The Claddagh symbol—a heart, hands, and crown—traditionally represents love, loyalty, and friendship. For Heart & Hands Wine Company, nestled on the east side of Cayuga Lake in New York’s Finger Lakes, this emblem takes on an additional, deeply personal meaning. It reflects the winery’s dedication to a heartfelt connection to the land, a hands-on commitment to winemaking, and the loyal stewardship of its unique terroir. This ethos has been at the core of Heart & Hands Winery since its inception in 2007, when Tom and Susan Higgins founded the estate on a dream to create exceptional cool-climate Pinot Noir in harmony with nature.
A Shared Passion: The Journey of Tom and Susan Higgins
Tom Higgins, the winery’s co-proprietor, winemaker, and vineyard manager, began his wine journey during his high school years, working at a Finger Lakes winery. After forays into the burgeoning tech world and retail wine industry in New York City, Tom followed his passion to Burgundy and California, learning traditional winemaking techniques from masters in the field. Upon returning to the Finger Lakes, he set his sights on finding the perfect limestone-laden land to cultivate world-class Pinot Noir. His journey came to fruition with the establishment of Heart & Hands, where his expertise has turned the estate into a showcase of terroir-driven wines.
Susan Higgins, co-proprietor and business manager, grew up cherishing the connection between food, wine, and community. Her love for the Finger Lakes blossomed during trips with Tom, and her business acumen, honed as a management consultant, has been vital to the winery’s growth. Today, she manages the marketing, sales, and operations, while also contributing to winemaking, with pre-bottling taste trials being her favorite activity.
Terroir and Sustainability: The Heart of Heart & Hands
At Heart & Hands, the pursuit of Pinot Noir excellence begins with the land. The winery’s vineyards are underpinned by rare limestone bedrock—similar to Burgundy’s soils—and host nine diverse Pinot Noir clones, as well as esoteric varieties like Aligoté, Lagrein, and Pinot Auxerrois. This diversity showcases the Higgins’ commitment to exploring and highlighting lesser-known cool-climate grapes.
From its inception, Heart & Hands has practiced sustainable viticulture, earning Certified Sustainable Vineyard status. The Higgins have embraced farming practices that promote biodiversity, soil health, and reduced chemical use, such as refraining from herbicides and insecticides, using cover crops to prevent erosion, and carefully managing water resources. These efforts ensure the long-term health of the vineyard ecosystem while producing wines that express a true sense of place.
A Winemaking Milestone: The 2012 Estate Pinot Noir
For Tom, one of the most memorable achievements in his winemaking journey was the first vintage of the Estate-grown Pinot Noir in 2012. “It was thrilling to see the depth of color and flavor from our estate grapes,” he recalls. This milestone affirmed the potential of their limestone-rich site and cemented Heart & Hands as a leader in Finger Lakes Pinot Noir.
Beyond the Bottle: Community and Innovation
Heart & Hands is deeply woven into its local community, supporting charities and participating in regional boards focused on sustainability and planning. The winery also fosters engagement through unique experiences, such as UTV tours of the vineyard and educational events like their upcoming Geology Tour. This event combines a walking tour, wine tasting, and insights into the geological history of their limestone-rich land.
In November, Heart & Hands hosts its annual library wine event, offering guests a rare opportunity to taste over 25 older vintages in a relaxed setting. This and other initiatives underscore the Higgins’ dedication to creating memorable connections between people, place, and wine.
A Legacy of Excellence
Heart & Hands has garnered accolades for its wines, including its Mo Chuisle Estate Pinot Noir and traditional method sparkling wines, which undergo extended lees aging for unmatched complexity. Their Esoteric Series, featuring rare varieties like Petite Arvine and Lagrein, further demonstrates the winery’s innovative spirit.
The Higgins also draw inspiration from their peers in the region, admiring trailblazing wineries like Red Tail Ridge for its adventurous spirit, Hermann J. Wiemer for its biodynamic practices, and Anthony Road for its multigenerational dedication to quality.
Looking Ahead
For Heart & Hands, the claddagh isn’t just a symbol; it’s a philosophy. Love for the craft, loyalty to the land, and a commitment to hands-on care define every bottle. With a focus on sustainability and a passion for Pinot Noir, Tom and Susan Higgins are not only creating world-class wines but also nurturing a legacy that will endure for generations to come.
Whether you’re enjoying a glass of their signature Pinot Noir or exploring their estate on a vineyard tour, Heart & Hands invites you to experience the art and soul of winemaking in the Finger Lakes.
