Heron Hill Winery, 40 Years of Excellence 1977-2017. Family-owned in the Finger Lakes since 1977, Heron Hill began as a small family-run Finger Lakes vineyard and winery. Now entering its fifth decade, Heron Hill has grown into one of the most awarded, visited and respected wine producers in the region. Heron Hill remains an independent, family-owned business committed to quality, value, sustainability and community.
“Heron Hill's year-long 40th anniversary celebration will celebrate both Heron Hill's heritage and successes along with the Farm Winery Act and its participants' contributions to our industry,” states Eric D. Frarey, Managing Partner of Heron Hill Winery.
Up until 1976, the New York State wine industry had only 19 wineries, dominated by large brands such as Taylor, Great Western, Gold Seal, Widmer and Canandaigua Wine Co. Then Governor Hugh Carey signed the Farm Winery Act that created opportunities for grape farmers and vineyard owners to produce and market their own wine brands, with Heron Hill being among the first farm wineries established within the Finger Lakes and the first farm winery located on Keuka Lake. “When we made the decision to add a winery operation to our responsibilities as grape farmers, we were overwhelmed. We started with only a small offering of wines, mostly Riesling, Chardonnay and French-American hybrids like Vignoles, Seyval and Aurora under the Heron Hill brand name. It was exciting to be one of the first,” states John Ingle, Owner and Grower.
Heron Hill Winery will be commemorating John and Jo Ingle's 40 year commitment and legacy to the Finger Lakes and Heron Hill with a celebration on Friday, September 1, 2017. The event will be held in the winery's outdoor Genesis tent venue overlooking beautiful Keuka Lake with Heron Hill wine, local fare and live entertainment. Additionally, monthly events will be held at each of the winery’s three locations, Heron Hill Winery on Keuka Lake, Heron Hill Tasting Room on Seneca Lake and Heron Hill Tasting Room on Canandaigua Lake. All upcoming events will be listed on their website, www.heronhill.com.
While celebrating their 40 year history in 2017, Heron Hill will continue to grow and remain relevant with new and first time releases within the Heron Hill brand. Heron Hill will be releasing Eclipse Rosé and Reserve Rosé in April, with a Reserve Grüner Veltliner, 40th Anniversary “Old Vines” Riesling and Port to follow.
Media Journalists are invited to schedule a visit to Heron Hill Winery or telephone interview to learn more of the Heron Hill story in creating a compelling article for your publication. Our team is willing to invite one or two other “1977 Pioneers” to Heron Hill to coincide with your visit to Heron Hill Vineyards and Winery at 9301 County Route 76, Hammondsport.
