Montezuma Winery and Idol Ridge Winery: A Tapestry of Creativity, Collaboration, and Connection

Image courtesy of Rima Brindamour.

In the scenic expanse of the Finger Lakes, where tranquil waters reflect sprawling hillsides, Montezuma Winery and its sister winery, Idol Ridge, are redefining what it means to craft exceptional wines. These family-owned wineries are more than just producers of wine—they are storytellers, blending their rich history with a bold approach to winemaking that celebrates the region’s growers, culture, and community. 

Image courtesy of Montezuma Winery and Idol Ridge Winery.
From Beekeeping to Boundary-Breaking Winemaking 

The Martin family’s winemaking story began humbly in 1999 with Martin’s Honey Farm and Meadery, operated out of a small garage in Sterling, NY. Starting with honey wines, their expertise quickly expanded to include fruit and grape wines, leading to the establishment of Montezuma Winery in 2001 in Seneca Falls. What began as a passion project to repurpose their honey evolved into a dynamic wine enterprise, with a diverse portfolio of wines ranging from dry and sparkling to sweet and experimental. 

The journey took a transformative turn when winemaker Phil Plummer joined the team. Phil’s inventive spirit and technical expertise have been instrumental in shaping the winery’s identity, particularly through their highly acclaimed Voleur series. These wines, which Phil describes as his most personal creations, allow him to stretch the boundaries of winemaking, experimenting with unconventional grape varieties and techniques. 

Beyond the Bottle: Crafting Memorable Experiences 

At Montezuma and Idol Ridge, wine is more than a beverage—it’s an experience that connects people to stories, emotions, and art. In their Voleur wine series, each bottle is a reflection of creativity, offering opportunities to explore unique pairings with books, music, and films. 

Voleur 2023 Catawba Vin Gris 

Voleur 2023 Riesling Carbonic Pét-Nat 

Voleur Murdered Out Count 3 

“The Way I Talk” S.G. Goodman 

“$20” boygenius 

“Me and My Gang” Masta Ace 

&  Tortilla Flat John Steinbeck 

&  Into the Wild Jon Krakauer 

&  The Burglery Betsy Medsger 

🎥  Legally Blonde 

🎥  Moonrise Kingdom 

🎥  School of Rock 

Even the winery’s Cranberry Bog wine, crafted from 100% New York cranberries, and their signature Sweet Mead, a nod to their beekeeping roots, evoke a sense of tradition and nostalgia. These wines fit perfectly into moments of celebration or quiet reflection, accompanied by holiday films or heartfelt playlists. 

Image courtesy of Montezuma Winery and Idol Ridge Winery.
The Growers Behind the Wines 

One of the defining aspects of Montezuma and Idol Ridge’s success is their deep partnership with local growers. Unlike many wineries, they don’t own vineyards, instead working hand-in-hand with a network of farmers who share their commitment to quality and sustainability. This collaboration isn’t just practical—it’s the foundation of their winemaking philosophy. 

“Our growers are the heart of what we do,” says Phil Plummer. “They bring an unparalleled dedication to their craft, and we’re incredibly fortunate to work with people who understand the land and the potential of the Finger Lakes region. Every wine we create is, in a way, a tribute to their hard work and expertise.” 

These partnerships enable Montezuma and Idol Ridge to access exceptional fruit, including native and hybrid varieties that thrive in the Finger Lakes’ unique microclimate. By working closely with their growers, the wineries are not only able to produce wines of outstanding quality but also contribute to the vitality of the local agricultural community. 

Image courtesy of Rima Brindamour.
Phil Plummer: A Winemaker Driven by Curiosity 

For Phil Plummer, winemaking is both an art and a science. His passion lies in taking native and hybrid grapes—varieties often overlooked in favor of European vinifera—and transforming them into complex, thought-provoking wines. “I love their unorthodox flavor profiles and the way they reflect the Finger Lakes’ special character,” he explains. 

Phil’s work in the Voleur series, in particular, embodies his commitment to pushing boundaries. From dessert wines that elevate Concord grapes to sparkling pét-nats that redefine what native varieties can achieve, each bottle in the series tells a unique story of experimentation and creativity. 

Image courtesy of Montezuma Winery and Idol Ridge Winery.
A Legacy of Craft and Community 

From their humble beginnings as beekeepers to their position as pioneers of distinctive winemaking, Montezuma Winery and Idol Ridge Winery embody the adventurous spirit of the Finger Lakes. Their wines reflect a dedication to craft, a respect for the land, and a deep appreciation for the growers who make it all possible. 

The Martin family’s original Sweet Mead and their playful Cranberry Bog wine continue to pay homage to their roots, while Phil’s imaginative creations expand the possibilities of what Finger Lakes wines can be. These wineries offer something for everyone, from casual wine enthusiasts to seasoned connoisseurs, inviting them to explore how wine can connect us to art, culture, and each other. 

As Montezuma and Idol Ridge look to the future, their commitment to collaboration, creativity, and community ensures that their wines—and their stories—will continue to inspire for years to come. 

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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.