Governor’s Cup Presented to Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards and Wölffer Estate Vineyard, Weis Vineyards Named Winery of the Year

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the top winners of the 36^th annual New York Wine Classic, a nationally recognized competition highlighting the best of New York’s wine. Governor Hochul made the announcement this evening during a special live virtual event hosted by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation. This year, the Governor’s Cup was presented to two wineries in a surprise tie for the competition’s most esteemed award. The Governor’s Cup recognizes the “Best of Show” in the New York Wine Classic and was presented to Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards’ Solera Sherry from the Finger Lakes region and Wölffer Estate Vineyard’s 2020 Diosa Late-Harvest from Long Island. In addition, Weis Vineyards from the Finger Lakes was presented with the “Winery of the Year” award. This award is presented to the winery with the best overall showing based on the level and number of awards in relation to entries.

“The New York Wine Classic celebrates the very best of New York’s wine and grape industries, and this year’s winners are stellar examples of the high-quality wine we’ve come to know and love in our State. I congratulate Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards, Wölffer Estate Vineyard, and Weis Vineyards on receiving these prestigious awards.” said Governor Hochul. “The wine industry is an essential part of New York’s agricultural economy and I’m proud to work hard in support of the continued innovation, growth, and success of our wineries and farmers.

Organized annually by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF), the New York Wine Classic celebrates a diverse selection of world-class wines from producers within the State. For the second year, NYWGF has partnered with the Beverage Testing Institute (BTI) to judge wines submitted. Scores were awarded by BTI’s trained sensory panel comprised of beverage directors, sommeliers, top bartenders, retail buyers, and educators.

The Governor’s Cup, a large silver chalice, recognizes the “Best of Show” or top prize of all entries in the New York Wine Classic. The “Winery of the Year” award is presented to the winery with the best overall showing.

In addition to winning the Governor’s Cup, Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards also received a Platinum medal and tied for Best Dessert Wine for their Solera Sherry. Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards, located in Hector, New York, was established in 1985 by the late Jerry Hazlitt and his wife Elaine. The family has been growing grapes and orchard fruits for a living since 1852. The winery and vineyards are now managed by sixth generation family members Doug Hazlitt and Leigh (Hazlitt) Triner.

In addition to winning the Governor’s Cup, Wölffer Estate Vineyard also took home a Platinum medal and tied for Best Dessert Wine with their 2020 Diosa Late-Harvest. Wölffer Estate Vineyard, located in Sagaponack, New York, has been known as one of the finest producers on the East Coast and a center for innovation and hospitality for over 30 years. Founded in 1988 by Christian Wölffer, the estate is currently owned and operated by his children, Marc and Joey Wölffer, and Winemaker/Partner Roman Roth.

In addition to Winery of the Year, Weis Vineyards, located in Hammondsport, New York, also took home a Platinum medal and Best Pink Wine award for their 2021 Dry Rosé, along with the Best White Wine award for their 2020 Winzer Select Riesling A which received a Gold medal. They also took home Gold medals for their 2019 Merlot, 2021 Zweigelt Dry Rosé, 2017 Riesling Ice Wine, 2019 Riesling Ice Wine, 2020 Semi Dry Riesling, and their 2020 Dry Riesling. Wine Winemaker Hans Peter Weis, owner of Weis Vineyards, was born in Zell Mosel, Germany and grew up in the vineyards and cellar of his family winery. It is there that he gained his passion for wine. ​In the spring of 2016 he and his wife Ashlee, a native of the Finger Lakes, decided they would begin this adventure together and open Weis Vineyards. He found the Finger Lakes to be the perfect place to pursue his passion of handcrafting traditional German-style wines for all to enjoy.

Samuel Filler, Executive Director of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation said, “We wish to extend our congratulations to all the winners, and recognize the two historic and important wineries that tied for the Governor’s Cup trophy this year. They, along with the Winery of the Year, Weis Vineyards, are perfect examples of the breadth and depth of quality wines New York can produce. From Long Island to the Finger Lakes, from dry wines to dessert wines, New York truly does have something for every wine enthusiast. What an adventure it would be to plan a visit to each of these winners this summer and fall.”

Leigh Hazlitt-Triner, Co-CEO of Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards said, “We are honored to receive the coveted Governor’s Cup. This award is a testament to our talented and hardworking winemaking & vineyard teams; we couldn’t be more proud.”

Roman Roth, Winemaker & Partner of Wölffer Estate Vineyard said, “The forward-thinking actions of the New York Governors office have been instrumental in the success and progression of the New York Wine Industry. To receive the Governor’s cup at the New York Wine Classic is a huge milestone for a winery and a fantastic achievement. This award is for the owners Joey and Marc Wölffer, for our CEO Max Rohn, for the best Vineyard manager Richie Pisacano, and for our entire outstanding team.”

Peter & Ashlee Weis, Owners of Weis Vineyards said, “Wow! We are so honored to receive this recognition of our hard work.  As a relatively new winery, only 5 years in, this is an unexpected honor. It means so much for our continued growth and success.  We put our heart and soul into our business, and we are overwhelmed with gratitude for this award.  We would like to thank our entire Weis team, as we would not be here without them. Zum Wohl!”

The New York Wine Classic “Best in Category” winners were also announced today. They are:

Best Red Wine
Keuka Lake Vineyards 2020 Leon Millot

Best White Wine
Weis Vineyards 2020 Winzer Select Riesling A

Best Sparkling Wine
Dr. Konstantin Frank 2017 Blanc De Blanc

Best Pink Wine
Weis Vineyards 2021 Dry Rosé

Best Dessert Wine
Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards Solera Sherry
Wölffer Estate Vineyard 2020 Diosa Late-Harvest

Best Specialty Wine
Winery of Ellicottville Red Raspberry Wine

“Best of Class” winners of the New York Wine Classic can be found here.

Judging for The New York Wine Classic took place from April 15 through June 15, 2022, and included 694 entries from 101 wineries from across the state. A total of seven Platinum, 234 Gold, 324 Silver, and 110 Bronze medals were awarded.

New York State Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “Thanks to our partners at the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, the New York Wine Classic is an annual opportunity to raise a glass to New York’s innovative, world-class wine industry. I congratulate all of the winners for their dedication to quality, and thank Governor Hochul for her continued support of New York’s many craft beverage producers.”

Since taking office, Governor Hochul has supported effort to grow New York’s craft beverage industry and pave the way for unprecedented growth through regulatory reform and groundbreaking initiatives. Today, there are 496 licensed wineries across the State, including 394 farm wineries.

See Full Competition Results

Congratulations to Michael Reidy, our vinifera winemaker and the Hazlitt vineyard crew for receiving impressive ratings from Wine Enthusiast magazine for the 2019 & 2020 vinifera white wines!

91: 2019 Homestead Reserve Riesling

90: 2019 Dry Riesling

90 & BEST BUY:  2019 Riesling

89: 2020 Pinot Gris

88: 2020 Sauvignon Blanc

88 & BEST BUY: Sweet Riesling

87: 2019 Grüner Veltliner

We caught up with Michael Reidy in the wine cellar to get some more details about these wines. “These two vintages were very different. 2019 was moderate in temperature and rainfall and 2020 was very hot and dry (drought at times). The two vintages were actually similar in that they both had a sunny, dry stretch when it was time to harvest the grapes,” said Reidy. He shared that “the wines reflect the vintages (year) they were produced which is always a top priority, but, the consistency of the scores are a testament to the ability and flexibility of the vineyard and winemaking teams to produce high quality wines year in and year out.”  We couldn’t agree more and are so proud of all the handwork that went into making these delicious wines.

Although some of these vintages may no longer be available at our winery locations, you may be able to find them on the shelves at your favorite NYS wine retailer. In the coming weeks you can view these great scores accompanied by the editor’s reviews on the Wine Enthusiast website and in print in the April issue of Wine Enthusiast which is set to hit shelves March 14, 2022.

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Ratings defined by Wine Enthusiast Magazine:

98–100: CLASSIC The pinnacle of quality
94–97: SUPERB A great achievement
90–93: EXCELLENT Highly recommended
87–89: VERY GOOD Often good value; well recommended
83–86: GOOD Suitable for everyday consumption; often good value
80–82: ACCEPTABLE Can be employed in casual, less-critical circumstances

Special Designations defined by Wine Enthusiast Magazine:

Best Buy—products that offer a high level of quality in relation to price. Wines meriting this award are generally priced at $15 or less, and are designated Best Buys after surpassing a specific quality-to-price ratio benchmark.

Rating and special designation definitions are directly from the Wine Enthusiast magazine website.

Congratulations to our winemaking and vineyard teams for receiving stellar awards at the 2021 Dan Berger International Wine & Cider Competitions. The top three awards we received are:

• • Cider Tree with Citra Hops: Best of Class, Gold

• • 2019 Grüner Veltliner: Triple Gold

• • 2020 Sauvignon Blanc: Triple Gold

We also received gold medals for Cider Tree Light’ n Dry and Cider Tree Cinnamon Spice.

The competition took place on December 16, 2021, in California.

To see the complete list of awards we received at the competition, please visit Dan Berger’s International Wine Competition 2021 Results Page

**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.

**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.

**PRESS RELEASE**

Hector, NY — Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards in Hector, NY is pulling out all of the stops during its “Giving Back” weekend on December 11^th and 12^th to raise awareness and funds for Seneca Santa and the Humane Society of Schuyler County. The winery will be collecting cash donations and “Wish List” gifts for the Humane Society and donating a portion of sales that weekend to both charities.

“Giving Back” weekend is part of the larger “Hazlitt Holiday Mash-Up!” celebration, a series of 5 consecutive weekends of holiday-themed events. Those festivities began November 20^th and will run both Saturdays and Sundays through December 19^th.

“This is a great opportunity for us to make a difference for underprivileged kids through Seneca Santa and improve the welfare of animals in Schuyler County through the Humane Society,” said Leigh Hazlitt Triner, Co-CEO. She added “ If we can make it easy for people to support these organizations, we’re happy to do so. Both organizations do incredibly beneficial work that’s even more important during the holidays and throughout the winter.

Each weekend of Hazlitt Holiday Mash-Up! the winery and its grounds will be transformed into a magical holiday wonderland. Guests are invited to come dressed to impress to match the weekend’s theme. These include “A Caribbean Christmas”, “Now, That Was a Great Christmas Movie”, “The Uglier the Sweater, the Better”, “It’s a North Pole Fashion Show” and, finally, “Haz-LITT Up!”

There will be a lot to see and experience. Among other things, the fun and festivities include weekly prize drawings for people who come in costume, live music each Saturday in the Oasis, and selfie photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus the first two weekends of December. Along with wine/cider flights, there will be plenty of holiday-themed cocktails and food selections 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 th events visit Hazlitt1852.com/events 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.

**PRESS RELEASE**

November 18, 2021

Hector, NY — Daniel DeBell and Marc Hurlbut have been named to leadership positions at Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards. DeBell has been promoted to President and COO and Hurlbut to Chief Financial Officer. John Keeler, who served as President starting in 2009 announced his retirement earlier this year. He will continue to serve during the transition.

“We are very excited to make this announcement.” Leigh Triner, Co-CEO said. “John has served the company well and led us through the transition from a small regional winery into a significant East Coast producer.” “We wish him the best as he moves into a well-deserved retirement.”  Doug Hazlitt, Leigh’s brother and Co-CEO added, “With Dan and Marc leading the way, we are in very capable hands to move this company forward to even greater success.” Hazlitt went on, “I’m sure John will keep busy in retirement. There are plenty of fishing holes that need attention!”

Before joining the Hazlitt team in 2011, Daniel DeBell worked for nineteen years at the Goodrich Corporation, IRS Systems in Ithaca, NY. The management, negotiation, and problem-solving skills he utilized there as General Manager has translated seamlessly into the wine business. Initially hired as General Manager, Daniel was promoted to Executive Vice President in 2015.

Marc Hurlbut was hired as Controller in February 2021. His 30 years of finance experience in the manufacturing industry quickly benefited financial operations at Hazitt’s two production facilities and retail locations in Hector, NY, and Naples, NY as well as the company’s custom wine production business, East Coast Crush & Co-Pack. Before working at Hazlitt, Marc was the Executive V.P. Finance Administration at SYNTEC Optics, Wordingham Technologies in Rochester, NY.

John Keeler joined Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards as company President in February 2009. During his tenure, Hazlitt acquired Widmer Wine Cellars from Constellation Brands and founded East Coast Crush & Co-Pack. Before Hazlitt, he was Co-CEO at Monarch Machine Tool in Cortland, NY.

“John Keeler will be missed.” Daniel DeBell emphasized. “He’s been a great mentor and team leader. He laid the groundwork over the past 12 years that will allow Marc and I to really step up, take the reins, and drive the business forward.”

DeBell continued, “The industry is changing. It is evolving very rapidly. There are abundant challenges at every turn right now. From COVID and supply chain issues to staffing shortages.”  “The Hazlitt family has been proactive and visionary. They have assembled a team, from top to bottom, that is configured for success.”

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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.

Michael Reidy hadn’t planned to enter the wine industry. In fact, although the Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards winemaker attended Cornell’s Viticulture and Enology program, he only intended to glean what he could of the science and bring that knowledge to the beer industry, where his father worked before him. But a short while into his time at Cornell, things changed, and Reidy found himself on a path that led away from breweries and toward a fruitful career creating Hazlitt 1852 Vineyard’s award-winning vinifera wines on Seneca Lake.

Soon after graduating from Cornell in 2006, Reidy took a position as assistant winemaker at Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards in Hector, New York, on the east bank of scenic Seneca Lake. This job offered the recent graduate a chance to refine his skills by monitoring fermentations and helping ensure everything went according to plan. But it wasn’t until January of 2011 – when Hazlitt purchased another location in Naples, New York – that Reidy was presented the opportunity to truly make his mark.

Taking on the role of head winemaker granted him the ability to flex his creative side more than ever before. Soon he began to garner a reputation as someone who was willing to stray from the beaten path. “I have kind of a reputation for being a bit of a mad scientist,” Reidy said. While many Finger Lakes wineries test their ideas with small batches, Reidy rejects those tactics, because they’re difficult to scale up. Instead, he experiments without hesitation, which lends his work a unique style. And experimentation brings him back to the reasons he was interested in wine in the first place. He notes that he enjoys “the fun of the underlying science there – it’s an art form that you’re doing, but every year is different.”

And based on the many awards achieved by Reidy’s wines, he’s perfecting his art form. One of his earliest successes at the winery came in the form of a barrel of 2010 Chardonnay sent to California to compete in Jerry D. Mead’s New World International Wine Competition. California is well-known for its top-quality Chardonnays, but Hazlitt’s offering surged ahead of the pack to win best overall Chardonnay. Many more awards were to follow as Reidy continued to help establish Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards as a true force in the world of vinifera wines. “It’s fun to win people over who associated Hazlitt with a certain kind of wine,” he notes, “and to have people realize that there’s a whole other aspect of it with high-end reds and whites.”

Those high-end wines define Reidy’s work and a transformation of Hazlitt itself. While production of the vineyard’s beloved Red Cat and White Cat varieties continues in Naples, Reidy can be found whipping up vinifera wines, a name inspired by the types of grapes used in their creation. Furthermore, many of these wines have achieved 90-point ratings awarded by Wine Enthusiast magazine. Reidy explained that these high-end selections represent a more subtle side of Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards that’s an exciting, and always growing, part of the vineyard’s story.

The latest vinifera wines showcase a change in Reidy’s work, too. “The wines I was making my first couple years were really big,” Reidy says. “I always likened them to a teenage boy.” But more recently, Reidy has transitioned to what he describes as a more austere, refined style of winemaking. The result? He’s still having a great time, but you can expect more nuance and sophistication from his latest vintages. “One of the cool things is that, as a winemaker, I essentially make wine for myself,” he explains. “Hopefully there are enough people out there who will enjoy it as well.”

Learn more about Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards’ and its award-winning vinifera wines – which include Rieslings, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc and many more – by visiting Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards online or the winery located at 5712 State Route 414, Hector, NY 14841.