Uncorked New York wines are an American Vineyard tradition. The American Vineyard and Winery is located in the Finger Lake region of New York State next to Cayuga Lake. The creating of their fine wines follows the traditions and heritage of over 5000 years of wine making history.
Joe Gober is the host and owner for over twenty years. He originally picked this spot because of the fertile glacial deposits left by the last ice age that are ideal for cultivating vines. The nearby lake has a positive effect on the surrounding climate that provides milder changes in the temperature to help prevent the fruit from being damaged due to erratic weather patterns.
All Finger Lakes Wineries have been reviewed here on NY uncorked previously, see the top tab for “FingerLakes Wine”. Nestled in the valleys of the central and western parts of upstate New York State is a series of magnificent gem like bodies of water that are somewhat shaped in the layout on the map similar to fingers on a hand. These beautiful pure water beauties were created millions of years ago as the glaciers of the ice age receded. They afford the vineyards of the side hills a golden opportunity to grow some of the best grapes in the world as the waters help to temper the winters blasts and create the perfect growing climate for grapes.
Uncorked New York wines are the main purpose of the Finger Lakes Wine Tour. This is a private transportation company that provides the means of transport for wine tours, proms, weddings and other occasions. There are both private and public tours available. Tours of Seneca, Keuka and Cayuga wine trails are on the list of services that this company provides.
One of the New York wineries that is very well known is the Vinifera Wine Cellars which is New York State wine history itself. In 1962, Dr. Konstantin Frank founded Vinifera Wine Cellars. Dr. Frank’s research in the growing of grapes in a cold climate was essential to the establishment of the wine industry in the Finger Lakes region of New York. This family business is already in its third generation producing world-class wines that carry the traditions and quality that made this winery the cornerstone of the vineyard industry in America.
To uncork a wine from this New York winery, over 57 years of grape cultivation is unleashed. Frank Stamp first planted the vineyards on the old peach and apple orchard in 1951. The Lakewood Vineyard is situated on the west side of Seneca Lake was the ideal place for several varieties of grapes including the French-American hybrid and Labrusca. As time went on new hybrids were added along with Vinifera. The commercial grape industry was treating this grower well when Monty, son of Frank, decided in 1988 to press the grapes and create their first vintage. In 1989 the winery opened for tasting and sales. Now with 4 generations of wine making experience in the family, the secrets of the vines and earth are still in use but safe. The time-honored techniques including small barrels fermentation and aging are still in use today. This quality can be tasted and enjoyed by all that uncork a bottle of their fine wine.
With the purchase of the old Golden Seal Vineyard by Tom and Marti Macinski, the Standing Stone Vineyard was created. They followed the history of the land and previous vineyard to create award-winning vintages in just a few short years. Their first vintage of 800 cases sold out in just 12 weeks. Today production is about 6500 cases but the time-honored traditions of old-world wine making are still employed. The white wines fermentation is temperature regulated while the reds are still aged in American Oak barrels.
This vineyard at Chateau LaFayette Reneau Winery is where one can uncork New York wines in surroundings with the feel of yesteryear. The old 10-room brick house was built in 1911, which provides a wonderful view of the vineyards from each room. The renovated barn/winery also has that century old craftsmanship that can be tasted in the wine.
Nestled on the banks of Lake Seneca, the vineyards are fruitful and the harvest bountiful. For those that wish to extend their stay the Inn offers overnight accommodations. Cell phones and alarm clocks are discouraged so the guest and patrons of the winery can truly enjoy this peaceful setting.
When you Uncork NY at Wagner Vineyards you will be sipping four generations of history and dedication to the wine creating process of the Finger Lake region. This vineyard is located on the eastern slopes of Seneca Lake and was started back in 1978 by Bill Wagner. As a life long resident of the area and grower of grapes has made this one of the finer wines available in the industry.
Bill’s unique style is even shown when he designed and built an eight-sided building to house the winery. All of the wines produced by the Wagner family are cultivated and nurtured under their direct supervision. This controls the quality to ensure only the best are used in the wine making process.
This is one of many New York State Wineries that have made the Finger Lakes area recognized through out the country with their great wines. Uncork New York at Amberg Wine Cellars. This family-owned and operated winery was established 20 years ago. This family has over 40 years experience nurturing grapes into delicate wines. Knowing the grapes, soil, and conditions of the local climate in the Finger Lakes community ensures the creation of the finest vintages.
The Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards might only have been selling wines for just over 12 years but has a history dating back to 1852. From this family is a great line of wineries including the Great Western Winery of years past. As time moves forward the original farm and vineyards have been pieced out among the family members. Another vineyard in the area that is owned by another part of this same family is the Sawmill Creek Vineyard. The family members that own Hazlitt 1852 Vineyard are Jerry and Elaine Hazlitt. The experience and dedication of this winery comes from six generations of nurturing grape vines and operating wineries. They even remember the old foot stomping press way of make wine.
Uncork a New York wine on the steep slopes of Torrey Ridge and step back in time with a view of Seneca Lake from a Civil War Era Barn. Scott Osborn purchased this old dairy farm and planted the first grape vines in 1984 then named his creation Fox Run Vineyards. Scott is not only a strong advocate of wine but also of garlic for a healthier life style. In 1993, the old barn was converted to a modern wine making facility. This was used until a building was erected up the slope in 1996 because of the need to expand.
This New York Winery, Glenora Wine Cellars, opened its doors in 1977 with a group of 4 investors. Today only one of the original investors, Gene Pierce has stuck through with the adventure that has seen his wines win as many as 75 awards in a single year. The production of great wines has grown from 5,000 cases that first year to 45,000 cases today.
Along with this success came expansion to include a 30-room inn for visitors to stay and enjoy the serene environment of Seneca Lake. For dining enjoyment an elegant restaurant was added to satisfy those that do not wish to leave but need to eat while enjoying some of New York’s finest wines. For those that have a sweet tooth, they serve cherry cheesecake.
This Winery is the perfect place to uncork New York wines and enjoy art. Founded in 1995 by two retired college professors that believe their winery is the fusion of art and wine in a quaint boutique setting. David and Coralee Burch strive to achieve this by including on each vintage an original work of art on the label. This winery has also been awarded 23 separate medals for its wines throughout its history.
Ted Marks established Atwater Estate Vineyards in 1999. The vineyard was already established in the 1970’s and had changed hands from Bill Moffitt to Ed and Joanne Grow. The Grows operated the vineyard and winery under the label Rolling Vineyards until its closure in 1991. The vineyards were still cultivated and sold to surrounding wineries being purchased by Ted Marks.
Since the beginning, this vineyard has produced consistently clean wines with a limited harvest. With an average production of 8,500 cases a year careful attention to quality is maintained vintage after vintage.
This vineyard has a deep history of growing a bountiful harvest from the land. Situated on an old dairy and corn farm, this land has been fruitful for many centuries. With the vineyards reaching near the beach, the setting is referred to as the Sheldrake effect. With glacial sedimentary soil and the proximity near a deep body of water for a slower temperature change, this point of land has its own microclimate. This has lengthened the growing season by a full two week as compared to the surrounding counties. Being on the eastern side of the lake also allows this piece of land to warm up faster than the west side which helps lessen the effect of frost.
By uncorking this New York wine, you are opening the dream of an American from the greatest generation that ever lived. The Prejean Winery was the dream of Jim Prejean, a WWII veteran. After a lifetime of work, a retirement in a business that was his dream come true was fulfilled. With his wife this winery has truly been a labor of love. The land was purchased in 1978 and planted the following year. With commitment and dedication this winery has flourished. All of the vines are hand tended and the harvest is hand picked to ensure the highest quality of grapes is only used in the Prejean creations.
For this New York Winery the eastern shores of Keuka Lake is the perfect location for the McGregor Vineyard. This is a family run Winery since 1980 that follows the European philosophy of wine making. The McGregor’s’ say their wines reflect the “voice of the grapes”. The Vineyards were established before the winery with the planting of 28 acres of Vinifera and hybrid grapes in 1971. With continuous commitment to the vines and hand tending, superior wines have been created. This small but personal touch to creating fine wines can be tasted in their creations.
To uncork New York at the oldest winery on Cayuga Lake then you must visit the Lucas Vineyards. This family owned establishment was founded in the early 1970”s. The nautical theme of the wine labels and names are from the influence of one of the founder’s previous occupation as a New York City tugboat captain.
With Tug Boat Red, Tug Boat White, and Dry Dock named wines help kept revenue coming in during the early days. Today things have changed, not only are there seven nautical wines but medal winning wines like Methode Champenoise Champagnes. In 2008 alone this winery was the recipient of 67 medals from 12 separate competitions.
Greyton and Walter Taylor established this new vineyard in 1958. Walter’s involvement in the wine industry makes the length of this family experience four generations long. The Taylor family’s involvement in the wineries stretches back to 1878. This family also pioneered the conversion of the New York vineyards from growing Native American grapes to the French-American hybrid.
Bully Hill offers a tour every hour of their winery and it is free for all visitors. There are over 12 buildings, which house this remarkable winery and its history. On site is the New York State Wine Museum of Greyton Taylor. Inside are the actual copper tools used to make the barrels over a century ago along with other memorabilia. With over 200 pieces of artwork, this is well worth the time to visits and is open mid May through October.
The Heron Hill Winery was started over 30 years ago as a dream of John Ingle. The growing and nurturing of the cold climate grapes to produce Riesling and Chardonnay has produced a selection of world-class wines. Located on a hill with a panoramic view of Keuka Lake, this winery is well established with quality in mind. With this remarkable experience and view from the first tasting room in mind, a second wine tasting room was built and opened on Seneca Lake to enhance the adventure of tasting Heron Hill New York wines.
When a New York uncorked wine is experienced on the scenic hillside overlooking Keuka Lake, the quality and adventure in taste is truly rewarding. The Wiltberger family created the Keuka Spring Winery and vineyards over 20 years ago in the Finger Lake region of the state of New York. This business started with a family dream and has flourished into award winning creations in taste. With the original plan to keep production down to only 2000 cases each year. The demand for their fine wines grew and faced with the constant situation of being sold out of wine, production has been increased to 8500 cases without a decrease in quality.
This family owned vineyard was established after high school sweet hearts, Art and Joyce Hunt, moved to the Hunt family farm in 1973. After a few years of research and planning a small-scale winery, the Finger Lakes Wine Cellar was started in 1981. With the personal guidance of the Hunt’s, this small winery flourished and in 1987 they formed Hunt Country Vineyards.
The first national recognition was for their Vidal Blanc Ice Wine in the 1990”s. Of the three children of these wine masters one has joined in the family business. This makes six generations of farming this same soil. With a degree from Cornell and internships in California and New Zealand, his contribution is having a positive influence in the family business.
This winery was established in 1987 on the southern end of Canandaigua Lake. The Brahm family has taken great pride to produce the finest wines in a tranquil antique country setting. With 4 generations experience in wine production, the flavor is of old world quality. The latest generation has a member that graduated from Cornell with a degree in Pomology.
In the 1960’s the family ventured into the now famous Naples Grape Pie production which has expanded to over 30,000 pies being produced in just a six week period each year. This is truly a grapery and not just a winery. A variety of specialty foods and sauces are also available but the wine has never been neglected.
The Six Mile Creek Vineyard is not only the place to uncork New York wines but the best Ithaca has to offer. For over 20 years this vineyard has been producing some of the finest wines from the Finger Lake Region. To go along with the vineyard is an exclusive line of handcrafted Spirits by Battistella to pick from.
Your love of these fine products has allowed the Bully Hill Winery to advance from the days of foot stompin’ and hand corkin’.
This is an interesting view of the Happy Goat Bottling Process at the Bully Hill Winery in Hammondsport New York.
This company was one of the true pioneers in New York Wineries.
Bully Hill is able to ship to the following list of forward thinking, common sense states: California, Colorado, Florida. Idaho. Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Oregon, Texas, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
