Hazlitt Archive

Hazlitt Red Cat Cellars Celebrates 10 Years Of Successful Workforce And Economic Growth

**PRESS RELEASE**

Naples, NY — Hazlitt Red Cat Cellars, part of the Hazlitt family wine production holdings, is celebrating 10 years in business and its benefit to the workforce and economic growth in the Naples community.

The expansive facility is now home to multiple businesses. These include East Coast Crush and Co-Pack, Hazlitt’s custom beverage production services company, as well as an on-site retail and tasting room, a brewery, and a recreational hiking trail.

In 2011, at the time of purchase, the facility employed 14 people (full-time equivalents) and was producing wine at just a fraction of its full capacity. Along with significant investments by the Hazlitt family, Hazlitt Red Cat Cellars received an economic development grant from New York State that was administered through the Ontario County Economic Development office. As specified by the grant, the funds were used specifically to increase opportunities for the local workforce.

Currently, the company employs 53 full-time employees with an additional 10-12 at any time as temporary hires.

“One of the requirements of the grant was to reach a total of 26 full-time positions in the first 10 years. We reached that number within our third year!” said Leigh Hazlitt Triner, Co-CEO. “That’s a true success by anyone’s measure.” She added. “Naples is now home to us. We care about the success of this area. We care about the people.”

“We are very excited to be part of the ongoing growth and success of the community.” said company President Dan DeBell. “We knew that purchasing the facility was a bit of a leap of faith on the part of the Hazlitt family 10 years ago. Their flagship brands, Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards, and Red Cat wines needed a larger production facility to match market demands. But it was still a big gamble financially. It was really great that both Ontario County and New York State were able to lend a hand. Our success is their success.” He went on, “Even more importantly, we’ve been able to contribute to the local economy by adding, and keeping, employees in good jobs. Especially, throughout the challenges of the last two years.”

As a long-time advocate and leader of organizations that strive to expand job opportunities, Lynn Freid, Executive Director of the Finger Lakes Workforce Investment Board (FLWIB) added “This is a great example of private–public partnership opportunity in this region. The strength of local business with strong ties to local community agencies with sustainable careers and investment in long-term growth for the working families they employ.”  She continued, “The Finger Lakes region is ripe with employment opportunity.  Building a strong workforce/economic/community eco-system is the foundation of these successes”.

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About Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards & Hazlitt Red Cat Cellars

The Hazlitt family has been growing superb grapes on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake, NY for over 150 years. Established in 1984, Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards continues the family tradition of award-winning viticulture and wine production. In 2010, Hazlitt Red Cat Cellars was founded when the Hazlitt family purchased the 3+ million gallon Widmer Wine Cellars in Naples, New York from Constellation Brands. 

 The family’s internationally renowned wines include Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, and Cabernet Franc. Most notably, Hazlitt is infamous for its Red Cat, White Cat, and Cabin Fever – some of the most popular and best-selling New York State wines. For more information, please visit Hazlit1852.com.

 About East Coast Crush

East Coast Crush & Co-Pack (EC3) was founded in 2011 to take advantage of excess production space at Hazlitt Red Cat Cellars. EC3 is a custom service beverage production company that works with customers regionally, nationally, and globally. The company also imports, produces and packages wines for US distribution for customers throughout the world. EC3 specializes in the production and packaging of controlled beverages including wine, cider, seltzer, and other spirits.

 

HAZLITT 1852 VINEYARDS HOSTS “GIVING BACK” WEEKEND DECEMBER 11th AND 12th

**PRESS RELEASE**

Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards in Hector, NY is ringing in the holidays in style! “Giving Back” weekend will be a two-day, fun-filled extravaganza benefitting Seneca Santa and the Humane Society of Schuyler County. 

 

The winery will be collecting cash donations and “Wish List” gifts on both days for the Humane Society. A portion of food and drink sales on Saturday will go to Seneca Santa with the same benefitting the Humane Society on Sunday.

 

To provide the perfect setting, the winery and its grounds have been transformed into a magical winter wonderland. The theme for Giving Back weekend is “It’s a North Pole Fashion Show”. Guests are encouraged to dress like their favorite North Pole characters. Those who do will be eligible to win prizes.

 

Other weekend activities include the opportunity for guests to take selfies with Santa and Mrs. Claus on both days. On Saturday, Mike Cavalier will be performing Acoustic Funk and Rock tunes in the Oasis from 1 PM until 4 PM. Dancing is encouraged! Sunday is “Doggy Photo Day”. Folks can bring their pets and use their phone to capture a special keepsake memory with jolly old St. Nick!

 

In the Oasis, Hazlitt’s picturesque post and beam party pavilion, there will be specials offered all weekend. Along with usual selections of wine, beer, and hard cider, there will be plenty of holiday-themed cocktails and seasonal foods to choose from including the world-famous Hazlitt French Onion Soup.

 

To view the Humane Society of Schuyler County’s “Wish List” go to schuylerhumane.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2018-11-08-Wish-List.pdf or call them directly at (607) 594-2255. For more information on the “Giving Back” weekend visit Hazlitt1852.com or call the winery directly at 607-546-9463.

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About Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards

The Hazlitt family has been growing superb grapes on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake, NY for over 150 years. Established in 1984, Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards continues the family tradition of award-winning viticulture and wine production. In 2010, Hazlitt Red Cat Cellars was founded when the Hazlitt family purchased the 3+ million gallon Widmer Wine Cellars in Naples, New York from Constellation Brands. 

The family’s internationally renowned wines include Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, and Cabernet Franc. Most notably, Hazlitt is infamous for its Red Cat, White Cat, and Cabin Fever – some of the most popular and best-selling New York State wines. For more information, please visit Hazlit1852.com.

About the Humane Society of Schuyler County

The Humane Society of Schuyler County is a limited admission, no-kill shelter. Incorporated in 1987, it is the only full-service animal welfare organization serving the needs of the county. The Humane Society provides shelter for stray and surrendered animals, offers animals for adoption, provides a low-cost spay/neuter program, delivers educational resources, and manages programs to help area residents care for their pets. Its mission is to provide safe, loving care and a comfortable environment for every animal and hold the highest possible standards, and work to ensure that the needs of each dog or cat are met on a daily basis.

The Humane Society of Schuyler County is a 501c3 not-for-profit corporation dedicated to advancing animal welfare in our community.

About Seneca Santa

Seneca Santa, a not-for-profit organization, was founded by a group of Watkins Glen businessmen in the 1940s to provide Christmas gifts for Schuyler County’s underprivileged children ranging in age from birth to 12.  Seneca Santa accepts donations of money, hats, mittens, coloring books & crayons, family board games, and children’s books. Monies raised are used to provide an age-appropriate toy along with fruit, holiday snacks, and the previously mentioned gifts.