Located along the west side of Seneca Lake in the heart of the Finger Lakes region, Anthony Road Wine Company is more than a winery; it’s a testament to the power of family, perseverance, and a deep connection to the land. Founded by Ann and John Martini in 1990, the winery embodies a multi-generational commitment to cultivating not just grapes, but a way of life rooted in community and sustainability.
A Dream Takes Root
It all began in 1973, when John and Ann left their suburban lives in Baltimore to settle in Yates County with their young family and a shared vision: to grow grapes and raise their children on 100 acres overlooking Seneca Lake. Without an agricultural background—except for John’s childhood summers on his grandparents’ Illinois farm—the couple embarked on a journey of farming, planting their first five acres of vines with the help of family and friends. While John worked at Cornell University’s Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva to support the family, Ann managed the burgeoning vineyard and household.
By the late 1980s, the market for their grapes became uncertain. Over a few cold beers, the couple made the pivotal decision to start producing their own wine. In 1990, Anthony Road Wine Company was born in a humble, repurposed farm shop using a patchwork of borrowed and second-hand equipment. Fueled by passion and determination, the family’s efforts began to bear fruit. Today, Anthony Road Wine Company is a thriving enterprise, with the second generation of the Martini family at the helm.
The Next Generation Steps Up
From their childhood days, the Martini’s four children—Peter, Sarah, Maeve, and Liz—were immersed in the rhythms of vineyard life. They tied vines during school breaks, sorted grapes during harvest, and cleared brush in the winters. These experiences instilled in them a profound respect for hard work and the land.
As adults, each pursued their own path before returning to the family fold. Peter, who once worked as a mechanic in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, now oversees the vineyards as Vineyard Manager. Sarah left a career as a registered dietitian to become the General Manager. Maeve, after 24 years as a nurse, now serves as Office Manager, while Liz, with a degree in Agronomy from UC Davis, manages the tasting room. Their spouses have also joined the effort, lending skills in sales, landscaping, and artistic contributions to the property.
Michael Eighmey, Sarah’s husband, joined the Anthony Road Wine Company family in 1999 and gradually embraced his role in the family business. Unbeknownst to anyone else at the winery, he took on the self-appointed, pro bono position of Brand Ambassador while pursuing careers as a U.S. Navy Deep Sea Diver, Commercial Diver, Collegiate Coach, and Sales Engineer, Michael formally joined the team in 2015 and is now the Vice President of Sales.
Honoring the Past, Building the Future
Over the years, the winery has grown not only in size but also in reputation. The family’s approach to winemaking balances reverence for tradition with a forward-looking ethos. Head Winemaker Peter Becraft, who joined Anthony Road in 2006 and assumed his current role in 2014, brings a deep respect for the region’s history while exploring its future potential. Becraft’s innovative approach is rooted in the distinctive terroir of the estate’s vineyards, planted on class II Honeoye soils rich in limestone—an ideal environment for vinifera grapes. The proximity to Seneca Lake further moderates the climate, ensuring consistency in quality and style. Known for their exceptional Rieslings, Pinot Gris, and Cabernet Franc, the wines of Anthony Road have garnered both regional and national recognition.
Sustainability is a cornerstone of Anthony Road’s philosophy. The winery has been a proud participant in the New York Sustainable Winegrowing Program, demonstrating its commitment to environmental stewardship and community well-being. “We’ve always been cognizant of best practices to maintain the health of the land, but now we have something more than our word to show for it,” the Martini family explains. In addition, their teaching vineyard supports education through partnerships with the Finger Lakes Grape Program and Finger Lakes Community College.
More Than a Business
For the Martini family, Anthony Road is more than a winery; it’s their home. The family’s history is intertwined with the land, where memories of stained hands during harvest and the sweet scent of fermenting grapes endure. This deep connection has been passed down to the next generation, who already understand the joys and challenges of vineyard and winery life.
A visit to Anthony Road Wine Company is more than a wine-tasting experience; it’s an immersion into the family’s legacy. Guests are welcomed into a space where the traditions of the past meet the innovations of the present. The tasting room showcases not only their wines but also the artwork of Liz’s husband, Sam, whose Ironvine Studios’ custom metal creations are displayed throughout the property.
For over 50 years, the Martini family has cultivated vineyards and crafted wines that capture the essence of this unique region. John and Ann remain active in the business, their presence a reminder of the vision and perseverance that laid the foundation for Anthony Road. Their children, now at the helm, continue to honor that legacy while pushing the winery forward. As Peter, Sarah, Maeve, and Liz reflect on their upbringing and the winery’s growth, one thing is clear: this is more than a business. It is a labor of love, a home, and a testament to the many hands that have shaped its journey.
When you visit Anthony Road, you’re not just tasting wine; you’re sharing in a family’s journey, one rooted in passion, perseverance, and a love for the land. As Peter, Sarah, Maeve, and Liz put it: “This is not just a job for us; it is a labor of love and our home. So welcome!”
