Ovid, NY-- August 25, 2018 -- Sheldrake Point Winery continues to build upon its sustainability initiatives with the opening of the new 100% Geothermal production facility this fall.
The previous facility, used for winemaking since 2001, was outfitted with solar panels in 2004 which powered the entire building. However, most winemaking activities took place on an outdoor crush pad, with tanks exposed to the elements year-round, increasing challenges unique to making wine in upstate New York.
“Our shift to geothermal heating and cooling, in addition to our existing solar panel installation, represents our commitment to increasing efficiency, decreasing waste, and finding sustainable solutions to meet our growing needs,” says David Wiemann, Vineyard Manager.
Breaking ground on the new building in the spring of 2017, the team chose to move wine production indoors to a geothermally heated and cooled facility, thus making wine in an environment that is closer to a true cellar by taking advantage of the desirable temperature of the earth.
“As the cost and availability of renewable energy changes, it is important that we strive to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels,” adds Chuck Tauck, Owner. “Geothermal energy is very well suited to the wine industry, when the differential between ground temperature and the cool confines of a winery environment create really meaningful efficiencies. We believe in doing what we can to harvest such efficiencies and reduce our dependence on conventional energy.”
With construction nearing completion, Sheldrake Point Winery proudly invites area wine industry and business partners to a celebration of the upcoming 2018 vintage and official unveiling of the building on the evening of Saturday, August 25th. Guests will enjoy a self-guided tour of the winery, along with hors d'oeuvres, music, and dancing under the full moon.
Follow the festivities on August 25th by following @sheldrakepoint on Instagram and Facebook. For further information about Sheldrake Point Winery, contact Kyle Anne Pallischeck at kyle@sheldrakepoint.com or visit http://www.sheldrakepoint.com/.
About Sheldrake Point Winery
Sheldrake Point Winery was founded in 1997 by a small group of wine enthusiasts who organized the purchase of the former 155-acre lakeshore farm that is now our vineyard. The goal then was to take advantage of the excellent location and well-drained glacial soils to grow premium vinifera wine grapes and produce superior Finger Lakes wines. Today, the company tends over 50 acres of vineyards planted to ten varieties, operates a winery producing 8,000 cases, and hosts visitors in well-appointed tasting rooms overlooking Cayuga Lake.
Sheldrake Point Winery was named the 2009 and 2010 N.Y. State Winery of the Year and has been listed among the Top 100 Wineries by Wine & Spirits Magazine in three different years.
