New Line Cinema. An ardent wine enthusiast, he initially considered vineyards in California, Italy and France but chose the properties on the North Fork for the quality of the wines being produced and for their proximity to his residence. Lynne likes to recall a family road trip made years ago to the North Fork during Long Island wine country's nascent years and a chance meeting with winemaker Kip Bedell that left a lasting impression. Lynne's admiration and enthusiasm for the region have steadily grown ever since that day. Likening the area to the Napa Valley of 15 years ago, Lynne says, "It's an exciting moment for Long Island wine and I am thrilled to be part of the future of this vibrant new wine region." | 