The Finger Lakes is the Wine Enthusiast’s 2025 Wine Star Award American Wine Region of the Year, honoring two centuries of innovation, sustainability, and cool-climate excellence.
Crooked Vines, located in Keuka Park, NY, is now offering vineyard services to help support your operation this season. Their experienced team is equipped to handle a wide range of vineyard tasks to keep your farm productive and efficient. Services Available: Dormant hedging Brush chopping or removal Trellis installation & maintenance Deer fence installation & maintenance Bird netting installation Summer hedging Leaf removal Mowing Farmstead drainage Land clearing Field preparation
Anthony Road Wine Company courtesy of Rima Brindamour. When we talk about sustainable wine, we usually talk about vineyard practices. And while farming with care is a large part of the story, there is also more to it. In 1987, the United Nations Brundtland Commission defined sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” In other words, sustainability
Image courtesy of Apollo’s Praise. In observance of Valentine’s Day, let’s toast to the love that fuels so many iconic, ground-breaking wineries in New York State. While the phrase “family business” may connote scenes of couples squabbling over power, or siblings fighting over their inheritance (thanks at least in part to the addictive juiciness of Succession,) the fact is, family-run businesses are some of the most important drivers of the
Logo courtesy of Heart & Hands Wine Company. 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
Image courtesy of Rima Brindamour. 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
Image courtesy of Thirsty Owl Wine Company Thirsty Owl Wine Company is a testament to the transformative power of vision, passion, and commitment. Situated on the scenic west side of Cayuga Lake in New York’s Finger Lakes region, this family-owned winery has become a beloved destination for wine enthusiasts, boasting not only award-winning wines but also a rich history rooted in family and tradition. The Origins: From Land Purchase to
For over two decades, the Martin family has been crafting head-turning products at Montezuma Winery in Seneca Falls. Not unlike the origin of many Finger Lakes wineries, the Montezuma story starts with a family farm; the Martins parlayed years of commercial beekeeping experience into a small meadery in their hometown of Sterling, NY. After some experimentation with fruit wines, the Martins moved the operation to Seneca Falls and founded Montezuma
Today, tourists flock to the Finger Lakes to visit the 140+ wineries along the shores of Canandaigua, Keuka, Seneca, and Cayuga Lakes. The region’s development has been steady over several decades, but it wasn’t so long ago that there were very few established vineyards associated with wineries that welcomed visitors clamoring for FLX wine. Those who were there when the region’s wine scene began to explode have stories to tell
April 26, 2022 – Romulus NY – Buttonwood Grove Winery recently welcomed Kelly Burnett to their team as the newly-appointed Marketing, Wine Club, and Operations Manager. Located on Cayuga Lake, Buttonwood Grove is owned by Melissa and Dave Pittard and is well known for its award-winning wines, elevated tasting experiences, and summer concert series. Kelly’s responsibilities will include social media, marketing, promotions, and Wine Club management. The Pittards also own
The baton has been passed. Cole and Karen Wilson are the new owners of Knapp Winery & Vineyard Restaurant. Knapp Winery was established in 1984 by Doug and Susan Knapp. They sold the winery in the year 2000 to Pierce and Welliver. Gene Pierce and Scott Welliver recently sold the winery and 100-acre estate to the Wilson’s. Knapp has a long tradition of producing premium and popular wines and the
Six Eighty Cellars, the newest winery on Cayuga Lake, has recently opened at 3050 Swick Road, Ovid. The owners of nearby Buttonwood Grove Winery, Melissa and Dave Pittard of Skaneateles, were seeking to purchase additional vineyard acreage when the former Toro Run Winery became available for sale. Attracted by the well maintained vines and wide array of classic grapes, as well as its proximity to their other facilities, they seized the opportunity to establish a second brand.
Buttonwood Grove Winery is excited to announce the addition of Carmela Barbagallo to their team as Director of Wholesale Sales. Her focus will be on increasing wholesale distribution in New York and Ohio, and creating distributor relationships in additional states to broaden distribution channels. Additionally, she will work with partner organizations such as the New York Wine and Grape Foundation and Finger Lakes Wine Alliance to broaden Buttonwood Grove’s participation in multiple marketing programs.
Hosmer Winery’s Rieslings receive recognition in both Top 100 Wines of 2020 and Top 100 Best Buys of 2020. Hosmer Winery is known for its wide portfolio of estate-grown Rieslings. In the most recent Special Issue of Wine & Spirits, not one, but two of Hosmer’s Rieslings are recognized in their Top 100 series.