Hosmer Winery is home to Patrician Verona Vineyard which is comprised of nearly 70 acres of grapes that provide Hosmer Winery with the fruit to remain a fully functioning estate winery.
In 1972, Cameron & Maren Hosmer planted the first vines in the soils which now make up Patrician Verona Vineyard. Now, 50 years later, the 70 acres of vines flourish and provide quality grapes for a number of wine producers in New York State.
Cameron Hosmer touches base on the history of the farm:
"In the spring of 1972, The Hosmer family planted their first wine grape vineyard. The French-American red hybrid grape, DeChaunac, also known as Seibel #9549, was planted to supply the Taylor Wine Company of Hammondsport, NY.
Five acres of DeChaunac grapes were planted and my father David Hosmer, wisely hired local vineyardist, Jim Knapp, to manage the new planting. I was fresh out of high school and eager to learn viticulture. Jim Knapp was an excellent teacher not only in viticulture, but farming in general. I was fortunate to then go to Cornell University and study pomology (fruit production) at my parent's suggestion.
The original DeChaunac vineyard is still a very productive vineyard even after 50 years. We currently farm 70 acres of vineyard with 12 different varieties in production. We are very lucky to have our son Timothy Hosmer directing Vineyard Operations and continuing the success of Patrician Verona Vineyard"
By preserving and building the soil the grapes are grown on and exploring new ways to reduce environmental impacts, the vines can inhabit a site less altered by modern agricultural inputs. The wines can portray a truer reflection of the Patrician Verona Vineyard site.
To celebrate this milestone, Hosmer Winery will be putting on an event with live music, food, special wine releases, and more! Join them Saturday, May 14th from 1-5 pm for Patrician Verona's Golden Year Celebration: 50 Years of Growing. The event is free admission and everyone is welcome to help them celebrate this momentous accomplishment.
Hosmer Winery is open year-round on the west side of Cayuga Lake at 7020 Route 89 in Ovid, NY. The winery is currently operating every day. Monday-Saturday 10-5:30 pm and Sunday 11-5 pm.
