Three Brothers Wineries & Estates in Geneva, NY, is more than a winery; it’s a bridge connecting visitors and locals to the unique spirit of the Finger Lakes. Founded in 2007 by Dave and Luanne Mansfield, the winery is a place that combines innovation and fun, built on the vision of showcasing the best of the region. Managing Partner Erica Paolicelli has been instrumental in this vision, tirelessly advocating for the Finger Lakes as a destination. Erica believes that promoting local wine means promoting the entire region, creating a tourism ecosystem that benefits everyone. She’s embraced this philosophy in how Three Brothers operates, placing a priority on regional partnerships, shared events, and collective growth to amplify what makes the Finger Lakes special.
Fostering Local Partnerships
With four tasting rooms, each offering distinct wines, ciders, and craft beers, Three Brothers creates a unique tasting experience that highlights the regional diversity in the Finger Lakes. Through partnerships with local businesses like Red Jacket Orchards, Muranda Cheese, and Finger Lakes Distilling, Three Brothers encourages visitors to see the Finger Lakes as a culinary destination where every sip and every bite reflects the community’s bounty. These partnerships bring more than quality products—they foster a sense of community pride. Working alongside such local brands, Three Brothers integrates their spirit of inclusivity and local celebration into everything they do, helping visitors experience a true taste of the Finger Lakes.
Giving Back to Everyday Heroes
At the heart of Three Brothers’ values is a deep commitment to giving back to the community.
Through the “Pint It Forward” program, proceeds from select beers support local veterans, a small gesture to honor their dedication and service. And Erica, in her genuine respect for the area’s workforce, ensures that essential workers like nurses, teachers, and school staff feel valued too. Every February, Three Brothers offers a 50% discount on tastings for school district employees, and during Nurse Appreciation Week, they extend this same discount to healthcare workers. These gestures demonstrate the winery’s commitment to uplifting those who contribute so much to the local community, showing that Three Brothers is not just a business but a place that truly values and respects the people who keep the community strong.
Celebrating Community Through Events
Three Brothers brings locals and visitors together to celebrate the Finger Lakes’ spirit with events that support local causes. Their annual June carnival raises funds for the Varick Fire Department, bringing locals and tourists together for a fun-filled day that benefits an essential service. They also host weekly live music from local musicians during the warmer months, providing a platform for artists to connect with new audiences while giving visitors a memorable, immersive experience. In August, their 5K obstacle race draws in fitness enthusiasts and casual runners alike to experience the beautiful vineyards in a new way. These events make Three Brothers a central part of the local scene, encouraging guests to see the Finger Lakes as a place of camaraderie, fun, and mutual support.
Embracing Sustainable Winemaking
Three Brothers’ commitment to the community extends to the environment through sustainable winemaking practices. While sustainability has always been a guiding principle for Three Brothers, Erica and her team pursued official certification to help customers understand their commitment to the land. The winery’s vineyards were originally planted by Cornell in the 1980s and used for testing, giving them a unique connection to the region’s agricultural heritage. Today, those vines are tended with sustainable practices that prioritize long-term soil health and ecological balance. This certification is a testament to their dedication to preserving the land, reflecting a promise that the beauty and bounty of the Finger Lakes will continue to thrive for future generations.
Building a Legacy of Brotherhood
At Three Brothers, “brotherhood” is more than just a name—it’s a philosophy. Founded on the unique personalities of the Mansfield brothers, the winery has grown into a gathering place where guests feel like part of the family.
Through Erica Paolicelli’s leadership, Three Brothers has extended this feeling of brotherhood to the entire Finger Lakes community, supporting local causes, championing sustainable practices, and building an atmosphere of inclusivity. For Erica, brotherhood means embracing diverse perspectives, coming together to create memories, and finding joy in sharing experiences. With every visit, guests are welcomed into this ethos of shared laughter, new connections, and an enduring appreciation for the Finger Lakes.
A Vision for the Finger Lakes’ Future
Erica’s leadership extends beyond Three Brothers; she is President of the Seneca Lake Wine Trail and co-founded the Rosé Soiree in Geneva, which has raised over $50,000 for local projects. Her dedication has positioned her as a key advocate for the Finger Lakes wine community, advancing policies and initiatives that protect the region’s unique character and support sustainable growth. By leading community events, nurturing partnerships, and fostering a company culture that values employees and guests, Erica embodies the future of the Finger Lakes wine industry.
With Erica at the helm, Three Brothers continues to make an impact that stretches far beyond its vineyard. Each glass of wine, each event, and each partnership reflects a commitment to promoting the Finger Lakes as a whole, cultivating a legacy of community connection, sustainable stewardship, and endless celebration.
