Bob and Marge McGregor couldn’t have foreseen the profound journey they were beginning when they started searching for vineyard land near Keuka Lake in the late 1960s. What they did know was that this endeavor would forever change their lives and those of their children for the better.
In 1971, the McGregors purchased approximately 70 acres on Keuka Lake’s eastern hillsides. Not only did the land offer an ideal location for viticulture, it also boasted one of the most breathtaking views in the Finger Lakes.
At the time, Bob and Marge were raising three daughters and a newborn son in the Rochester area. Bob was a physicist at Kodak and an enthusiastic home winemaker, while Marge focused on family and was active in the local community. In 1973, their passion for wine extended beyond the home when they hosted a gathering of fellow home winemakers. This group went on to form the Rochester chapter of the newly established American Wine Society, becoming one of the largest in the country.
During the early 1970s, it was unconventional to plant European Vitis vinifera grapes in the Finger Lakes. The McGregors believed in their vision. In 1972, they planted their first vines: Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Chardonnay, and later, Gewürztraminer. Their dedication bore fruit. In 1980, the McGregors opened McGregor Vineyard and, a few years later, launched one of the first direct-to-consumer wine clubs in the United States.
When their son John returned to join the family business, Bob and Marge stepped into retirement. John expanded the wine club into one of the region’s largest and maintained the strong focus on customer service that defines the winery today.
Now celebrating 45 years, McGregor Vineyard continues to grow only vinifera grapes on its estate, farmed by hand with a commitment to low yields and high quality, just as it was in 1972. Wine tastings continue in the McGregor tradition as a seated experience with complimentary cheese and chocolate pairing, guided by a knowledgeable staff member.
McGregor Vineyard holds a unique place in Finger Lakes wine history. The winery was a true pioneer in the region’s red wine movement, notably planting Saperavi in 1980 and releasing its first vintage in 1985. For decades, McGregor Vineyard was the only producer of this bold, Georgian variety in the United States. Thanks to their tireless commitment and Bob’s unshakable belief in the grape’s potential, Saperavi is now gaining traction in vineyards across the region and beyond. This legacy brought Bob great pride in his later years.
When John was asked about the value of their Chamber of Commerce membership, he said, “The Yates Chamber has always remained keenly focused on helping to promote the success of local businesses and to showcase our vibrant community to each other and more broadly to the world. The passion expressed by the Chamber for this community is genuine and second to none. It’s always been an honor to be part of the Chamber family. If McGregor Vineyard’s membership helps the Chamber achieve these goals, even just a bit, then I couldn’t be more satisfied.”
5503 Dutch Street, Dundee
