Nestled along the eastern shore of Seneca Lake in the heart of New York’s Finger Lakes wine region, Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars is a testament to the enduring bond between family, land, and the art of winemaking. With over 130 acres of estate vineyards meticulously managed using sustainable practices, this veteran-owned winery weaves generations of farming expertise into every bottle.
A Family Legacy
The story of Lamoreaux Landing begins with Mark Wagner, a second-generation grape grower who took over his family farm in 1978. With a vision for excellence and a deep respect for the land, Mark founded the winery in 1990, paving the way for a legacy of crafting cool-climate wines that capture the unique terroir of the Finger Lakes.
In 2007, Mark’s nephew, Josh Wig, brought his own chapter to the family’s story. A retired Naval Officer and fourth-generation farmer, Josh’s leadership and dedication to sustainability have helped elevate Lamoreaux Landing’s reputation on both a national and international scale.
Jesse Alexander, a Finger Lakes Community College graduate, joined the team in 2017 and became head winemaker in 2021. Jesse’s approach combines a deep reverence for traditional methods with a creative curiosity that has driven innovations like fermenting single-vineyard Rieslings with natural yeasts.
Rooted in Exceptional Vineyards
At Lamoreaux Landing, everything starts with the land. Their 130 acres of vineyards, divided into more than 50 distinct blocks, are planted predominantly on Honeoye Silt Loam and Lansing Gravely Loam soils—both ideal for producing vibrant, expressive cool-climate wines. Each block is meticulously tracked by farm, varietal, clone, and soil type, allowing the team to tailor their approach and ensure optimal vine health and fruit quality.
Certified sustainable winegrowing practices form the backbone of their vineyard management. By prioritizing environmental stewardship, they not only produce exceptional wines but also protect the land for future generations. Their unique approach includes the use of a Scott-Henry trellis system, which optimizes sunlight exposure and airflow, resulting in healthier vines and more concentrated fruit flavors.
The care and precision that go into vineyard management carry through to the cellar. All of Lamoreaux Landing’s wines, including their celebrated sparkling program, are produced and bottled entirely in-house using estate-grown fruit. This “grape-to-glass” philosophy ensures maximum control over quality at every stage of production, preserving the integrity and character of the wine.
Sustainability at Its Core
Lamoreaux Landing has long embraced sustainability as a cornerstone of its operations, ensuring the health of its land and community for generations to come. As active participants in the New York Wine & Grape Foundation’s Sustainable Winegrowing Program, they benchmark their practices against industry standards, continually refining their methods to minimize environmental impact.
Their commitment extends beyond the vineyard. In 2020, Lamoreaux Landing installed solar energy arrays, significantly reducing their reliance on non-renewable energy. Today, their operations are powered primarily by renewable energy, with an impressive 90% of their energy needs met by solar power. This forward-thinking approach not only reduces their carbon footprint but also underscores their dedication to creating a sustainable future for the Finger Lakes region.
“The program has allowed us to take credit for what we’ve been doing for decades,” notes Josh Wig. “Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for us; it’s a way of life that ensures we can continue to produce exceptional wines while preserving the beauty and vitality of our environment.”
Crafting a Sense of Place
Lamoreaux Landing’s wines are a pure expression of the Finger Lakes’ dynamic cool-climate terroir. From the crisp vibrancy of their T23 Unoaked Cabernet Franc to the layered complexity of their Methode Champenoise sparkling wines, every bottle reflects meticulous care and craftsmanship. Their Single Vineyard Rieslings—Red Oak, Round Rock, and Yellow Dog—offer distinct personalities that tell the story of the vineyard blocks from which they originate.
For winemaker Jesse Alexander, Chardonnay stands out as his favorite grape to work with. “Chardonnay is incredibly dynamic,” he explains. “It can be expressed in so many ways—through sparkling methods, oak aging, or stainless steel fermentation—all while staying true to the varietal and the vineyard.”
A Global Presence with Local Roots
Despite their international accolades, Lamoreaux Landing remains deeply connected to their Finger Lakes home. Their commitment to family farming and sustainable practices not only ensures high-quality wines but also preserves the land for future generations. “We only use grapes that we grow as a family,” says Josh. “It’s that attention to detail and integrity that defines who we are.”
Recognized Excellence
Lamoreaux Landing’s wines consistently earn recognition in prestigious publications. Recent features in Forbes, Decanter, and VinePair underscore their place as leaders in the New York wine industry. These accolades highlight their ability to craft wines that resonate with critics and consumers alike.
Looking Ahead
As Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars continues to grow, they remain guided by a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and the Finger Lakes community. Their wines not only reflect the essence of their unique terroir but also the heart and soul of a family that has dedicated itself to excellence for generations.
For those seeking an authentic taste of the Finger Lakes, Lamoreaux Landing offers more than wine—it offers a connection to the land, the people, and the enduring legacy of New York’s world-class wine industry.
