Nestled along the tranquil shores of Cayuga Lake, Hosmer Winery is a living testament to the artistry and dedication of grape growing and winemaking in New York’s Finger Lakes region. Founded in 1985 by Cameron and Maren Hosmer, Hosmer Winery grew from a passion for the land and a vision of producing wines that would become some of the best in New York. At the heart of this family-owned winery is the Patrician Verona Vineyard, established in 1972 and now covering over 70 acres, which makes it one of the oldest vineyards on Cayuga Lake. The vineyard’s age and unique location have allowed it to develop a character that’s deeply tied to the region, lending Hosmer wines a distinctive sense of place that has been nurtured over the decades.
Grapes in the Blood: Tim Hosmer’s Journey
What sets Hosmer Winery apart is its unwavering dedication to grape growing, which has always been seen as the foundation for creating exceptional wines. Today, that commitment is being carried forward by Tim Hosmer, the son of Cameron and Maren, who is taking on a central role in the family business. For Tim, the vineyard is a second home; he grew up among the vines, learning the craft from his father and developing an instinct for the land that now guides his work. During harvest season, Tim is especially hands-on, overseeing operations and managing one of the few grape harvesters in the Finger Lakes. This invaluable machinery helps Tim and his team ensure that grapes are picked at the peak of their ripeness, preserving the quality and unique flavors that define Hosmer wines.
The Art of Winemaking: Julia Hoyle’s Approach
At the helm of winemaking is Julia Hoyle, a Philadelphia native whose journey into the Finger Lakes wine industry began during her time at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. Julia’s approach to winemaking is centered on the quality of the fruit, with minimal intervention in the cellar to allow each wine’s natural character to shine through. She’s known for letting the terroir—the unique combination of soil, climate, and elevation—speak in every bottle, which has earned Hosmer Winery multiple awards and high praise from publications such as Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast. Julia recalls a defining moment early in her career, when she had to make a nerve-wracking decision about a fermentation for the 2017 Dry Riesling. Choosing whether to let fermentation continue or halt it at just the right moment is one of a winemaker’s most crucial calls. Julia trusted her instinct, and the result was a wine that still stands out as one of her proudest achievements. Since then, she has developed an even stronger intuition and fine-tuned her techniques, particularly with Riesling and Cabernet Franc, two varietals that thrive in the Finger Lakes and have come to define Hosmer Winery’s award-winning offerings.
Cultivating with Care: A Commitment to the Land and its Bounty
Sustainability and environmental stewardship are at the heart of Hosmer’s vineyard practices. The Hosmers make every effort to maintain soil health, conserve resources, and support biodiversity, reflecting their commitment to responsible farming. The vineyard’s silt loam soils, shale bedrock, and eastward-sloping land provide an ideal environment for producing premium wine grapes, while the expansive width and depth of Cayuga Lake help moderate temperatures, extending the growing season and adding unique characteristics to the fruit. The result is a range of high-quality grapes including Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Lemberger, Chardonnay, and Riesling, as well as the rare Sauvignon Blanc, one of only two plantings on Cayuga Lake.
Brooke Hosmer: A Swiss Army Knife of Talent
Brooke Hosmer, Tim’s wife, is an essential part of the team, seamlessly blending her background in accounting with a passion for the wine industry that she discovered as a student at Ithaca College. Initially joining as a tasting room associate in 2017, Brooke quickly became a “Swiss Army knife” of the winery, assisting with everything from financials in the office to tasting events and even vineyard work during harvest. Her versatility has made her invaluable to the team, and her eagerness to learn and adapt mirrors the collaborative, family-driven spirit that defines Hosmer Winery. Brooke’s hands-on approach, alongside Tim’s vineyard expertise and Julia’s skillful winemaking, brings a unique energy to the winery, making it a place of continual growth, innovation, and shared knowledge.
A Legacy of Excellence and Community
Hosmer Winery is more than a business; it’s a legacy that honors the land and the community that have sustained it for decades. Cameron and Maren’s passion for viticulture and commitment to excellence has inspired the next generation to not only continue their work but to evolve and elevate the region as a whole. Tim and Julia’s dedication to quality winemaking, combined with Brooke’s contributions, ensure that Hosmer Winery remains a symbol of resilience and innovation in the Finger Lakes. For this family, winemaking is not just a trade, but an enduring way of life. Together, they embody the spirit of the Finger Lakes, a region where history, craftsmanship, and nature converge to create wines that are as rich and complex as the landscape itself.
Looking Ahead: Honoring Tradition, Embracing the Future
As Hosmer Winery looks to the future, the family’s goal remains clear: to continue producing wines that reflect the unique beauty and bounty of the Finger Lakes, sharing their love of the land and their passion for wine with generations to come. The next chapter in the Hosmer family’s story will be one of continued excellence, innovation, and community, anchored by a steadfast commitment to the land and the craft of winemaking.
