At the heart of the Finger Lakes wine industry stands Doyle Vineyard Management, a testament to resilience, creativity, and commitment to community. Founded in 2009 by Matt and Carre Doyle, the company arose during a moment of great uncertainty, but it has grown into a pillar of sustainability and a champion for viticulture and education. 

The Doyle story began at a crossroads. In 2009, the couple faced an economic crisis: Matt’s employer, a prominent Finger Lakes winery, was shutting down, leaving Matt without a job. Compounding the pressure, Carre was six months pregnant with their fourth child. Growers in the region at that time were also faced losing their vineyards and their families’ livelihoods. Matt and Carre could have pursued stability by heading to the West Coast, but instead, they chose to invest in the region they loved.

In a moment of courage, the Doyles proposed a half-million-dollar business plan to the bank. The risk was enormous, but their belief in the Finger Lakes and its people was unwavering. “What happens if we fail and cannot pay back the loan?!” Carre famously asked. The answer was their hard work, faith, and grit. Within weeks, Matt had vineyards back in production. That leap of faith has since transformed Doyle Vineyard Management into a thriving enterprise, operating over 900 acres of land and partnering with over 70 wineries and landowners across the East Coast. 

A Commitment to Sustainability 

From its inception, Doyle Vineyard Management has embraced sustainable viticulture as a core principle. As active participants in the New York Sustainable Winegrowing Program since its inception, the Doyles adhere to a rigorous certification process designed to advance environmental, social, and economic sustainability in vineyard operations. Certification under this program is rooted in science-based, region-specific standards and verified through independent third-party audits, ensuring transparency and trust. 

The New York Sustainable Winegrowing Program also offers valuable educational resources and events, empowering vineyard owners to adopt best management practices that reduce environmental impact while maintaining exceptional grape quality. For Doyle Vineyard Management, sustainability means protecting the land, supporting their community, and ensuring their vineyards remain healthy and productive for generations to come. 

This commitment is reflected in their daily operations. The vineyard team incorporates the latest research and advancements into their practices, cultivating heritage vineyards that honor the historical significance of each site. These vineyards, with their unique combinations of soil and climate, produce exceptional grapes that contribute to some of New York’s most celebrated wines. 

Championing Education with the “Champion of Character Scholarship” 

The Doyle family’s commitment to community extends beyond their vineyards. Every year, they offer the Champion of Character Scholarship, an award designed to support graduating high school seniors who exemplify integrity, leadership, and character. This scholarship reflects the values that have guided the Doyles since their earliest days—values of hard work, perseverance, and dedication to others. 

The scholarship focuses on students who contribute positively to their communities while maintaining academic achievement and pursuing higher education. By investing in the next generation, Doyle Vineyard Management ensures that the future is as bright as the Finger Lakes region they call home.