Heron Hill Winery

Heron Hill Winery - History

Since its founding in 1972, Heron Hill Winery has built quite a name for itself. Nestled into a hill on the West side of Keuka Lake, Heron Hill has set high standards for wine quality, customer satisfaction and tasting room experience. In 2009, Travel & Leisure magazine called it one of the "World's Most Spectacular Tasting Rooms."

Growth & Expansion in the Finger Lakes

In 1977, the winery released its first vintage, and has steadily grown from a small 5,000-case winery that made only white wines into a dynamic 15,000-case production facility and entertainment destination. Each year, more than 50,000 visitors flock to Heron Hill making it one of the can't miss Finger Lake attractions.

Commitment to Quality at Heron Hill Winery

John Ingle, Heron Hill's grape grower and owner is often heard saying his Finger Lakes winery has "boot prints in its vineyards, not tire tracks." The vines are not maintained by machines at Heron Hill, but rather by people. This personal approach and commitment to quality is clearly seen in every aspect of Heron Hill's production and service.

From hand-maintaining the vineyards to hand-harvesting grapes, guiding principles have remained constant throughout the existence of Heron Hill. The winery offers education and enjoyable tastings and hosts events that combine wine with food and entertainment.

Variety and Awards for Heron Hill Winery

Heron Hill offers nearly 20 varieties of Finger Lakes wine from crisp, light Rieslings to aromatic, dry Chardonnays. The winery has a legendary Eclipse series as well as Pinot Noirs and Cabernet Francs. Winemakers have specially-crafted dessert wines, as well. Heron Hill has won many awards for its distinctive and elegant wines.

Green Wine-Making in the Finger Lakes

The winery is in the midst of a "green revolution." Ingle believes going green means giving respect. "Respect for the land by farming sustainably and respect for the product, by making it natural, fresh and healthful. Most importantly it means respect for the consumer by giving them our very best product and by educating them about Heron Hill's long-term goals of environmental balance." Heron Hill stresses the importance of gaining consumer trust and ensuring the future viability of local farms. Its Blue Heron Café also supports sustainable agriculture, "providing only the freshest and highest-quality locally and organically farmed products whenever possible."