Adirondack Winery: Crafting Unique Wines in the Upper Hudson Valley 

Image courtesy of Adirondack Winery.
A Winery Built from the Ground Up 

Nestled in the picturesque Lake George area of New York, Adirondack Winery has been pushing the boundaries of New York winemaking since its founding in 2008. This winery has become known for its creative approach to winemaking, producing over 35 wines that range from traditional varietals to fruit-infused selections. Owners Sasha and Michael Pardy built the business from the ground up, transforming it into a destination for wine lovers seeking something beyond the ordinary. 

Image courtesy of Adirondack Winery.
The Vision Behind Adirondack Winery 

Sasha Pardy brings her marketing acumen and entrepreneurial spirit to the forefront of the winery’s operations. Prior to founding the winery, she enjoyed a successful career in retail commercial real estate sales and marketing.

Her vision led to the launch of the Adirondack Wine and Food Festival in 2015, now one of the most significant wine festivals in the state. The winery’s ability to attract visitors from across New York and beyond has helped establish it as a standout producer in the Upper Hudson Valley AVA. 

The Unique Terroir of the Upper Hudson Valley 

While Adirondack Winery does not sit in a traditional wine region, it has played a key role in introducing many visitors to the depth and quality of New York wine. The Upper Hudson Valley AVA, the youngest in New York, was established to cater to the unique climatic challenges of the region and is characterized by its use of cold-hardy hybrid grapes developed at institutions like Cornell University and the University of Minnesota. Unlike regions with large bodies of water to regulate temperatures, the Upper Hudson Valley experiences significant swings in weather conditions, making grape selection a critical factor in winemaking success. 

Image courtesy of Adirondack Winery.
A Female Winemaker Leading the Way 

The winemaking team at Adirondack Winery is led by Courtney Rankin. As part of a growing movement of female winemakers in the industry, Courtney brings a fresh perspective to the winery’s approach to winemaking. Her journey from apprentice to head winemaker highlights the opportunities available to those willing to learn and refine their craft.

Her love of experimenting with different styles ensures that Adirondack Winery’s portfolio remains dynamic and expressive of both New York’s classic varietals and its more unconventional offerings. Rankin has a particular fondness for crafting rosé, a category that allows for creativity in blending different grape varietals. She works with both still and sparkling styles, using grapes like Cabernet Franc and Lemberger to create balanced, fruit-forward wines with bright acidity.  

Expansion into Hard Cider 

The winery’s expansion into hard cider with the creation of Extreme Heights Cidery in 2023 showcases its commitment to innovation and diversification. Utilizing New York apples, the cidery offers traditional and flavored hard ciders that have quickly gained a following.  

A Destination for Wine Lovers 

With its flagship tasting room in Lake George and an expanded facility in Queensbury, Adirondack Winery continues to welcome thousands of visitors each year. Whether guests are looking to sample a crisp Gewürztraminer, a bold Baco Noir, or a semi-sweet fruit-infused selection like Soaring Strawberry, there is something for every taste. The winery’s ability to bridge the gap between traditional wine enthusiasts and those new to the experience makes it a distinctive presence in the New York wine landscape. 

Image courtesy of Adirondack Winery.
A Winery Shaping the Future of New York Wine 

Adirondack Winery’s story is one of transformation—from introducing wine to Lake George tourists unaware of New York’s wine heritage to creating a community of passionate wine lovers. Their journey reflects the broader narrative of New York wines—resilient, surprising, and ever-evolving.  

With a deep connection to the Upper Hudson Valley and a focus on making high-quality wines that reflect the state’s diversity, Adirondack Winery has established itself as a key player in New York’s evolving wine industry. Its dedication to crafting memorable wines ensures that each bottle tells a story of the region, the people behind it, and the exciting future of New York winemaking. 

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New York Wine & Grape Foundation

The mission of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation is to promote the world-class image of New York grapes and wines from our diverse regions to responsibly benefit farmers, producers and consumers through innovative marketing, research, communication, and advocacy.