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.

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.

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.

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.

Yesterday I was on a business trip that took me out through many of the Finger Lakes Winery areas. Unfortunately it was not possible to stop and visit with our old friends because this was on a different matter and I did not have time to do anything for NYuncorked (dot com).

I was able to reflect on some of my years of travel and work throughout that region and the fine people with a strong work ethic that live there. Back in the late 1960′s and through the 70′s and 80′s I witnessed a transformation in the grape growing business and the expansion of many of the excellent wineries that you appreciate so much today.